Day 3 - Oklahoma and Texas

 Captains log Day Three

Big day today as we venture onto Route 66.  We decided to dress inconspicuously to blend in and avoid looking like "Brits go wild abroad".

Our route  towards Amarillo covered approx 164 Miles from Oklahoma City to Shamrock.  Route 66 runs parallel to the main Route 40. The difference is road surface and little or no traffic.  Makes the journey feel authentic as the concrete road rattles every bone in your body but sure as heck keeps you awake.  It's also slightly disconcerting as the road disappears or is under repair sending you on a wild detour without any directions.  

First couple of stops were for a decent coffee with Starbucks coming to the rescue.  Being a stickler for covering every eventuality (some may say obsessive) I was delighted to see that the designated stormshelter was in the ladies toilets. Phew what a relief. Don't kniw where Peter was going to shelter!!. 

Suitably replenished we ambled on down the road.  Two museums were a must. The first in Clinton was dedicated to Route 66 through the ages.  A gem of a find and we were both surprised how much. We remembered from our childhood days,   

The second was in Elk City and was a complete reconstruction of the town round the turn of the century. 

By now Peter is like a coiled cobra when driving, waiting for my cries of "ooohhh that looks  interesting pull over Honey"". This has provided opportunities for browsing in trading posts, antique shops, coffee shops and the all important rest rooms.  Any one of a certain age will understand the importance of regular rest rooms stops!

Throwing caution to the wind we decided not to book accommodation ahead but simply pull in when we found something half resembling a decent motel.  The Shamrock County Motel was indeed comfortable last decorated in the early 1970's with a particularly fetching pink bath, green avocado sink and tiles. The heater in the bathroom seems to have come from one of the museums visited earlier in the day and looks lethal.  

Well that's your lot we are starving and off to a Texan steak house for a juicy steak. Tomorrow the journey to Amarillo continues. Watch this space.