Awoke today a year older and officially an old age pensioner! Yes folks, I'm 65! Had a few cards to open, got my prezzies before I left and loads of birthday wishes from friends on Facebook. "Thanks y'all", as they say in this part of the world.
Managed to pack all our new purchases into our cases, loaded up the van and off we went. Easily found our way to R66, Lel navigating today.
Today's trip took us down fairly straight roads, through a lot of farmland. We saw lots of herds of cows.
I had finally worked out how to play my iPod in the van, so we were listening to the playlist I had put together for the trip. Much better than trying to find a decent radio station and no talking!
We were really enjoying the trip, passing by some R66 icons, old service stations,diners etc. Many were closed, maybe opening up after this weekend. It will be Memorial Day here this weekend, officially the start of the summer season in the States.
We drove over some real old bridges, those of you over a certain age may remember Meccano sets, a construction set that enabled you to build all sorts of wonderful stuff. The bridges all looked like they had been made from "adult" Meccano sets!
Saw a group of guys on Harley's having their picture done at an old service station, they looked like they had just come from the film "Wild Hogs".
We drove through some old towns, many of which looked a bit neglected. This is because in the need for speed, the old Route 66 is no longer the main ways get to the big cities along the route. Interstate 44 has taken it's place. Subsequently many of the businesses have closed due to lack of custom. There seems to be a move to restore some of these small towns to their former glory and they look really nice places. Hopefully as long as people keep doing this road trip that trend will continue.
Stopped for a coffee at a place that said Sports Bar, was the only place we'd seen open to be fair. As we walked in we saw, 6 pool tables, it was really dark and a group of people were drinking at the bar. Remember this was 1 o'clock in the afternoon. It was like walking into one of those places you see in
a film. We asked for coffee and some cheese burgers. The food wasn't a problem for the waitress but ironically it came up quicker than the coffee!
Have to say both were excellent.
That was in a little town called Webb City, one for you Rich!
Following the route today was much easier, we left Mssouri, entered Kansas. Pat was asleep in the front and he woke up just in time to see us leave Kansas and enter Oklahoma. The Kansas section s only about 13 miles, easy to miss if you are asleep.
Music was playing, everyone had been singing along at some stage to one of their favourite songs, when we suddenly saw a sign that said "Tulsa 48 miles". It was at this point that "24 Hours From Tulsa" started playing on the iPod! How spooky, it couldn't have been timed better!
We were all in hysterics trying to sing the words at the top of or voices. I'm sure each time we here that song we'll remember that moment. Priceless!
Saw a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just outside Tulsa, stopped and had a look whilst we grabbed a
coffee in McDonald's, then it was straight into Tulsa on I44 to our hotel.
So far all the hotels have been good and this one is no different. Massive room, king size bed. The girls did some much needed washing and we had a few beers to celebrate my birthday.
After showering and getting changed we asked the guy on reception a good place to eat, he recommended a place called Prhyme, a upmarket restaurant a few blocks away in downtown. The hotel provide a free shuttle bus service so off we went. Our driver, Nick, also said it was a great place to go.
I have to say both were spot on, we were greeted by Ben, he seated us at our table and explained the menu to us. We ordered a bottle of Veuve Cliq to celebrate my birthday.
We all ordered mixed grill, some with all meat, some with meat and fish. The food was excellent, so tasty and cooked to perfection. The service was first class. A second bottle of Veuve was ordered and duly drunk. A great restaurant.
We went next door to a bar for a drink, it was a bit of a quirky place, it had lots of art on the walls, so not sure if it was a bar with art, or a gallery that sold drinks!
Called the hotel after a few drinks and got the shuttle back to the hotel.
A couple of people today asked where we were from, one guy asked if I had a Texan accent! Another said there was no difference between the Geordie and Liverpool dialect. At least they didn't think we were Australian!!!!!!!!
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