Had computer problems last night so I am posting Day 2 and 3 this evening.
Day 2-
Drove down from Edmond through OKC. Route was well marked with Historic 66 signs. This was in the Asian section of OKC. Was probably a small neighborhood store at one time.
Drove through Yukon OK, the Czech Capital of OK. Huge grain silos like this one lined the highway, all empty. Subdivisions have taken over the farm land. The next picture is the officer’s quarters at Fort Reno. We arrived before it was open so we just drove around. Reminded me of old Fort Davis out in west Texas.
Took a break and toured the Route 66 Museum in Clinton OK. This is a very good museum that chronicles the route from dirt roads to being eventually obsolete by the interstate system. Several rooms filled with artifacts and photo history sequenced by the decades.
Back on the road through eastern OK into the Texas Panhandle. Passed by this junkyard in Shamrock TX filled with wrecked Edsels.
This is an art deco Conoco gas station from the 1930’s. Its now the visiter center in Shamrock TX. Called the Tower Station and was copied by Disney in the Car movies.
The old gas station was in McLean TX. This town was once known as “Uplift City” for the ladies undergarment factory that was located there. The town is now filled with dilapated and decaying motels, boarded up buildings, abanded vehicles and farm equipment. Even the old gad station was being neglected; notice the torn roof.
The leaning water tower is near Groom TX. Supposedly built that way to attract tourists.
The Big Texan Restaurant in Amarillo. We stopped to look around but did not eat. Running behind due to construction traffic. We did take 66 down Amarillo Blvd to take in the old motels and neon signage but most were closed or falling down. Was not impressed with Amarillo, appeared run down and very dirty.
Had to stop at the Cadillac Ranch. The gooey layers of spray paint did not stop the wannabe graffiti artists.
Adrian TX, the mid-point of Route 66 between Chicago and LA. Leaving Texas and entering New Mexico. Before Adrian we passed through Vega but it too was crumbling and deserted. I had forgotten just how flat the Texas panhandle is.
Tucumcari NM. Staying at the iconic Blue Swallow Motel. The motel was built back in the 1940’s and is now owned and operated by a retired couple from Michigan. They have done extensive repairs and upgrades and the place has a great period correctness about it. It enjoys a steady occupancy rate with people from all over the world. A family from Copenhagen was staying while we were there. The motel was also used as a model in the Disney Car movies and the motel in Disneyland’s California Adventure park. This place is the highlight of Tucumcari because like most of the small towns on 66 off the interstate Tucumcari’s city district is 50% vacant with closed businesses and boarded up store fronts with the remaining 50% for sale or rent. Sad.
Tomorrow – finish across NM to Gallup.
The Boomer and the iGen On 66 