Then it was on to Oklahoma. I had expected to see mostly flat lands, but when we first entered, it was more a rolling terrain. Nathan commented on a lake that we crossed. We have seen muddy lakes and greenish lakes, but Lake Eufaula has a thick red clay color. I'm not sure if this is a result of the recent storms in the area or not. When we got about 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City, we began to see some of the remnants of the tornado that blew through Moore, Oklahoma on the 20th. The trees were torn up in one small section on both sides of Highway off interstate 40, but everything looked good in OKC from what we could see. Taylor was really impressed with the walls they have erected around the highway in OKC. He said that they know how to do it right because it was so much prettier than those in our TN/MS area. They have used a tan and red concrete combination to create lovely walls that lead to ornate overpasses. (Some overpasses even had small trees planted across them.) The land continued to roll a bit and eventually flattened out more like we had expected. Then we came across something like knolls (only not really rounded) about 50 miles from the state line. Following this was lots and LOTS of more flat land that led us into Texas.
Our first stop into Texas was Shamrock. We rode a little of Route 66 and took in some of the historic buildings and old vehicles in the area. We also spotted an oversized arrow that allowed for a run and stretch moment for the older three. Andrew is being a real trooper so far. He is riding well, but the initial strapping him back in usually causes a bit of a meltdown. Our next roadside attraction was found in Britten, TX where we spotted the leaning water tower. Another good stretch point for all of us!
Our grandest find today was The Cross park in Groom, TX. This park began construction on donated land in 1995. A local engineer donated his skill and labor as well as the materials for the cross. The cross stands 190 feet and weighs 1250 tons. There have been several artist donate labor for the cross and sculptures. It is a work in progress open to any/all Christian groups. Catholics hold Good Friday services on the grounds, and Protestants have Easter sunrise services here. How beautiful THAT must be!! Nathan and I found a particularly touching sculpture of Jesus holding a fetus. That particular sculpture was especially meaningful for us. Our last big vacation was in 2010 after we lost C.J. We had planned on a trip to Grand Canyon that year, but our plans were changed when fires started in that area a week before we were to leave. We changed our plans and went to New England instead. Though I enjoyed that trip, I recall days that were so glum for me. Everything was still so fresh. When we came across this sweet scene today, Nathan said it was as if C.J. is on this trip with us. Such a sweet reminder that we are not a family of 6 but rather 7! We talked about how God had shielded us from that in 2010 because we certainly would have come across the park, and it would have been too raw and painful. Yet today it was such a beautiful sight to us! The boys seemed to really enjoy all the sights here too, but Taylor and Samuel had great fun when they ran ahead and waited inside the "empty" tomb. Nathan began walking in and was met suddenly by Taylor and Samuel who had been waiting quietly to ambush him. He was caught completely off guard since we know the tomb to be empty!
Our last stop of the day was Amarillo. We stopped at the Big Texan for dinner and enjoyed the atmosphere and food. Taylor made the comment that he had finally tasted REAL beef. The boys enjoyed watching 5 men each try to scarf down a 72 oz steak and sides in an hour’s time. None managed to complete it, but one fella got within 7 oz. of finishing his meal. He reminded the boys of our friend Albin, and he told them to never try that. If the participants didn’t succeed on their challenge they paid $42 for their meal and got a free t-shirt and boot mug, and I would guess a big belly ache! Before we left three cowboys meandered over and serenaded us with a round of Amarillo by Morning by George Straight. We had planned on camping, but could not find any real tent sites, so we settled in to a roadside hotel and collapsed around 10:30 after traveling 757 miles.
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