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Published: November 12th 2008
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The breakfast of champions...
No just kidding...he had that last night after dinner! We have been lucky enough in our travels to have been blessed with good weather for most of the trip until today. It wasn't that the weather was awful. It was just "blah." As soon as we woke up this morning we looked out to a gray sky. Sometimes I think its worse then just straight out rain because your just waiting for the inevitable to happen. As soon as I looked outside I just wanted to admit defeat and crawl back under the covers and sleep the day away. My parents, however, had other ideas and hurried me along so we could be on our merry way.
This trip has been a great experience in many ways but it hasn't been exactly what I thought it would be. Though I have been happy to have the company, at times I wish I had the gumption to strike it out on my own. I especially felt that way today as I ran into a girl on her way to Florida at the Route 66 musuem in Elk City. She actually was from Mass originally (as were the other couple who went through the exhibits at the same time we
did which I found ironic since we haven't seen anyone from Mass the whole trip!) and was active in the military. She had to switch bases so she was driving from California to Florida and making stops along the way. This girl, who was younger then me mind you, was happy as a clam to be on her own and make the trek herself. Sometimes I don't feel as indepedent as I would like and having my 60 plus year old companions on the trip kind of cramps my style. It doesn't mean I don't enjoy their company. We just enjoy different things. I realize that more and more as I get frustrated with their views on politics and technology. I tell myself they came from a different generation so of course they may have different opinions but sometimes it is of no use. I embrace change and they don't. Seeing this girl made me realize that I shouldn't be scared to try new things. I should embrace my youth (whats left of it!) and follow my heart. You may be wondering what any of this has to do with traveling. It really doesn't except to tell you I have
been bitten by the independence bug and I think its a good thing.
Even though we didn't travel too far this morning...at least at first...we didn't notice the Route 66 musuem until this morning. Or rather we passed it yesterday and didn't pay attention. Its one of those places that you may overlook (though I don't know how since the sign is massive) but I think its worth a visit if your in the area. Basically it houses all sorts of memorabilia from American culture. Old cars, everyday appliances that are now outdated as well as personal collections of old toys, t shirts, etc. Most of it is in reference to the old Rt 66 or is directly from the time period of when Rt 66 was begun (30's-60's mostly). Though I am obviously young enough not to remember the references from certain movies that my parents kept throwing out, I did enjoy looking at these collections. Not only was it interesting to see how much technology has changed our lives but it was amazing to see how things we use today differ in appearance from the same thing made 40 years ago. I realize you don't have to
come here to see the things they showcase but to walk through the timeline brings you right back to that time period. At least it did for me. I have been called an old soul more times then I can count and maybe I truly am. Its just nice to know that somewhere in the world people still cherish old memories.
When we left there we made a beeline for Arkansas. We basically has 300 miles to cover so we could make it over the border. My mom was in her usual spot...curled up in the backseat. My father was in the driver's seat staring out at the Oklahoma landscape while I sat shotgun staring out at the same landscape but probably with totally different thoughts going through my head. Thoughts such as:
-Do cows get bored looking at the same thing day after day?
-How many states begin with the letter M (for the record Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana!)
-How old is the oldest person in the U.S. (any clue?)
-Why do different states have different grades of gas?
-Will I ever get married? (the physic did say yes
but who knows)
-How sings that song with the verse "I stood on the corner of Winslow Arizona?"
-Do people still pick up hitchhikers? (I saw a few on the road today...I would be scared!)
-Will Obama scrw up the U.S. anymore then it is (for the record I don't think so but the way the world is just scares me) and if so can I become a resident of Canada and if that happens will be nursing liscence carry over?
As you can see I had a good deal of time on my hands. Ahhh 4 hours of nonstop driving with no music (it annoys them since I don't listen to "oldies") and complete silence! Try it sometime...its a real treat! Wl e made it just past the Arkansas border and are now bunking at a hotel in Alma.
So I leave you here. With me, in my hotel room (and where else) settling down to watch who gets kicked off of DWTS and looking forward to going to Memphis tomorrow where I will see "Dead Elvis" as Rollie calls him. I also plan on passing by the police station to see if
I can catch a glimpse of the homicide squad (Kerry Macdonald I will let you know if I find Caroline Mason or Tony Mullins!) from the Frist 48. From there we will head out towards Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. Till next time my friends...I'll catch you all on the flip side! Goodnight and Happy Veteran's Day. Don't forget the people who have lived and died for this country...not that you could!
~mary the travel bug
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Mary03
Mary Anderson
To everyone
My spelling is a little off...I dont proofread prior to posting and its driving me crazy. Please accept my grammatical inaccuracies!