Whew! We made it to sunny, 70 degree weather, finally! The day started with waking up to snow on the ground, frozen car and U-Haul doors, and crazy Oklahoma drivers. Doug had sent a hammer with us to use in case we had issues, well, we did, but the hammer was safely tucked away in a bucket in the U-Haul which was the issue. Good thing Carol had a rubber mallet in the back-end of her Jeep. A few good wacks got things loose and functional. We saw a car wreck almost immediately upon leaving South Haven, KS heading towards OK. Little did we know that this was only the beginning of the accidents that delayed our trip southward. Several semis thought they could turn doughnuts on bridges which only resulted in delays on both sides of interstate. It took us about 3 hours to get to dry roads, usually this trip would have only taken about 2.
When we made it to Texas the roads were clear, the sun was shining but the temp was only around 40 degrees. Getting warmer but still not sandal weather. We stopped at a really nice truckstop/KOA campground/souvenir shop in Texas but neither of us can remember its name. (It has been a really long, stressful day so we really don't care.)
We saw the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo as we buzzed along in search of warmer weather. We would have stopped for pictures but we wanted to be in Albuquerque by nightfall and didn't spare the time. You can Google the Cadillac Ranch and see better pictures than I could have taken anyway. It was interesting to follow along side Route 66, remembering trips with my parents long ago. It is hard to imagine that in the 50's and 60's that narrow little road was a major route used to get to the west coast.
When we hit New Mexico it was like a switch was flicked. Sunshine and 70
degrees was our reward for a stressful start of the day. We enjoyed sun
in our faces with a warm breeze blowing our hair while pumping gas
without having to put on our winter coats. (I said "we" but Carol did
all the pumping! I was running to the bathroom or exploring the truck
stop for souvenirs.)
Tomorrow we should be in sunny, hot Apache Junction, the end of our road trip but not the end of our excitement. I am sure we will find plenty to do and see before I have to head back to Iowa. Please, please, please let there be spring when I get home!
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Ice covered Jeep at our hotel in South Haven, KS. |
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Leaving the Bates Motel, I mean, Motel 6 |
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Seemed like an oxymoron, snow on one side of the road and green grass on the other. We thought the road looked clear and were puzzled when we followed a sand truck onto I-35. Little did we know we were in for a stressful drive. Carol did a great job and she even ignored my "Oh my Gosh!" every time there was an icy spot or semis getting too close. |
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Let me introduce you to our co-pilot, Harley. He has been such a good boy! |
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We drove for about 2 hours when we decided to take a break and have breakfast in OK City. These poor pansies looked pretty sad but at least they are blooming signs of spring. |
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This may be in Oklahoma or just as we entered Texas. Remember, it was hours ago so I don't/can't remember. |
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It is hard to tell but this is part of Route 66 running right along I-40. |
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Texas |
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We have seen a ton of wind turbines in OK and TX but after driving and trying to maneuver in all the wind it only makes perfect sense that they would tap this resource. |
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Our last stop for gas and potty was about 100 miles east of Albuquerque. Interesting stuff but I resisted. What I should have taken along with the bear was all the huge fireworks right next to him. I guess they are legal in NM. |
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Sorry this is sideways but I can't figure out how to turn it, I'm sure there is a way but it escapes me at the moment. I think this would add character to our living room, Doug. It only cost $19,999 and will be delivered next week. |
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