I almost got off for gas just short of the Mississippi, but noticed at the last minute some signs for a NASCAR event; and no, I didn't want to get all mixed up with that. I made that mistake years ago, deciding to drive past U. of Tennessee stadium on a lovely Saturday afternoon in September, just 100,000 fans exited, and don't you know, they all wanted to head in the same direction (the Smokeys) as I did?
While driving, I played the game of looking for different license plates, and didn't see many Ohios. Where the road was straight enough, I offered the "O-H!" gesture, but didn't look back to see if I got an "I-O!" in response.
I did notice quite a lot of Ontario 18-wheelers, and one truck driven (or owned) by a very serious Sikh. How do I know? The truck had images of Sikh warriors on it, and even an AK-47! One of life's mysteries.
Anyway, that was the road behind. Monday morning brought a trip on I-44, taking me toward Arkansas, where I would see my brother. He inconveniently moved recently from St. Louis, but no matter. I got plenty of sun and country music and curious sights as I traveled the rolling hills of southern Missouri.
Interstate 44 featured:
- A "Wild Animal Adventure Park" that looked like something run by Ma and Pa Kettle. If I had the time, and was actually getting paid for these posts, it would have made a good story to stop, pay the fee, and find out exactly what "wild animals" were behind the greyed wood fence, plastered with ridiculous slogans. Maybe raccoons and possums?
- A "Sexual Health and Wellness Center" -- really? Then I saw the next line: "DVDs, lingerie..." Oh!
- Jesse James Museum.
- A place/business called "Uranus." The very first billboard set me off laughing for many miles, I had to pause my Rosary. That sign was: "Uranus Fudge Factory."
- Fascinating rock formations where the highway cut through the hills. Anyone know what sort of bedrock in this area? I can tell you there are LOTS of caves, judging by the billboards.
- Several overturned vehicles in the median strip.
- Lots of churches, period, but many of them in particular having cryptic names like, "The River" and "The Well" and "The Nook" (or was it Rook?); there goes another: "Courageous."
- A young lady in a car with Texas plates who seemed to be flossing her teeth. In the fast lane, natch.
When I turned off I-44, and picked up some supplies at Wal-Mart, I headed south along S.R. 37, also labeled the "Trail of Tears" Route. Also the trail of many uprooted trees and some flooding from recent storms. And the trail of slow-poke drivers, but I was ahead of schedule.
This route took me through the town of Freistadt, which centers on a huge Lutheran church, and featured a Bierman's Restaurant (not sure of spelling) that looked to have closed some time ago, alas. And later, through Monett, which looked pretty sad, perhaps because the Peking Restaurant had also gone out of business.
And, this part of my journey saw gas under $3!
The place where I picked up U.S. 62 (which goes through Ohio) looked like Whistle Stop from "Driving Miss Daisy."
After a nice visit with my brother, who is almost 13 years ahead of me and his excellent health is both an encouragement and a rebuke (he eats better and gets to the gym), it was time to press on toward Tulsa. Part of my objective in this adventure is to tick off several unvisited states. When I crossed into Oklahoma, I reached 44. Question: are you in Oklahoma when you enter the Cherokee Nation? At any rate, I can tick off that place too. Thanks dear Cherokees for a lovely turnpike (nearly empty).
Last night's stay was in the Catoosa Inn, and looming on the near horizon, just outside the hotel lobby, is the Hard Rock Casino. This morning I will see a few sights in Tulsa, and head further west. Oh, and one of my other games, while on the road, is to decide what famous person some random fellow traveler looks like. Sitting near me for breakfast was this guy from Breaking Bad (not exactly):
Where's that Sikh warrior when you need him?
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