We left Springfield, MO with about 800 miles left to go. It was theoretically possible to drive that distance in one day -- we would have to get an early start and stay completely on interstates. We didn't feel up to that so we aimed for Amarillo or Tucumcari to host our last night on the road.
There is lots to see on this leg, but we were toured out and decided to pass on all of them. In particular, we passed the Will Rogers Museum (Tulsa), the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum (OK City), and the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. Next time.
Our only problem involved I-44 which becomes the Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma. We had to get off this limited service road to get gas. They had closed one of the major service islands and that took us outside the range of the guzzling Mercedes. We had to get off the turnpike in Vinita for gas. Rather than double back, we took US 69 straight south through Muscogee and eventually I-40. US 69 gave us mostly four lane rural travel with no congestion.
On I-40 the only problem is getting through OK City. Full attention is required to get through the intersections with I-35, I-44 and several beltways. At least your passengers can enjoy the impressive skyline of this metropolis.
After OK City it was clear sailing interrupted only by the hubbub of Amarillo. Singing strains of all the many Route 66 jingles helped pass the time and the popular Cadillac Ranch just west of Amarillo. We rolled into Tucumcari about 8:30 PM Mountain time. It was 575 miles, the longest leg of this trip. It was only 200 miles to Albuquerque -- time enough to meet our VMCCA club tomorrow at its scheduled tour of the Archie Lewis Museum in Moriarty.
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