Passin' through Bushland, and the Leaning Tower of Britten

February 21st – Elk City, OK to Holbrook, AZ

Over 660 miles in less than twelve hours... not too bad for this crew. And an hour of that time was spent in the company of a crowded Denny's in Amarillo, TX, waiting with a declining measure of equanimity for their meals. (Bushland Grain elevator at Bushland exit off I40 in George's Texas.)

But today's weather, with the exception of some very windy periods, was perfect for car travel. We woke to some very cool temperatures in the only occupied room of the Flamingo Motel, having shut off the heater prior to retiring. Dad was up by 6 a.m. and I roused myself about the same time. With the heater rumbling, I got a shower, made my espresso and, with Dad's help got the car packed and checked for a 7 a.m. departure. As we were packing up, we also saw a short report on The Weather Channel about the property destruction caused by the wildfire we saw raging on the outskirts of Oklahoma City as we drove through the previous day.

Other than for food and fuel, we didn't venture off of I40 for the entire day. Mom & Dad swapped shotgun duty a few times as I kept the car highway-bound without any real sleepiness for the twelve-hour hike to Arizona. The sun shone from a clear sky, and traffic was moderate. After covering the 22 miles or so from Elk City to the state line, we drove across the Texas Panhandle, then traversed New Mexico, and arrived in Arizona in the later hours of the afternoon.

Prior to tucking in last night back in Elk City, Mom & Dad had given me a clearer idea of what they wanted out of the final legs of the trip. Based on their comments, I determined that we would need to drive to Sedona as directly as possible (so sorry, Jim Rodger, that meant foregoing a drive through El Paso, TX and a report on the current welfare of the El Paso Truck Terminal; and Shirley and Leonard McCaw in Scottsdale, a possible lunch – which I hadn't even dared raise with you), spend a day exploring Sedona and environs, then drive up through Utah to Moab (lots more red-rock canyon country), then boogie for home and a Thursday arrival in Winkler. This plan met with approval, and today's the marathon drive to Arizona marked its launch.

We're all rather weary tonight, so I'll get some photos cleaned up and get this post online. We only have a two-hour drive to Sedona in the morning. We're looking forward to a day of a more relaxed exploration and shopping as opposed to concerted asphalt chew-up. Goodnight Ruth, I love you. Miss you profoundly.