Sunday 29.09.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Another full day travelling Route 66, again the roads have been brill and very well sign posted. We have left the state of Missouri, passed through a 13 mile stretch of Kansas and are now in the state of Oklahoma. On route we stopped at rainbow bridge in Kansas, visited the totem pole park in Chelsea then went onto the Will Rodgers museum at Claremore. Then it was off to see the big blue whale at Catoosa which used to be a favourite attraction for the youngsters who would have a swim in the lake. I wouldn't even dip my feet in now but I did join in a kids birthday party and helped them finish a pizza and some cup cakes. We are now in a super 8 motel at Tulsa and Pam's gutted as they don't sell wine in the state of Oklahoma on a Sunday, Ooh she's not a Happy bunny.
Riding through Kansas |
I
Rainbow bridge in Kansas was used from 1926 - 1960 |
Baxter Springs Kansas ( one horse town ) |
Totem Pole Park |
Roadside attraction built in 1972 |
Cup cakes were good |
Monday 30.09.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
A very easy day travelling Route 66, we only had to do 125 miles so we took our time. Our first stop was Seaba filling station at Wellston where we had a mooch around his old bike collection. Then it was off to visit the red timber round barn built in 1898, and to say they had no power tools in those days the standard is very good. I know when I was doing my research on Route 66 I thought some of the places we would visit would be a bit tacky, so I hope my pictures don't come across that way. Most of the attractions are run by individuals and enthusiasts or small community associations and are a very welcome break when you are travelling. Without these I think Route 66 would lose its charm. Like I say it was a easy day and we checked into a posh hotel in Oklahoma City and made good use of the outside pool.
Oklahoma is very green and roads are going straighter |
We went through a small town called Depew that looked like it was struggling |
Inside Seaba filling station |
red round barn at Arcadia |
How did they do that? |
Nice to chill for a few hours |
Pam's like a kid in a sweet shop |
Tuesday 01.10.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
The sun has been shining again and as we are travelling further west we have noticed the landscape has started to change from the lush green fields and wooded areas to a slightly more barren landscape, also the quality of Route 66 has changed and is testing berthas suspension, and also Jane is doing more hard work as signs are getting more limited. We have visited the Route 66 museum at Clinton, and also the Route 66 museum at Elk City which we thought was the better one as you have more to look at and was set in its own little village. We are now at Sayre in Oklahoma for our over night stop which has limited dining options, so it's Mc Donald's. ( money is getting tight so that's good for me )
Concrete paved section of Route 66 |
Rusty old girder bridge built in 1924 |
Museum at Elk City |
Does any one know the way to Amarillo ?
Wednesday 02.10.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
We have left the state of Oklahoma and now riding through the flat plains of Texas. Jane has taken us on some interesting sections of Route 66. Our first stop was the Conoco U-Drop Inn at Shamrock which is of art-deco style that was popular in the 20's and 30's. After that we rode through the small town of McLean which has the devils rope museum and a restored Phillips gas station. Then it was off to Groom which has a gigantic cross of our lord. We are now checked in at the durry inn at Amarillo so it cocktails and nibbles later.
A very old segment of Route 66 |
And now a gravel section |
And now I'm lost in the middle of nowhere |
Conoco station |
Filling up |
Devils rope is barbed wire and there is more than 2,000 types |
Phillips gas station at McLean |
Cross is set in a circle which then depicts Jesus carrying his cross |
CommentsI seem to have lost all my comments on week 4 I am sorry for all of you guys we met and have taken the time to comment and will try to get them back when if figure out what to do
Thursday 03.10.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Now left the state of Texas and riding through New Mexico and it's amazing how the landscape changes from corn fields to Barron landscapes. Jane has managed to keep on Route 66 as there are a lot of dead ends which she showed us each and every one of them, bless her. Prior to leaving Mexico I have to confess to doing a little graffiti at Cadillac range. We have also reached the mid point cafe at Adrian where we met 4 Brits (dad & 3 sons) doing Route 66. There blog is kindomroute66.blogspot.co.uk. We then went onto the historical museum in Tucamcari and then Route 66 museum at Santa Rosa which is our overnight stop. Pauline I think I'm on rattle snake tonight ( we catch it and they cook it )
Pam & Pete was here |
I think the next 1139 miles will be harder |
New Mexico |
Route 66 museum at Santa Rosa |
Every car is like brand new |
I think I will have chips with this tonight |
Friday 04.10.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Had a lie in this morning as we have gained an hour so we are now 7hrs behind the UK. We've had an easy ride up to Santa Fe, the scenery has been fabulous but the temperature has dropped and wind had got up so we kept stopping to add more layers. Have got a few problems with Birtha, when I was going over a speed bump at the hotel the kick stand bracket that had been previously welded snapped off again. Luckily there was a Harley dealer near by who sorted it in no time, but when I was showing him the kick stand I noticed an oil stain at the base of the cylinders and the chap there said the lower cylinder head gaskets needed replacing and could be a 3 day job. As it was only a trace of oil he said I would be ok to continue but keep an eye on it and get it sorted under warranty after the holiday. Anyway that fixed we headed to the old town at Santa Fe. We were both a little disappointed but made the most of it. I had planned two nights but will only do one so that now puts us back on track. The government has still not resolved the shut down so I will be working on a plan E for our adventure.
Scenery is fantastic |
You can go for miles without seeing another car |
One of Janes dirt tracks |
The oldest church in the USA |
The staircase at Loretto Chapel defies gravity, I wouldn't like to have walked up this when it had no handrails
Picture of original floating staircase at Loretto Chapel |
Staircase as it is now |
Market day at Santa Fe |
Saturday 05.10.13 peterbrownroute66, Route 66 blog, Get Your Kicks On Route 66
Left Santa Fe early to try and catch some of the hot air balloons at Albuquerque but the wind must have been in the wrong direction as we didn't see a thing. The ride to our overnight stop at Gallup was brill. We even came across a couple of trains which must be at least 1 mile Long. We have checked into a fantastic hotel called the El Rancho built in 1937 and has had many famous movie stars stay in its rooms, ours is called Pat Wymore. The lobby area covers two floors and is decorated with many signed photos.
On route to Gallup |
Lost again |
Continental Divide. Water on the left runs to Pacific and on right to Atlantic |
4 Engines pulling the train which must be at least 1 mile long |
El Rancho Lobby |
It calls for champagne tonight with the film stars |
That completes our week 4. Click on newer post on the bottom left to get to week 5.
Don't forget to comment 1st please
Get your kicks on peterbrownroute66