High temp displayed today 31C/88F.Ride started out overcast at 19C/66F but warmed up when the sky cleared before noon. Still seeing high water levels around rivers - top of picnic tables in one riverside park - but fields not as wet as in IL so hopefully farmers will be better off.
Stopped at Gay Parita gas station in Paris Springs, MO & was greeted by Gary Turner who owns & restored it. Gary offered me an orange soda and took time to give me much info about his garage & other sights I should take in around there and even provide a hand-drawn map. Told me that the station was started by Gay & Fred Mason and when I told him that's my last name he said they could be kin.
Saw a few interesting things in Kansas, such as the last remaining Rainbow Curve Bridge on 66, but blink your eyes & you're through KS.
Went through Commerce, Oklahoma where Mickey Mantle grew up. Saw what I think was his house but nothing noting it other than my GPS.
Just southwest of Miami is some of the original 1 lane highway. I rode this part, as most people probably don't, and found the best of it is very rough and the worst is more dirt than pavement. This is original, original highway and in the pictures you can see one dirt/mud section due to the recent heavy rains. When I hit this section I debated turning around but decided that it may have been difficult with the limited space, terrain and the trailer. So I went through & made it. Not sure what I would have done if I didn't make it. After this difficult road most of the rest of 66 to Tulsa is now State Highway 66 with a speed limit in most places of 65 mph. Part of the reason for my longer distance travelled today.
Photos: Gary's gas station; Rainbow curve bridge; Example of better portion of 1 lane Route 66; Look back at what I took the bike & trailer through.
2 comments:
That mud looks kind of scary for driving. I'm glad you made it safely through.
Signed - a concerned wife
Didn't consider not making it through but thought about it after.
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