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Published: December 8th 2008
Clinton, OK - Museum 1
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum. This was a great set-up as you will see in the next picturesCurrent State
Every so often, we feel badly about how seldom we are posting for this trip. However, it only lasts a minute because we realize very, very quickly that our fun and the uniqueness of our time together takes precedence over anything. It has been extraordinary in spite of requiring a lot more daily planning than we had ever figured. We are actually finishing day 30 and on our route back home. We spent the last couple of days visiting one of Jerry's nephews and his family near Dallas, TX, stopping in for breakfast with one of Rita's cherished friends/colleague near Houston, TX, and today, visiting with Jerry's nephew and his family in Slidell, LA. We'll be off toward Memphis tomorrow. Jerry's got a bad cold but so far, he's getting through it. So, still planning to continue visiting as we make our way home. The little detailed memories of individual days are already fading but we'll keep posting with the major highlights and updating with picture from the trip as time allows. Stay tuned even once we get home because we're doubtful we'll catch up before we get there so we'll have to keep posting once home to complete
Clinton, OK - Museum 2
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum the trip for ourselves and everyone else. Now, here's back to day 8.
Day 8 - Saturday, November 15 - Clinton, OK to Amarillo, TX
WOW - what a great day!! We had planned well the night before to determine where and what we would see and do. We had guide times we wanted to make it to different places so that we wouldn't run late but we did anyway. There were three major highlights to our day.
1.
The National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK. This museum has numerous buildings, all of which house awesome displays of life back in the day. Classic old cars, tools of trades, memoirs of an era we can only imagine, and folks ready to help visitors get the most out of what time they have to spend. Their log of visitors confirmed we were not the only ones traveling Route 66 at this time. In fact, there was a group of 3-4 guys from Europe that had come over, rented a car, and were traveling the opposite direction as we were (from California to Chicago). Unfortunately, our paths did not cross at the museum so we were not able
Clinton, OK - Museum 3
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to checkpoint with them.
The museum would be well worth a stop even if you aren't doing Route 66 and just happened to be in the area. Just be sure to plan for a couple/few hours as there is much to see. Our pictures only represent a sampling of what is there to see and learn.
2.
The Dirt Road option outside of McLean, TX, into Alanreed. Oh my gosh - what a trip. The pictures show the actual road but what went on in the car was a stitch. Jerry found this radio station that happened to be playing Neil Diamond hits such as Sweet Carolina, I Am Myself, Sing a Song, etc. So, there we are, driving down this dirt road with literally nobody and nothing around. Normal people might have been concerned about the car breaking down, going off the road or whatever. Not us!! We had the radio blaring and together, singing the Neil Diamond songs without a care in the world. One cannot adequately describe the care-free, joyful spirit the ride and song produced. We were all smiles (and song) with intermittent laughter. The car was getting dirtier than you can imagine and
Clinton, OK - Museum 4
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum we didn't even care. It was an extraordinary time and experience that we will never, ever forget. It was a sense of being that permeated everything around and within us. We even got a few stares from some of the cows that had no clue what sound and spirit they were watching. We had truly found Route 66 and the spirit of Route 66 found us. From here on, we would look for the dirt road options where time virtually stands still. What an experience!!
3.
Cross of Our Lord Complex We realize the last highlight will not necessarily be appreciated by all of our readers. We include it because those that know us best will understand the significance of it to us. Others may find it interesting simply because of the value of art. All are welcome to look at the pictures or ignore it altogether. Your choice. Regardless of your faith, the remarkable display of a giant cross and the stations of the cross at its base is a work of art. All the stations are life-size, very detailed and thorough. We have included pictures of the cross and only three stations as examples of this inspiring
Clinton, OK - Museum 5
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum display. Anyone interested in seeing the pictures of all the stations, please let us know and we will find a way to forward. We were surprised at the number of semi-truck drivers who had come in specifically to walk this solemn walk. It was truly awesome!!
Those were the absolute highlights of the day. There were many sites along the many towns we went through, some reflected in pictures and others will forever remain only as memories. In spite of getting into Amarillo much later than we expected, it was one of our best days thus far. We will not be planning as well for tomorrow given the late hour but that's OK. Today will be one to remember for a long, long time.
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Vickie Hart
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Cracklin Rosie get on board...
Yes, I can just hear you two! How much fun is that! Loved the latest update and will wait to see more. We had some freezing rain this morning but is supposed to turn to all rain. Tomorrow is a high of 49 with rain and the Wed is sunny with a whopping high of 29. Hope you can stop by!