Oklahoma to Amarillo, TX
Oklahoma.
- Lots of armadillos. Dead.
- Business names with two initials, like 'R&J Rentals' or 'S&P Guns' are quite fashionable.
- They have Aldi grocery stores. Last time I saw one was in Germany. Maybe the Germans branched out.
- People seem to be decent drivers, but almost every vehicle has dents in it. Fully smashed windshields or hanging bumpers abound, like nothing happened, just drive on.
- Gas was cheap in KY (2.20/gal) then got progressively more expensive heading west. Arkansas was just under 3/gal and then... crossed into OK and bam, back to 2.25/gal. Hmm.
- Big signs advertising funeral services and cost on roadsides - $3500 for full casket, only $750 for cremation. You'd never see that in BC. It would be considered ... inappropriate. Spent a good hour thinking about cultural differences, and whether these are indicators of a healthier or less healthy social environment. We censor death in Canada much more bluntly, I think. Which is odd when you consider it's inevitability.
- People are friendlier in Oklahoma. When I stop somewhere I inevitably am approached by a curious local asking about where I'm from. Arkansas folk didn't do that, yet were always helpful when asked.
- There seems to be a Dollar General bubble imminent. Even the smallest backwater has one of their discount stores.
- A friend lent me his cooling vest which works pretty well. It's sort of a felt type thingy. I soak it in a gas station sink and wear it under my jacket. Takes around an hour to evaporate. Nice - thanks for that Garry!
- I'm starting to think that the best place to get local info is at 8:30am at any McDonald's. There is always a table of old guys who are eager to chat and give me tips on avoiding road construction or taking shortcuts. This morning in Springdale... there they were.

I have my packing down to a science. Here's the Crow just before heading out this morning.

Drop on the tank bag and that's it.
I stopped and bought a cheap gel pad for my seat. Curious to see if it makes a difference.
I've found some Wifi in a Starbucks in Oklahoma City (haven't seen many Starbucks at all lately) and now off to my target - Amarillo, TX to find a campsite.
Update: found the Shangri-la of campsites and have the place almost to myself.
I stopped and bought a cheap gel pad for my seat. Curious to see if it makes a difference.
I've found some Wifi in a Starbucks in Oklahoma City (haven't seen many Starbucks at all lately) and now off to my target - Amarillo, TX to find a campsite.
Update: found the Shangri-la of campsites and have the place almost to myself.

So far my plan to whittle the great plains ride down by heading south seems to have paid off. No matter how you cut it, it's head down and ride straight for hours through this flat expanse. Took a pic from the top of an overpass.... 6 hours on that road. I'm trying to get this part over with quickly.

I played around with my phone camera at 120 km/h. Windmills in Texas.

No way that Porche can take me.

What I stare at all day...
