Oklahoma will soon be a memory-Enjoying my remaining days. Through Canute, elk city, sayre7/11/2020 My first riding day where it topped over 100 degrees. Luckily I started early when it was in the mid 70s. The road continues to be flat and the wind was from the south at 15 mph. The wind helped to keep me cooler. Once the day's ride is done a shower is a joy to wash off the sweat and road grime. Putting on fresh clothes is finishing touch. Air conditioning and an ice cold drink is appreciated. This was another day to enjoy a motel. Luckily I had not planned on staying at the Cotton Boll. It had been a favorite spot for many years, but it is no longer in business. In 1540-42 the Spanish explorer may have come through this area as he went through to Kansas. No development came here until the railroad went through and it was decided to create Elk City. It appears that due to the land rush many Oklahoma communities were formally organized in 1901. For decades cattle drives had some through this area and the herd was taken to Kansas. From there the cattle were put on the train to the stockyards in Chicago. Jimmy Webb (left) is pictured with Glenn Campbell. Jimmy wrote some of my favorite songs in the 60s. (Up, Up and Away, By the time I get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, Galveston, The worst that could happen, All I know, MacArthur Park. Jimmy was born in Elk City. Oil and gas was discovered in the Sayre area and this was a booming in the 20s and 30s. In the 70s natural gas was still productive.
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This is one of the top Route 66 museums. There are several cars on display. They are limiting 30 people inside. This is worth the stop when you go through Clinton. The inside of the museum will stimulate your senses. Along this trip I have happened upon some really great sites. This is the entrance of the McLain Rogers Park in Clinton. This was constructed as part of the Federal works projects of the 30s and became a favorite stop along Route 66. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Learn more at http://route66times.com/l/ok/clinton-mclain-park.htm I find a KOA near Foss. Staying here is a nice break. People in these sure turn their heads when I bike by their RV or trailer. What friendly people. They stopped over to visit and brought me freash fruit and vegetables. What a treat! I enjoyed the pool too.
Today my ride took me 19.5 miles from Bridgeport. Route 66 is close to the Interstate in this stretch. Occasionally you ride upon a very old stretch of the highway. It was 12 years after it opened before paving was done on many sections. As Route 66 opened in was a dirt road. Auto traffic now often opt for the smoother roads, but some will try a stretch for a short part while I am riding. I see them quickly moving back to the main road. Have you seen this design of a gas station? The residence was the second story. I love the commute to work. This building on the National Register of Historical Buildings. Lucille Hamons operated this station in 1941 with her husband. She operated the business until 2000.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provine_Service_Station Her service and dedication to her guests gave her the label of "The Mother of the Mother Road. Wow! I can see the progress west. Hydro received the name for the water in the area, but it did not look like they have any more than other town. Being on Route 66 is a big thing for a community. The elevation is gaining gradually. I am now at 2464'.
.https://abandonedok.com/bridgeport/ There is not much left here these days. Already along the road we have seen where the town cleared out once the route changed. We have seen towns that boomed and then died after the mine was not economically viable. Bridgeport has been impacted by the road shifting and the Interstate, but it was also impacted by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The Dust Bowl impacted many plains states. John Steinbeck wrote Grapes of Wrath. I remember reading this in high school. The story follows the Joads as they migrate from Oklahoma to California. Steinbeck refers to Route 66 as the "Mother Road". The road was to be the path to prosperity. What will Route 66 be to me? Well you can see each day I learn a little bit about our past. Bridgeport is on the Canadian River. I just heard of it today and I was surprised that it is 900 miles long and starts in Colorado, flows into New Mexico and Texas before getting to Oklahoma. This spot was a place to ford the river at low water times and a ferry business existed for the high water. The river can widen nearly one mile wide.
This area may be a good spot to stealth camp. There are not any people around and I do not need a fire. I will keep a low profile and leave the spot clean. The evening is now going to cool down much at all from the high of the day at 87 degrees. The low tonight will be 78. It will be a clear sky and I will enjoy the stars. Everyone everywhere is experiencing very hot weather. Temperatures are in the high 80s, 90s, and above. The wind was an easy 5 mph. When it gets to 15 mph or higher I feel like I am really working against the wind (as Bob Seger sings). When there is the combination of a small elevation gain with a head or side wind will tire me out and I will take more breaks than usual. A principle of our founding of the USA was to establish an environment that allows you to practice your religion. Bethany is an example of a town settled by core believers and the community reflects their beliefs. Blue Laws or Sunday Laws exist to limit or restrict certain activities on Sunday, like limit shopping. What laws exist in your community and state to keep Sunday for worship. The courts continue to side in favor of honoring the freedom of religion. Today I had the energy that I missed yesterday. I felt good during the ride. Getting a good night's sleep is the key to keep going. The wind has been very manageable at 9 mph from the west. I remember taking my daughter to a friend's house to play when I heard about a bombing of a building in OKC on April 19, 1995, 168 people died. The tragedy was one of those events in your life that you remember exactly where you were when you heard the news. The Survivor tree is shown on the left. On the right, above, the National Memorial and grounds. OKC has many museums that would be great to visit, but the COVID-19 virus has these closed. I see the notice that such places have been hurt by the closure. Check with your local museums they may have a fund to help survive this difficult time. Museums are jewels in our communities. |
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