Route 66 & Amarillo, TX

November 17, 2013

Yesterday we left OKC for Amarillo, TX via Route 66.  There were a few spots along that way that we were going to check out.  The weather was getting noticeably warmer and very windy.  Scott really had a long day of driving and keeping this rig on the road.  I have no doubt in his ability to keep us safe!  Lots of tumbleweeds floating by too!

Our friend said it takes about a 1000 miles to get used to driving one of these.  So far, Scott has done all the driving, so I think I will keep my status as stewardess and leave the driving to him.  Afterall, my job is just as important making sure all our belongings are stowed properly. Trust me, it is no fun watching the kitchen drawer come flying out of the cabinet while driving 55mph or the laundry detergent come sliding down the aisle at 25 mph like a 10 lb bowling ball coming down the alley...strike!

Our first stop was a Cherokee Store/Restaurant/Tourist Trap.  They did have live buffaloes and that was the primary reason for stopping.  The kids had fun running along the fence and making them chase them!  We took a few pictures, loaded up on gas and continued on.  Gas prices keep getting lower and lower.  We started in New England with $3.60 or so a gallon and now we are paying $2.85/gallon.  I can only imagine the sticker shock when we arrive in CA.  

Lucille's Famous Rt. 66 Gas Station - Lucille's Service Station, a classic and historic gas station along Route 66 near Hydro, is one of only two upper-story, out-thrust porch style stations left on Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66. Built in 1929 by Carl Ditmore, the service station was renamed by Provine Station in the 1930s. 

Sand Hills Curiosity Shop - Awesome crazy junk shop that is a MUST STOP.
We found this place to be closed up, but all the vintage signs out front and around the building were pure Americana.  My brother would probably spend the day here photographing everything for his award winning Rte 66 artwork.  You can see his art here http://bluehighwayroadart.com 

  

 

Tower Conoco & U-Drop Inn - The U-Drop Inn, also known as Tower Station and U-Drop Inn and Tower Café, was built in 1936 in Shamrock, Texas along the historic Route 66 highway. Inspired by the image of a nail stuck in dirt, the building was designed by J.C. Berry. An unusual example of art deco architecture applied to a gas station and restaurant, the building features two flared towers with geometric detailing, curvilinear massing, glazed ceramic tile walls, and neon light accents. The revived U-Drop Inn was featured in the 2006 animated film Cars as the inspiration for the fictional Ramone's body shop.

We arrived at an RV park and found lots to do here.  Along with the most amazing gift shop, they have catch and release fishing, indoor pool and hot tub, lighted walking paths and water features.  I really could have used a good hour in the shop with a big cup of coffee to just aimlessly wander the aisles alone, but they closed up within an hour of us arriving. :(  

This reminds me of the girls at home!

Look at the great dinner Scott made last night! Every night it is something great!

Full moon rising over Amarillo

We are staying here for another day...that's it for now!

~Linda