Greeting from Muskogee OK. Pulled in about 1 PM. I learned two things, important things today -- #1 don't
stop at a convenient store or a gas stations to ask directions, if they do
speak English, they have absolutely no idea about any monuments or battle
fields, and #2, don't judge a book by its cover -- I pulled into a motel, saw a
guy staggering across the parking lot, didn't know if I should just turn around
and pull out -- he didn't look too 'cool!' But decided to stay - when I got to
the office, he opened and held the door, I then noticed the Viet Nam Vet cap
and the artificial leg -- WOW -- did I feel like a jerk! Got me one of my
'special rooms!' Mom and Pop operation -- $35/nite! Can't beat it!
I left Atoka about 8:30 AM –
fueled up and got a bag of ice to keep the sodas and tea cool. Started my day off with a chuckle. Two men were fueling up at the pump across
from me – between the two of them, they had 4 or 5 credit cards – tried each of
them, couldn’t remember the zip code – seems they are all from a business
address or something, not their personal cards.
Ended up they pooled some cash and used that to pay. So, strange things strike my fancy!
Then I proceeded to pass right
by the cemetery and stage coach trail.
About 15 miles down the road, I found a place to turn around and go
back. Still didn’t find the battle field
– stopped at two gas stations and no one had any idea what I was talking about….OK
– lots of folks with an interest in history, I see!!
Drove around McAlester – found the cattle drive statuary but it is located in a spot where it is impossible to get a picture – just off the 4-lane and no area wide enough to pull off – it sets up on a rise so it is a difficult angle. But I tried. They have some beautiful old buildings down town. Seems this part of the country does a really good job of trying to save and repurpose the buildings.
One thing I can say about this
area of Oklahoma – there must have been a really good sale on buffalo
statues! They are all over the
place! This is definitely Buffalo
Country.
Went on to Eufala and Crowder –
took the drive thru both towns, some attractive older buildings being
maintained. Thought maybe I’d stop at
the Tastee Freeze in Eufala, but it seems the whole world stops there. Didn’t need a cone that bad in the morning. I found the clocks in downtown Eufala fascinating -- and the buildings are so well kept.
Missed another battle field in
Checotah. I think I’m going to need to
come back to Texas on this route and try to pick up what I’m missing. The folks at the Muskogee tourist place drew
me a map – I’ll find it the next time. There is a definite problem with the marking
of these places. I’d think they would
have more signage, especially on the highway.
Maybe it is down because of all of the road construction – there is
plenty of THAT! No shortage of orange
signs in Oklahoma!
Since I had such great luck
trying to find places today, when I got to Muskogee, I decided to pull into the
tourist info place – smart move. Nice
retired couple manning the shop today and gave me more info than I can ever
use. Must have spent over an hour just
chatting with them about the various things along the Jefferson Highway. I think I’ll survive my stay in Muskogee
and see what I came to see. They gave me
a terrific map of the area and even highlighted places and directions. I guess they could see I was directionaly challenged!
Since I arrived early, I went
out to see the submarine (USS Batfish) at the Memorial Park – no, I didn’t tour the
sub – the Navy was kind enough to assign me temporary duty on an Aussie diesel
sub at Pearl Harbor for repair – I reported daily to the sub as the supply
clerk. That was enough “sub service” for
me! I followed the old Jefferson Highway as it
meandered thru town on my way back. Got
caught in some traffic at Balcone College – was going to look for a marker for Milly
Francis, the Creek Pocahontas,
but will try to go back and pick that up in the AM – it will be on my way out
of town.
If I can pull myself together – and not look like 2 days of bad road –
I would like to attend a talk at the 3 Rivers Museum tonite on the Civil War in
the Indian Territory. I figure if I can’t
find the battle fields, I can at least listen to the talk.
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