Day 6, Route 66 And Bobby Kemp

Apr 8, 2017 Sat0Route 66, Motorcycle



Miles:271
Start Point:El Reno, OK
Sun Rise:7:17 AM CDT
Start Weather:      At 6:00 AM CDT the temperature was 51.2 ° with 100% humidity. The conditions were foggy with a wind speed of 3.2 MPH and wind gusts of 4.9 MPH.
End Point:Amarillo, TX
Sun Set:8:10 PM CDT
End Weather:      At 6:00 PM CDT the temperature was 58.6 ° with 50% humidity. The conditions were clear with a wind speed of 1.8 MPH and wind gusts of 4.7 MPH.

First I will admit I wimped out on going to Palo Duro Canyon tonight for dinner. I got to the motel late and just did not have enough time to go. But I have had a blast today on Route 66. The overcast skies added a nice mood to my photos.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:02:48 AM CDT Altitude: 1374 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:05:30 AM CDT Altitude: 1377 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:06:18 AM CDT Altitude: 1377 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Thirty-Eight Span Camelback Bridge, Geary OK

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This is an original Route 66 bridge with the original Route 66 roadbed before and after the bridge.
theroute-66.com

It is the longest bridge on Route 66, measuring 3,944.33 feet or about 3/4 miles (1,203 m). It was built in 1933 at a cost of $346,000 and was built by the Kansas City Bridge Co. It consists of 38 pony truss sections, each 100 feet long. "Pony" refers to how the traffic is located in relation to the structure. In a pony bridge traffic flows between the parallel trusses which are not braced at the top (the trusses are the steel structures that support the bridge on either side of the roadway).

The trusses are "Camelback" design, a name which is due to the shape of the truss which curves with a slight arch-shape, strong and light. It was finally opened to traffic in 1934 due to delays in the Bridgeport section of US 66.

Its official name is "William H. Murray Bridge", but locals know it as the "Pony" bridge.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:13:44 AM CDT Altitude: 1383 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:11:07 AM CDT Altitude: 1383 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:11:43 AM CDT Altitude: 1383 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:14:14 AM CDT Altitude: 1383 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map




Random Route 66 photos


Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:22:07 AM CDT Altitude: 1475 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:27:35 AM CDT Altitude: 1486 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:31:05 AM CDT Altitude: 1500 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Lucille's, Hydro OK

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nps.gov
theroute66.com

The stretch of Route 66 from the Camelback bridge to Hydro is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the longest intact segments of Route 66 in western Oklahoma and is 19.5 miles long. It was paved in Portland Concrete in 1931, 33 and 34. Some patches of asphalt have resurfaced it west of the Canadian River, but the rest is unaltered. It has the original integral curbs and drains to help discharge rain water.

It remained operational until 1962 when I-40 replaced it.

This service station is officially named the Provine Service Station but is commonly known as Lucille's Place. This station was built in 1929 and other stations like it were springing up across the country. This style of rural station was convenient for the traveler to get gasoline, pay the attendant, and be on his way. Like other rural, mom and pop-built stations of the time, this one was built with the owner's living quarters located on the second story.

In 1941, the Hamons family took over its operation. Lucille Hamons ran the business and lived there for nearly 60 years. She quickly became one of the highway's legendary characters. Her self-reliance and generous assistance to motorists earned her the nickname "Mother of the Mother Road."

In 1971, the completed section of Interstate 40 a few miles to the south cut the station off from direct access to the new highway, but Lucille found a way to survive. She kept the station open until the day she died, August 18, 2000.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:49:59 AM CDT Altitude: 1517 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:54:14 AM CDT Altitude: 1521 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 8:54:55 AM CDT Altitude: 1521 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map




Y Service Station, Clinton OK

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nps.gov

If it is true that location is everything, then the Y Service Station and Cafe along old Route 66 in Clinton had it all. Constructed in 1937, this roadside business was strategically located on a triangular lot that formed the fork in a Y shaped intersection on the southern outskirts of Clinton. Tenth Street, which doubled as Route 66, splits at this point, with Route 66 continuing off to the west and U.S. Route 183 heading south. Situated in the middle of this fork with gas pump islands flanking both highways, the Y Service Station and Cafe prospered.

