Saturday, 28 March.

Had our first night actually sleeping in the camper.  We had installed a different queen sized mattress than the one that came with the camper and we had a good nights rest.  After showers and a few bites for breakfast, we were on the road at 8AM.

There were MORE back-roads to explore.  There are many organizations and volunteers who are working hard to restore and maintain the road and the sites from the “Mother Road:  We are now starting to see references to the “Grapes of Wrath” and the migration from the ‘depression era’ problems of Kansas and Oklahoma farmers to what they thought was the promised land in the West.

After Missouri, we got to spend 13 miles touring the great state of Kansas!  It may not be long, but it was obvious that they’re very proud to be a part of the “National Highway”.

In Oklahoma, we were able to drive some of the FIRST concrete roads on the route.  In 1922, the goal had been to pave a road from Miami to Afton (in Oklahoma) because the muddy roads were sometimes impassable.  Legend has it that the budget for the project was only half of the lowest bids, so instead of only building half of the highway, they made it only half as wide for the whole length.  It was known as the ‘Sidewalk Highway” and the parts that remain are on the National Historic Register.

The 'road' is only 9 feet wide

We also passed through the region where Will Rogers was raised.  A lot of people claim he was born in their town, but nevertheless, Rt 66 in Oklahoma is known as the Will Rogers highway.

We ended up in Edmond (a northern suburb of OK City) for the night as guests of Ellen’s in-laws.  It was a welcome respite from 9 hours on the road.  They served us a fantastic home made lasagna dinner and finished it off with a chocolate desert, which we’re still dreaming about.... Thanks Linda and Rich!!!!

"Mickey Mouse" dancing on a triple chocolate extravaganza!!

356 miles for the day and another good one!