Blowing through Oklahoma to Jefferson City Missouri

I left Amarillo just before 9:00 on Monday, after having discovered that I had somehow lost the clear face shield on my helmet the previous day, and tried to find some bits of Route 66 on either side of I 40.  At one point I came across these VW's planted in a row next to the road and an abandoned service service centre; an attempt to duplicate Cadillac Ranch but at a smaller scale. This "attraction" clearly didn't have the appeal of the original; much like copîes of anything else do.

The Britten (named after Benjamin I guess) leaning water tower near Groom, Texas is just down the road from the tallest cross and sits in a field next to more failed businesses. Off in the distance you can see wind turbines of which there are thousands along I 40.

 

I had a rather nice dinner at a  Ruby Tuesday a few short blocks from the EconoLodge in Tulsa.  The hickory bourbon glazed salmon with mashed potatoes with herbs was very good, as was the fresh salad bar. I can't get over how inexpensive food is in this country.

Today I decided to abandon Route 66. The pain of trying to find the remaining bits was simply not worth the reward of seeing closed up gas stations, motels and other shops that line the main streets of towns which were along the route of the famous highway through America. Instead I headed northeast to Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri. I stopped for lunch at the Hermitage Coffee Shop where local folk come for a bite and, its seems, to discuss politics.  While I could not make out what their specific grievances were, it was plain that the 6 men at a nearby table, one in a suit and the others in coveralls and jeans, were not best pleased with he state of the union.

Some miles past the Ozark Lakes I stopped for drink in a small town and saw the proof that the mid-afternoon temperature was hot, very hot.

But press on one must. I arrived in Jefferson City around 4:00 and after a quick wardrobe change i took a taxi to the State Capital Building. My driver, Jack,  the second youngest of a Missouri family of 12 who started working at 9 after his father died, insisted on showing me around the downtown section of the city. Included in the free tour, because he insisted that the fare would be no more than the $6.20 that was on the meter when we turned onto the main street at the capital building, was a detour to the now shut down prison that once housed a large number of convicts and a quick visit to some of the nice restored old stately homes. He also recommended a couple of places close by where I could get a good meal. Even as he protested I insisted on paying the full fare. "I'll leave it on the back seat so you may as well take it".

As it was nearing closing time I managed a quick tour of the Capital Building and then strode the few blocks to The Grand Cafe on High East Street. The service from my waitress Cori was impeccable, and my meal was superb; a perfectly cooked and beautifully presented Ahi Tuna steak with potatoes and green beans, and a lovely glass of California Rombauer Chardonnay.

Seated at the table next to me were two lawyers, one from Manhattan, the other from Missouri I believe,  with whom I had an interesting conversation about long distance motorcycle trips. They were both quite curious and I think a bit envious,It made me think how fortunate I was to be able to do what I get to do.

I now have to figure out where I go tomorrow.