Like many roadside businesses bypassed by Route 66, the Y Service Station did not die, but instead evolved. Today, the gas pump islands are gone, the brick trim is painted blue, and blue metal awnings dominate. The building is currently host to an automobile dealership. Still, a large sign on its second floor reminds visitors that the Y and Route 66 once were closely, and profitably, connected. The station was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 9:30:16 AM CDT Altitude: 1614 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 9:29:01 AM CDT Altitude: 1609 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Canute OK

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I rode through the town of Canute. I knew there was an interesting cemetery there with a "grotto" build in 1928 along with some abandoned buildings. I noticed a vehicle in the cemetery and figured they were at the grotto as that is the main attraction. A couple was looking through a glass door and came over as I rode up. I asked something along the lines of "Is this what I came to see?" Their names were Cindy and Grady. They told me they had noticed me when I drove through town. Actually I was the only thing moving through the town so I was hard to miss.

They live in the area but Cindy had never seen the grotto so they were checking it out today.

Grady has a Honda Fury and showed me a photo of it on his phone. He admitted it was his mid life crissis motorcycle. Cindy liked my Gold Wing because it looked much more comfortable than Grady's Fury. They actually have been looking at Gold Wings. I handed them one of my coins, we shook hands and said good bye. Cindy and Grady, it was great meeting you. (more info)

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 10:23:14 AM CDT Altitude: 1885 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 10:13:44 AM CDT Altitude: 1882 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 10:17:19 AM CDT Altitude: 1882 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 10:26:14 AM CDT Altitude: 1885 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map

This is the original road bed of Route 66. You can see in the distance that I-40 cut the road in two. Route 66 continues on the other side of I-40.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 10:30:08 AM CDT Altitude: 1896 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Old Town Complex, Elk City OK

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Apr 2, 2017 Sun 11:29:03 AM CDT Altitude: 1991 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map




Random Route 66 photos


Apr 2, 2017 Sun 11:51:49 AM CDT Altitude: 1811 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map

Road kill on old Route 66.
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 11:53:08 AM CDT Altitude: 1812 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Abandoned road bed of Route 66.
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:00:48 PM CDT Altitude: 1866 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Erick OK

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Erick has an abandoned motel I wanted to check out. I was snapping a few photos when a pickup truck crossed the road and stopped, blocking a west bound lane of Route 66. Which was not much of a problem in Erick. He asked where I was from and I told him the Raleigh NC area. He told me to not miss the Texola Territorial Jail a few miles down the road and gave me directions for getting there.

We shook hands and introduced ourselves. He was Bobby Kemp. We chatted a little more and he mentioned that his bike was in the garage. Now, looking at Bobby I had no doubt what brand of motorcycle he rode, but I had to ask anyway. He replied, "A Harley".

I asked if I could take his picture. He said yes, so I did and gave him one of my coins so he could check out my website. Bobby, if you see this, it was a pleasure meeting you. And I did visit the Territorial Jail.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:16:12 PM CDT Altitude: 2046 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:14:14 PM CDT Altitude: 2046 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:14:49 PM CDT Altitude: 2046 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:16:31 PM CDT Altitude: 2046 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:17:43 PM CDT Altitude: 2047 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:30:47 PM CDT Altitude: 2118 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:37:57 PM CDT Altitude: 2114 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 12:39:13 PM CDT Altitude: 2114 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map




Random Route 66 photos


Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:01:28 PM CDT Altitude: 2314 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:01:54 PM CDT Altitude: 2314 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:02:21 PM CDT Altitude: 2314 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe, Shamrock TX

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theroute-66.com
nps.gov

The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe is located along historic Route 66 in Shamrock and was built in 1936. With its Art Deco detailing and two towers, the building was designed and constructed to be three separate structures.

