Nick and Dale's Great Adventure: Oklahoma Edition



Oklahoma!  Either the folks in Texas were warning us or the preparing us.  After passing two "Taj Mahal" like rest stops (the one coming into Texas looked nicer), We arrived in Oklahoma.  We pretty much stuck to the interstate since it paralleled the road.  I think we got the better end of the deal since the shoulders appeared to much smooter than the road we were supposed to be on.



Our first stop was Elk City, OK.  We stayed near the interstate where the hotels and food were.  New state, new rules, so the masks came back out for dining, the hotel, etc.  No pool, no breakfast...not sure if they are using Covid as the excuse or there are just not enough workers.

Leaving Elk City seemed to get us in a twist with the map.  We steered clear of the interstate and after several turn arounds, we got on the right road.  Another live snake to avoid and then I got the call.  My beautiful Sherlock was gone.  We had a great two and a half years.  He slept beside me most of that time snoring away, I miss my pup.  The raw emotions affected me most of the next day or two.


On our way to Weatherford,  I had a flat tire.  We got off the road to fix it when some trail magic happened.  Oklahoma was hot and humid, start to finish!  A trucker pulled his rig over, put the window down and handed Dale two waters.  How awesome!  We were back on the road in a few minutes. We've been watching the birds at every overpass and took a break under one to get out of the sun.  The swallows build mud nests under there and get a little crazy when you show up.


Our next stop was in OKC where we found an REI and were able to refresh tire supplies.  A good dinner and a good nights sleep followed.  In the morning we ventured to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.  Visit if you get the chance and allow the take the tour with the Park Guide. 



Going to the memorial was a bit out or our way but worth it.  Very hot, saw our first working oil rig, rode on Garth Brooks Avenue and still trying to figure out what is Cowboy Church?



As we continued, we noticed that the armadillos seem to be having a problem crossing the roads, the turtles are even worse.  Little, big, whatever...avoiding the carcasses is a job.  

We stopped in Stroud and then on to Tulsa.  The Tulsa Tough bicycle race was on that weekend and some folks thought we were there for that.  I would like to get back to explore Tulsa a little more, even watch a race.  We stopped at local bike store and talked to Travis who was very interested in our trip.  A beer was in order at the Dead Armadillo brewery in honor of all those that we passed or would pass. 





We stopped at Billy Ray's for lunch where Dale had his first Catfish sandwich.  The food was good!  We stayed in Catoosa and missed the famous Big Blue Whale somehow.

Our last full day of riding took us to Miami, OK.  The ride was long, hot and humid.  It brought both of us to the brink of the unthinkable.  We got into Miami and a local name Virgil took our picture.  

We chatted a bit and road on to the hotel.  Softball tournaments had things booked up and we almost were looking for a new place when I saw the reservation was cancelled.  The clerk was able to get us a room thankfully.  Next stop Kansas and Missou


ri!





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