Blogs from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, North America - page 2

Located in middle America between perhaps the two better-known states of Texas and Kansas is Oklahoma. Unless you’re a American and paid some attention during history class, you most likely don’t know a lot about this part of America. The name is derived from the native Choctaw Indians words “okla” and “humma,” meaning “red people.” The territory gained statehood in 1908 and the rest as they say is history. Oklahoma is one of the Great Plains states. It lies in an area meteorologically called “tornado alley.” Oklahoma is a state full of eager storm chasers. We must admit we love thunder and lightening so living here has been exciting. We’d never want anyone to be harmed by these storms but since Oklahoma is prime for these storms due to the colliding of cold air from Canada, ... read more

The longest day of our lives. It all started very well. We had breakfast, fueled up the truck, and headed out at a decent hour. Our plan was to be in Oklahoma City by dinnertime. Service Required Just after leaving Albuquerque, the check engine light came on. As most of our day was going to be spent in the middle of nowhere, we called Uhaul and found a service station in the dusty town of Santa Rosa. The mechanic discovered we did not have any oil in our engine. Zero. We were now an hour behind schedule, and no less frustrated, and so continued on through Texas toward Oklahoma. Service Really Required Just beyond the Texas boarder, one of the rear tires blew out. It felt like an isolated earthquake that only our truck was experiencing, ... read more

Geo: 35.472, -97.5203100 degrees (on the car)259 miles3 hours 50 minutes10,000 bottles of soda pop6th Marriott5 sushi rolls1 hour "Trapped"7 Locks2 enormous crossesWe all woke up late this morning at 8:45. That is late for hotels for us. Mostly because we like to boogie out early. We were tired, I guess. We stayed at the Courtyard downtown Amarillo. We had an enormous room that was really nice even though we got in late and didn't really enjoy it. We were slightly apprehensive of the parking in Amarillo but we didn't even know if it was safe or unsafe. Clearly, it was fine because no one broke into our car. I was just picturing vagrants breaking in and have a trunk show out of our wardrobe in the van. Really nothing of value. My underwear was still ... read more

Traveled to Ruidoso, N.M. and enjoyed the cool pine trees. Spent 1 day crossing the Texas Panhandle and stopped in McLean, Texas where Dale spent several summers in his teenage years. He stayed with his uncle on a ranch on the Red River and learned how to ride some bulls and was used as a jockey every Saturday so his uncle could win some bets with his neighbors. Dale also made some money breaking horses for the neighboring ranchers. Fond memories of enjoying the ranch life as a young adult. Spent another day crossing the Oklahoma Panhandle and found a beautiful state park at Lake Eufaula. Lots of dense forests with pine and oak trees and rolling hills. There has been so much rain, exceeding all of their normal ranges, there are ponds everywhere and green ... read more

The sun came out yesterday and today for the first time since our departure. With it's arrival came a deepened sense of gratitude. The sun always provides me with a fresh perspective. I want to make sure I take the time to express my gratitude for the many things and people that have supported us on this adventure. First and foremost, we could not have done this without our parents. Our mom was so kind to let us borrow (and gut) her van. Every time I look behind me from the driver's seat I chuckle a little. We have our futon and bedding, and then 4 baskets of seemingly endless food (also thanks to mom and dad.) Something that I lose sight of quite frequently is the appreciation of having my sister to travel with, we ... read more