The first was the Tower Conoco Station, named for the dominating four-sided obelisk rising from the flat roof and topped by a metal tulip. The second was the U-Drop Inn Cafe, which got its name from a local schooolboy's winning entry in a naming contest.

The third structure was supposed to be a retail store that instead became an overflow seating area for the cafe.

A careful restoration was completed in 2003 recovering its 1940s charm. Disney - Pixar spotted the building and included it in their 2006 movie, Cars, styling the "House of Body Art", the business of the character Ramone after the Conoco gas station.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:11:45 PM CDT Altitude: 2304 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:13:21 PM CDT Altitude: 2304 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:13:48 PM CDT Altitude: 2304 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Who would have thunk that Tesla would have a charging station in Shamrock, OK
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:14:20 PM CDT Altitude: 2304 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Magnolia Gas Station, Shamrock TX

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Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:27:04 PM CDT Altitude: 2350 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:24:38 PM CDT Altitude: 2350 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



1929 Gas Station, McLean TX

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nps.gov

In 1929, Phillips Petroleum chose McLean as the location for its first Texas station. The building's quaint Tudor Revival design complete with shutters and an exterior brick chimney reflected the trend of building gas stations that looked like cottages. The station operated for five decades before closing in 1977.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:52:02 PM CDT Altitude: 2894 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:50:36 PM CDT Altitude: 2894 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:51:33 PM CDT Altitude: 2894 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:52:36 PM CDT Altitude: 2896 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 1:53:10 PM CDT Altitude: 2896 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



66 Super Service Station, Alanreed TX

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motortexas.com

This well preserved Historic Route 66 gas station is in Alanreed, Texas.

According to the historical plaque on the building, it was constructed in 1930 and owned by Bradley Kiser.

Unfortunately, there is very little additional information about Bradley Kiser or his super service station.

The building is currently owned and maintained by the Texas Route 66 Association. That should ensure its safety and preservation for years to come.

The architecture of this gas station seems to be very unique. It has a red Spanish tile roof but the building is constructed of a sand colored brick, probably a common local brick.

Another unusual aspect are the single columns supporting the two service area canopies.

(more info)
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:10:52 PM CDT Altitude: 3033 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:09:42 PM CDT Altitude: 3033 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Not much happening on Main Street in Alanreed, TX
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:11:48 PM CDT Altitude: 3035 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:06:32 PM CDT Altitude: 3011 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Ghost Town of Jericho TX

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theroute-66.com:

The creation of the National Highway System in 1926 with the Chicago to Los Angeles highway passing through Jericho brought some prosperity: travelers began passing through the town in growing numbers. Soon it had three stores a service station, garage and even a "tourist Court". Its local farmers shipped their grain out through the grain elevator.

Population peaked at around 100 in 1933, dwindling after that. It was a long downwards spiral: the post office closed in 1995, the tracks were abandoned and lifted in the mid 1980s, and the old buildings crumbled in disrepair. Now only crumbling walls and some concrete foundations mark the old town. The cemetery however is still in use.

Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:31:12 PM CDT Altitude: 3184 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:25:28 PM CDT Altitude: 3180 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:30:39 PM CDT Altitude: 3184 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map
Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:38:04 PM CDT Altitude: 3192 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Leaning Tower of Texas, Groom TX

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Apr 2, 2017 Sun 2:57:56 PM CDT Altitude: 3233 ft Camera: X100TDisplay on Google Map



Elevation Changes During the Day


The day started at 1,407 feet and ended at 3,646 feet. The highest altitude was 3,646 feet and the lowest altitude was 1,377 feet.




Google Map Track Log


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Day 5, The Teacher, The Bus Driver, The Cook




TagsConfederate Statues  (32),Motorcycle  (97),National Parks  (9),Odd  (1),Route 66  (33),Unemployment  (6),Zombies  (1)