4wasn't gonna miss this stop again. It had rained the night before, so it was amazed that I didn't end up "bottom-first" in the muddy field. (That would give me another memory though). Denise stayed inside the warm car and I ventured out into the muddy field for just the right angle for the best shot.
Driving with our Route 66 map and point of interest book, we set out looking for the Big Cross in Groom Texas. We definately couldn't miss seeing it from the highway. The cross stands 190 feet high 1,250 tons and welcoming more than ten million people a year as they pass by. Around the base of the cross are bronze sculpture depicting the life of Christ,(stations of the cross) a mound with the three crosses representing Calvary and an empty tomb.
Traveling along Hiway 40, we found a themed rest stop east if Amarillo. The rest stop is complete with a tornado shelter and memorabilia from the Historic Route 66 era.
The city of Shamrock, Texas, with the help of a private donor, has restored the Conoco Phillips station and U Drop Inn Cafe. This cafe is featured in the Disney film "Cars".
Shamrock Texas is also the home of the tallest water tower.
Crossing into Oklahoma
Route 66 museums were plentiful but we were on a timeline and couldn't stop at all of them. This one in Elk City was the stop we made.
With much daylight left and our destination of Springfield, Missouri ahead if us, we traveled on. Lucille's on the Will Rogers Highway is still standing. The family owners of Lucille's have a new restaurant in Hydro, Oklahoma where you can order a great burger and fries like in the yesteryear.
Ever heard of the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okalhoma? Built in the early 1970's by Hugh Davis as an anniversary gift for wife Zelta. The Blue Whale and it's pond became a favored swimming hole for both locals and travelers along Route 66.
*Note: I'm standing on the tail in this photo. Can you see me?
Turnpikes, exact change, and raindrops kept our day far from boring. We kept inching out way north to Springfield. With the goal of 13 states in 13 days, we forged ahead.
Finally we reached Missouri. I knew that crossing one road would land us in Kansas, so we turned left on the exit and added another state to out list.
Traveling east on Route 66, we crossed back into Missouri for the second time. (10 miles out of our way)
Our host couple in Springfield were wondering what took us so long. They asked to see out photos of the trip and they soon figured out why.
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