Well, after checking out the weather forecast for today, I realized it's going to be a great day for someone whose legs don't feel energized or fresh, the new normal. The predicted WNW wind at 9mph was expected to give us a slight tailwind vector push to Guymon along a relatively flat and ruler-straight US 54.
Because of the time zone change from Mountain to Central, we were given a one hour later starting time this morning. We were greeted by bright blue skies and a temperature in the low 60Fs.
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We stayed at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Dalhart, TX
.......... just look for the 20 ft. Palomino horse statues performing a Temptations dance move. |
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| Tim and Michael have inflated their tires, loaded their bags on the truck, and are ready to rock. |
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US 54 from Dalhart, TX to Guyton, OK
-- asphalt as black and smooth as a Chow Chow's tongue |
Chuck and Randy on US 54.
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| Massive grain dryers (not shown) and storage silos along US 54. |
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It's a stick up!.
We've got our hands raised high and our money out.
(Chuck, Randy, me) |
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| Looks like Tex had a scuffle with Steven Seagal. |
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| Pay phone? |
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Any change left in pay phone?
Hey, I have clothes to wash.
(Thanks Chuck!) |
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Ice cream treats were free for us at the Dairy Queen next to our SAG stop.
We learned the manager of this DQ heard of our cross country trip and wanted to show us Texas-size hospitality.
(L to R: Ross, Alan, Stuart, Joanne) |
Not much wind today
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| Do you see the standard farm windmill in front of the colossal wind turbines? |
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| Sprinkling sand at the Oklahoma-Texas border. |
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| Roadside blooms in Oklahoma |
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| Vertical integration -- Oklahoma style. |
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It was an easy 72-mile ride to Guymon today. Although temperatures climbed into the 90Fs, we had
favorable winds; wide, clean, paved shoulders; little significant climbing; an overall drop in elevation; and relatively light traffic almost the entire way. After hearing about CrossRoad groups enduring strong headwinds on this same route in previous years, it can almost make one in our group feel guilty. Or not. |
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CrossRoads Day 18 Google Earth image and Elevation Profile
Dalhart, TX to Guymon, OK |
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Progress Map
(Black = progress-to-date; Blue = planned route) |
Our route tomorrow is a very easy 39 miles to Liberal, KS.
Great great picture of Tex---both of them. Give Dorothy a hug for me today in Liberal.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm struggling with visiting the Wizard of Oz place. I have a long-standing, deep-seated issue with that movie. And not because of flying Shriner monkeys.
ReplyDeleteAfter my ride in 2009, I researched the Big Cowboy. There used to be a steak house in that location and Big Tex was in front of the restaurant.
ReplyDeletePlease pass along to the DQ milkshake addicts that Steak and Shake's (later in the ride) are much, much better.
Thanks Jim. Will do. I prefer Steak and Shake to DQ myself. Braum's seems to be a current favorite among the group now too.
DeleteDo you prefer the 1925 silent version of the film with Oliver Hardy as the Tin woodman or have trouble with Lions & Tigers and Bears being located in the same place?
ReplyDeletenow that's funny
DeleteNeither, Denis. When the wicked witch was splashed with water, she went from a solid to a gas. I would expect her line to be "I'm sublimating, I'm sublimating." Can't stand inaccuracy in the movies, though I will make an exception for explosions in space.
DeleteHerm-
ReplyDeleteWe have enjoyed your posts and are rooting for you from
Nashville! Rock on and live the dream:)
The McGinnis Family
Hi Dina! Hi Brian! Hi kids! Thanks for sending good vibes! I'm happy to know you're riding along virtually.
ReplyDelete