Awoke to sunshine, a relief from yesterday's weather. The forecast is still for bad storms although more to the southeast of where we are. Hopefully we will travel far enough west to drive out of the area.
The reports of damage are very bad, most rainfall in a day in the history of Oklahoma City. 3 people have died, 2 in Texas and 1 in Oklahoma. We knew the storms were bad and think we were very lucky not to get stranded somewhere. That good old British Spirit got us through!
Went down for breakfast, needn't have bothered.
Met by a waitress with a wig that was on a bit crooked, she looked like she belonged in a cartoon strip. We sad we would have the buffet, gave her or vouchers and sat down. Music was still too loud for breakfast time. The waitress had said the orange juice was not refillable, just one glass. Sandra poured the coffees and I poured the orange juices. The waitress asked if we were together, despite talking to us less than a minute ago. When we said yes, she said we could either have coffee OR orange juice but not both. Sandra and I looked at one another in disbelief, after all this is the country of free refills on coffee, soft drinks and juices. The waitress asked us if we wanted to pay for the juice, we said no and left them there. She then proceeded to pour them back not the jug!
Breakfast didn't improve from there. There were no cereals, the hot choice was poor, bisquits (scones to us), grits ( don't even think about those!) and some dodgy looking eggs and bacon. We settled for some toasted muffins and coffee. The only good thing out of that choice was the muffins, the coffee was the worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted!
Checkout was just as bad, the hotel wanted to charge us the wrong rate. So, that hotel will not be getting a favourable review on Tripadvisor!
As we were all hungry we jumped in the van and drove to the nearest McDonald's for breakfast and coffee. Much needed and sooooooooo tasty!
Off we set on the drive to Albuquerque, along the Interstate. Old Route 66 runs parallel to I40 at this t and in many places the I40 was laid over the top of R66.
It was an easy drive, good weather. We stopped at midpoint, missed the turn off , had to turn around
and go back a junction. Got to the midpoint service station, took or team photos, went to the bathroom and we got talking to a guy and his family. He originally came from Hemel Hampstead, had been living in the USA for 30 years and was on his way back to Nashvlle. His son plays in a band there.
Just as we were about to leave the gas station lady told us to go across the highway and have our photo done at the official midpoint sign. So, we went there, had a look in the Sunflower souvenir shop, got talking to the owner. She loved to chat, was telling us about her nterviews with Ewan McGregor and Billy Connolly. She said Ewan was great but that she couldn't really understand what Billy was all about!
Our trip was mile after mile of Interstate, the scenery was flat and went on for miles as far as you
could see. Lots of herds of cows, and loads of wind farms. Seems the main source of income is either
cows or turbines. Seems odd that cows are responsible for producing methane which is bad for the
environment, yet they are standing alongside wind turbines they are supposed to counteract the effect
greenhouse gasses have!
We passed what looked like a slaughterhouse, there were thousands of cows there, all in pens waiting to be turned into steaks and burgers! I don't think I have seen so many cows in one place at the same time. Looking at the land and the size of that herd you can maybe understand how difficult it must have been to be on a cattle drive all those years ago.
The weather was still ok, a few dark clouds in the distance but nothing to really worry about.
We arrived at Albuquerque, eventually found our way to the hotel. It was in the business district, so very quiet. Check in was so much more professional, friendly and efficient than yesterday. Rooms were great as expected. It was early so we went downstairs for a beer. We arrived just as the bar opened. It was sunny so we sat outside, the girls had sangria, boys had beers. At 5 pm it was happy hour, so the girls had cocktails, the beers were cheaper so naturally we carried on drinking. Next up was the fizz at only $40 a bottle.
Decided to get ready to go out,we wanted to go to the Oldtown district. It is an area of original buildings in a Spanish/ Mexican style with bars, shops and places to eat. We asked for directions at
the desk but were told that area closes about 8 pm every evening. We decided to go there early
tomorrow before we left, so ate in the hotel.
We all ordered ribeye steaks, they were massive. We also got some potatoes with it, all were boiled but in different colours. Normal, red and purple! Despite looking strange they were really nice. We had a few drinks in the bar then went to bed.
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