Day 16 Route 66

We are finding Dave’s iPhone has lots of uses  Our newest is using Google maps. We can search for local addresses and the built-in GPS finds us and show us where we are in relationship to where we want to go. That saves a lot of printer paper trying to print maps with enough detail to be useful.

No one came around to collect the fee for camping at the city park in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and there was no place on site to pay. A sign said we needed permission from the Chief of Police if we wanted to stay long term. So, when we left camp today we went to the police department. No one there wanted our money. A woman there said someone was supposed to come around but since they didn’t–then she shrugged. So, we camped for free last night but we are on now record that we tried to pay.

Then we walked down to the corner to have lunch at the Cafe on the Route. I had a turkey with Harvarti cheese and Portobello mushroom on pretzel bread served with Parmesan potatoes. Dave had a hamburger and skinny fries. I’ve been surprised at the food offered in these little small town cafes. This one has even been shown on the Food Network. We stopped there, though, because it’s one of the Route 66 landmarks. The great food was a bonus.

Next up: Miami, Oklahoma. Miami here is pronounced my-am-uh. The Coleman theater has been a performance venue for many, many years and is still doing business as such.

South of town we drove a stretch of old Route 66 that is known as the “sidewalk road”. It is only nine feet wide so, if you meet another vehicle the guide book told us, both of you have to drive with one wheel on the shoulder. Watching a pickup truck after it passed us we learned the locals always drive with one wheel on the shoulder. Most of this road is in very bad shape so we were really glad when it ended. 

Rain. And more rain. We are in an area where we have noted several campgrounds we could stay at but it seems awfully early to stop. We could do laundry if we stop but it’s raining. So we went on.

The next planned stop was the Eastern Trails Museum, in Vinita, Oklahoma, but once again we got there just after they closed. Maybe we should start traveling earlier in the day? Naw. I like my leisurely mornings too much to give them up.

Finally we drove out of the rain but the skies still look iffy so I’m making no promises about the weather.

We stopped in Chelsea, Oklahoma, to get gas. Diesel here is $3.599 and we are glad to get it so “cheaply”.

Next stop: Totem Pole Park four miles east of Foyil, Oklahoma. The book says this is “the results of that rare flash of artistic genius some roadside entrepreneurs find in themselves.” I think it’s a lot of kitsch but so much of Route 66 is and was so this fit right in.

For camping tonight we pulled into our first Corps of Engineers park. It’s not the one we thought we were pulling into but it’s nice. It’s similar to the Missouri State Parks we liked so well except my Access America card means we pay only $7 a night here for an electrical hookup. I appreciate that. I don’t think the owl who is announcing his presences cares.

TTYL,

Linda