Part 5
Arizona/New Mexico
Yes, we were still on the Mother Road----to be renamed Motherf-----g Road of Route 66(6)........yes it is that hot. Trying to figure out what the 'big deal' is for following this. We were passed by a couple of truck and trailers full with federal agents and their drug dogs we had met the day earlier.......they had just spent 5 weeks at 29 Palms.......these agents and dogs would give all of us chuckles over the next 1,200 miles........
We made it out of the worst part of the desert in the morning and were told that the road to Flagstaff was much cooler and looked forward to a much more comfortable ride......I can't believe we complained about the coldness of the coast only the day before.........
We were so close to Lake Havasu and Las Vegas but really only had 'getting out of this desert' on our minds.......oh sure, we'll regret it at some point but not on this day. We did however discuss the demise of the 'Historic Route 66' and it was not the creation of the interstate system since most of it WAS the interstate.........it was the creation of bigger brains and the realization that..........this is STUPID!!!!!!!
We passed up going to the Grand Canyon too as we've been there twice.......don't need to see it again. Stopped at couple of Harley Dealerships too in Arizona and were usually met with locals who tell us they can only dream of doing what we're doing. We try to tell them that it is not as hard or expensive as it seems.....(we spent less than $1,800 in 13 days).........but we are also lucky enough to be living in the middle of the country where it is only a 3 days drive to anywhere in the United States. More and more again, I am thankful to be living in the midwest........how I miss seeing green grass......
Pulled into get gas......guess who was there........agents and dogs.......with friendly nods and laughter we were off again........only to be passed by them again.....hundreds of miles down the road.
Opted to stay in Albuquerque for the night, against our better judgement........have seen too many 'Cops' episodes. It only to 20 minutes for my ashtray I had set outside my door to be stolen.
Part 6
Texas/Oklahoma
You would never guess who we ran into that morning at the gas station? You're right.....our friendly agents and their dogs...........still laughing about this. Their destination.....South Carolina.....ours was Amarillo for some good BBQ........Oops, they're passing us again with friendly waves. They have the 'ticket' to speed......us.....not so much.
We made it to Amarillo at lunch time.......anticipation of good 'ol Texas BBQ..........stopped at the Big Texan Steakhouse....home of the 72 oz. steak.
We were ushered upstairs only to be seated at a table right by............our friendly federal agents.......I asked, "are you following us?". Their reply," Ha...we were here first!" Guess you got me on that one.....
I made it through two bites of my brisket.....no, nope can't do it......thought I would get over the beef/pork-I don't know what they're feeding them-it's not Omaha beef-mental/stomach block I have going on.........what did I eat? Mac and cheese and bread. Still though......it took me 5 weeks to lose 18 lbs. and only 5 days of traveling to gain it back!?!
Stopped for gas close to the Oklahoma border again and..........guess who was there.............our friendly agents and their dogs.........gave them a hard time since they left the restuarant a good 45 minutes before us.........of course they tried to give us the excuse that it takes time to feed, water, and walk 26 dogs AND gas up two vehicles compared to our one motorcycle.........excuses, excuses..........we said our good-byes 'one last time'......we thought. They 'blew' by again near the I-40/I-44 interchange. Waved and we knew it was the 'one last time'......1,258 miles and 3 days later.......I wonder if they'll think of us the next few days as they continue on the journey and we on ours.........
Found a wonderful hotel in Tulsa, the last night of needing one as we are heading to Lebanon, MO to stay with Leroy's brother and family for a few days before heading back to Omaha. I have been boasting about using my AARP card for great discounts at the hotels and found out tonight that he can get a better discount using his CDL................Well, next time we'll know......Oh, the hotel's by a Waffle House too. I think I'm in Heaven.
Part 7
Missouri/Home
Spent the last 3 days of our vacation with Leroy's brother Tony, Penny, and Karen in Lebanon, MO. We always seem to make it to their house after every vacation.
Really enjoyed not sitting on the bike for two whole days! Went to Open House at Karen's Elementary School as she will be in first grade and started the day we left for Omaha. Leroy and I borrowed one of their cars just to drive around the area, eat lunch, visit Antique Malls. I believe the most relaxing days of our vacation were spent in Missouri. Can't ever go there without stopping at Lambert's in Ozark---"Home of the Throwed Rolls".
Always stuffing ourselves, swearing 'never again'.
We made it home with clear skies and a calm breeze. And as we unpack our road-worn clothes, plop down into our recliners, feet up, cold beer in hand, I hear the familiar phrase---"next year, we are just going to ride somewhere and stay our butts there for a week". Ya, right!