This IS the way!

Where to start?

Given the email messages of concern we have been receiving it would be only fair to say that we have not been affected by the terrible weather that is causing such havoc in the uS. Today started bright, if early, and continued in perfect sunshine and light breeze all day.

Secondly, the clothes are all fine. And (thanks again for all the smart comments) we all fit them. Working through three full meals a day, including it seems at least one 8 oz steak at some meal while walking ...oh probably all of a mile each day, seems to be just the perfect balance. Anyway the No Panic theme for the holiday is holding solid.

We did not panic in the slightest when Jill, just to be mean and show that she is in charge, brought us to a complete dead end. I think that is a requirement for anyone who really does Route 66. You have to run out of road sometime. Besides Seamus also got to explore the red earth dirt tracks of Oklahoma up close. Can you see the trail of dust still?

Oh while we are on the good new I could finally stop taking the back tablets today. The lads don't know so again...not a word. My back gave up in the week before I left. Could only stand for short periods. Deirdre, bless her, was worried. We put our faith in plenty of tablets and some prayer. The combination eased the problem gradually: I regretted being so busy I could not get to my physio as I usually do when this problem strikes. No bother yesterday. No tablets this morning and no adverse reaction. Sorted.

Back to this morning. We were up and at it early. Did not even pause for breakfast but made tracks quickly ... ok, it was into a dead end withing a few miles but at least we were heading West!

We found Chucks in Elk City. We loved Chucks. Its a diner that does a great breakfast. More to the point every cowboy for miles around seems to gather there in their fancy hats and fancier boots. These were real working cowboys. We fitted in just fine. John's hat was a bit newer and less battered that all the others. Despite what may have initially been more decorative boots than Brendan's they could no longer quite match the class of Brendan's elegant footwear.   We enjoyed our meal and our virtual engagement in all the discussion of how best to succeed at the rodeo.

Oh, on a disappointing note: we seem to have somehow come through today without investing in any ancillary items. Don't know how that happened but there you go. Let there be no panic. Don't need any more money today!

We did the Route 66 museum in Elk City. Have to say it, and a lot of the other attractions were testament to the power of American advertising. However in each place the people was a treat and only delighted to help us. The U Drop Inn in Shamrock has been restored and reopened in recent years so we aimed for there for lunch. But is does not say opened for what. The Thursday quilting group were a little surprised when we did drop in. Nice quilts but , God bless them, they are not a patch on D's masterpieces. In time they will get the hang of  it. We gave them some tips and left. Running across Route 66 we got to Big Vernan's Steakhouse. One very hassled but pleasant waitress approached us before the one guy waiting ahead of us.  Boy did he have a fit of pique and stormed out. We enjoyed our meal.

On through Texas and we stopped first at the safety areas. Great structures which have guides to the local areas and incorporate facilities for tired motorists and have tornado shelters. Mind you the sign saying 'keep of f the grass for fear of rattlesnakes' took the edge off our feeling of security. However Seamus tested the grass and decreed that the sign was a 'recommendation'not an instruction. Seamus seems to regard some many  most  all signs that way!!



We also tried the Blessed Mary Restaurant for afternoon tea. Got along story of why this institution is another just about to bite the dust on Route 66. Charming man. A little to the right of Brenda (Power or Moran - take your pick) in his views but he blessed us before we went on our way. No coffee though.

We saw the second biggest cross in the Western world ... from a distance.

We also saw deer, prairie dogs, eagles, a skadger, no turtles (saw those the last few days any nearly ran over a big one) and of course no rattlesnakes.

We have found our way to Amarillo, albeit the girls are (we hope) waiting for us half a world away.

For now the priority, I am being informed, is to finish this Blog and go get some food before we starve.

Until tomorrow then.