We had a blast! Leaving Wichita on Friday morning it just seemed like the weather was not going to be in our favor. After stopping in Burden for breakfast, we drove in the general direction of the Talimena Drive. On the road about 20 minutes, it was time for rain gear! It wasn’t raining hard, but it was cold.
We drove to Salisaw, Oklahoma for our first nights rest. A small Italian restaurant across the street from the hotel called our name. Interesting place; Mexican beer, Italian food! Stuffed, we walked back to the hotel for showers and a nights rest. We were tired.
Reviewing the map over breakfast, we ventured on to Mena, Arkansas and then to the Talimena Drive. So beautiful! The mountains were in layers all the way to heaven. I loved it! It was foggy and windy but the landscape was amazing.
Lunchtime, review of the map and then on to Durant, Oklahoma for the night. We found a Chili’s for food and libations. It was so hot and we were ready for a break. Great riding, no complaints….
Our third day took us through the Arbuckle Wilderness and then on to the Wichita Mountains and Holy City around the Lawton, Oklahoma area. Very interesting place, which boasts the longest running Passion Play. Longhorn cattle and buffalo roam freely around the area. I had no idea this place existed even growing up in Oklahoma, I don’t really think I had ever heard of it. Built by the Wichita Indians and now a preserve, it was peaceful, beautiful and a great tribute to Christianity.
Red Rock Canyon here we come! Hot again, lots of water and several stops and the wind was a beast. No other way to keep a helmet on other than to just hold on to the top of your head and your helmet strap. After a pass through the canyon on to Hinton, Oklahoma for the night. We settled in and then walked over to the casino. We came out with a little less money but a whole lot of laughs. So much fun!
Monday was BRUTAL, the wind was gusting 29 to 50 miles per hour and on a motorcycle it felt like 100! We actually drove through a dust storm that was blinding; we could not see the tail lights in front of us. We pulled over once we made it through for water and eye drops. Our helmets were covered in Oklahoma red dirt. The claim to fame for them!
We split up right after Anthony, Kansas to go home. Tired, sun burned, and windblown, we made it and had a fantastic time. Of course, ready to do it all over again.
Enjoy the pics – through the Talima Drive, long winding roads, our travel buddies and random pics along the way.
Peace! Pam
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
