Friday, March 26, 2010

They call me Gorjo

Early morning greeting from McLean Texas, home of the Devil Rope Museum, High Winds, (not a casino), and the Red River Steak House. 

After my last blog that kept me up till three AM, I slept in....all the way to 7:47am. Stayed at the Travel Inn located in Weatherford OK. It was OK. Hit the road around 10:30, and needed to wash the crusing vessel. Clinton was my first town to hit, and it was a hit. Clinton is home to a small terminal for Farmrail Railroads. For you rail-fan's, enjoy the following.





Passed by the Glancy, spoke with Mr. Patel, then hit the incredible Route 66 Museum. WOW!! I have to agree with McJerry as this is a must stop.  Met Pat Smith, the director, and she also "loves the colors". It's always a pleasure when people understand the show!! She was a super cool lady, a real live firecracker, and even though a CPR training course, (maybe a refresher course) was being held, she took some time to check out the cards.  I think they will now be referred to as Art Cards.  Hey, I think they are artistic, and my middle name is Arthur, so, I have two valid reasons.  She boug me out of several styles of cards, and will soon be stocking several more!! Images will convey better than the any words to describe this awesome place, so here you go!!

 It has the dash







See what I mean??












In the remains of Canute, I captured the remains of the Washita Motel Sign.

I wonder when the neon was glowing, if the "W" and "a" were ever out at the same time??? Continued onwards towards Elk City, where I continued snapping away. 



In Elk City, I was lucky enough to find this '57 Corvette outside the Route 66 Museum.




I didn't see the folks, but I did see their copy of the EZ Guide, so I knew they were also making the trek.


Check out the size of this sign!!

 



Just on the east side of Erick, an impressive collection of windmills reside on the North side of the road.








Ah Erick. Next town on my stop. Erick is known for several things. Home of the King of the Road Roger Miller, Sheb Wooley of the "Purple People Eater Fame", and living legends Harley & Annabelle. On my previous visit to Erick, it was an early Sunday morning and the Sand Hills Curiousity Shop was closed. RATS!! Not this time. I had read, viewed, listened to many descriptions of this duo, and I was not disappointed. Not at all. Such a fine time was had I didn't come close to reaching Amarillo, (my sort of kind of "planned" destination), and almost didn't make Texas. I say planned very loosely. My plan is not having any!! Of course I have ideas, but planning? Nah, not for me. Hell, I've no idea where I will be or when I'll be there. Harley, not sure why, was having a difficult time remembering my name. He kept calling me "Gorjo". I like it.


Did you take the time to read the letter Harley and Annabelle received from the "city" of Erick?  If not, you should. Surprisingly, it wasn't signed by an attorney.  Dammit! Can't go off on them for this one. But 'twas signed by the city clerk. Or city dumb ass. I guess they don't have one. Nonetheless, more proof that complete idiots exist everywhere. So sad. Upon departing, I asked if I needed a parade permit to stand in the street to take a freaking picture. Harley and Annabelle literally bring in thousands of visitors to Erick, who undoubtedly, bring in big bucks (no whammy's), to the cities coffers. 

 Parked on the road, enjoying the day!



Almost to Texas.....Texola straddles the border, hence the name. I'd already shot this town before, but still enjoyed its desolation. On the east side of town this lone building rests. 
 
What is it?? Anyone? Anyone??



GIDDY UP, I'm in Texas!!


First stop, Shamrock.....Fans of the movie Cars will undoubtedly recognize this picture......


 A few more from Shamrock ---


McLean, made a quick trip to AlanReed, (beer) and photos





then back to McLean to eat and sleep. Red River Inn in McLean was DEEE-Licious. People say I'm a picky person. And I am. I can cook. And I cook well. My theory on restaurants is this: I expect crappy food and crappy service. I'm rarely disappointed. Unfortunately, that is the state of our society. Mediocrity and apathy. Glady, this is not the case at the Red River Steak House. Best freakin' Chicken Fried Steak I've had in years. It was hand breaded, the gravy made on the spot. Highly recommend. Only curious thing....mashed potatoes were not available. Not even on the menu.



Here's a view of the Cactus Inn at Dusk.



It's about 10:30am. Heading to meet with Croc Lyle today in Amarillo, and hopefully spending the night camping at Palo Duro Canyon. Supposedly the second biggest hole in the US. Or was that Aunt Edna??


Have a great day.

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