Today was spent mostly in Oklahoma- specifically western Oklahoma (minus the panhandle). I started the day in Enid where I visited the grave of my grandmother, her husband, and my uncle. Then I went to my grandmother’s old home just a few blocks away. There used to be a field behind the house that went all the way to the highway. Now there’s an auto collision repair shop filling it, only feet from the fence. I remember that field was a haven for the gophers that would invade my grandfather’s small garden (he would grow all sorts of things, but what I remember most were the potatoes) and the yard next door. When I think about Enid I always think about my grandparents, but I think I remember my step-grandfather Art most. I only met him a few times, and I think it would have been nice to have known him better.
After Enid, I drove west to Woodward and then south to Elk City. When I was in Enid I stopped at an Oklahoma tourist information place and picked up a map. I had time to waste, and the Route 66 museum in Elk City seemed appropriate considering my now fifteen-day road trip across North America. Along the way I visited the Little Sahara State Park (between Enid and Woodward), which was a huge disappointment. There I was excited about a small desert tour… I left after encountering hundreds of Oklahomans on ATVs. No safari for Joe today.
The Route 66 museum was interesting- it’s actually four museums in one: farm equipment, transportation, old homes and such, and the Route 66 itself. Not a bad stop for $4 (with my AAA membership). From Elk City I drove south to Altus, where I grabbed a taco from Taco Bell. In the drive-thru line, I noticed two chickens and another small bird walking around behind the fast-food restaurant. I asked the girl at the window exactly how fresh was their chicken? She responded, “Very fresh.” I asked if that included the three in back, and she seemed a little surprised, offering “They’re not supposed to be there!” Good thing I had the steak quesadilla. Eesh.
After leaving Altus, I journeyed south toward Texas, crossing the raging Red River, and finding myself in Weatherford for the night. Which really leads us to right now, this moment.
by Joe Kennedy
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