Thursday, 27 April 2006 - Route 66

Although today was mostly a day of driving, I did drive the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. The piece that not only runs from OKC to Tulsa, but also saved me the toll! The day was beautiful, perfect for cruising the historic asphalt. Right outside of OKC, there is the Round Red Barn. Butch, the keeper, will show you his collection of pictures of all the other red barns he’s collected. He tells you that in the attic, they host weddings and parties and barn dances. “But ya’ can’t square dance up there!”

Butch

He is quick to point out though, that some of these other “round” barns, actually have sides. “This one here has 8, this one has 10, and this one has 13. So you see, they aren’t really round.” He also told me that if anyone talks about the death that occurred in the attic, “Don’t believe ‘em.” “Well, what’s the story,” I asked. “Some man ran himself to death. He was looking for a corner!”

My Lonely Planet guidebook suggested dining at the Rock Café. I had a big, juicy, hamburger and fries at the bar while I eavesdropped on some of the conversations of the locals. The nice waitress walked around asking, “Is evrythang alraht, hun?” The burger was real good, and the whole meal was only $3.15.

The sign posted on this charming old filling station informs visitors that the owners were tempted by greed and got into printing money. They had the press in a back room that noone knew about. The man got caught when trying to spend some of his homemade cash. The station was closed and never reopened. I do like how nice the current owners keep their flowers. It really spruces it up.