From Alabama to Arizona: A Geezer and Geezerette Take a Road Trip -- Day 2 Oklahoma City

We left Conway, AR at 9:30 a.m. and checked into our hotel in Oklahoma City, OK at 3:30 p.m.

Conway was a little past our goal for Day 1. Once we crossed the western state line of Arkansas, we vowed to do our best to avoid chains if at all possible for the remainder of the trip.

When we reached Ft. Smith, AR, we were in unfamiliar driving territory. We were struck by the miles and miles of colorful wildflowers along the roadway, the flatness of the terrain, hundreds of grazing fat cattle, and the WIND! I drove for the first 2 1/2 hours, but I was happy to turn the wheel over to Steve as the wind picked up. As it turns out, a massive storm is headed up the heart of the Midwest, and a tornado watch is in effect until 11:00 tonight for OKC. Praying for "travel mercies" is serious business. Eighteen wheelers on the interstate and crazy drivers in big cities, coupled with weather challenges, keep us a little on edge. My knuckles are still sore from grasping the steering wheel so tightly when I was driving through Memphis yesterday in the rain. Not joking.

We're not in Alabama anymore. No one around here is remotely interested in being "for Auburn or Alabama." Here are a couple of signs of a different culture I spotted during our short breaks today --

We're staying tonight at The Winslow. There are only two such properties, one here in OKC and the other in Winslow, AZ., so it doesn't qualify as a chain. Our room is lovely, well-appointed, and extremely spacious. Ahhhhh. We give it two thumbs up. According to the receptionist, the hotels were built "for the railroad." We normally request a room on the top floor (after having several bad experiences recently with people seeming to stomp on the floor above us), but that floor is generally reserved here for railroad workers who "come and go during all hours of the night." There are MANY trains running through this city. So far, our first floor room is very quiet. We're looking forward to a nice buffet breakfast tomorrow, included in the room rate.

After we got our luggage in the room, we booked tickets for the Bricktown Water Taxi. About twenty-five years ago, Oklahoma City started a massive campaign to attract more tourists. They readily admit "stealing" the riverwalk idea from San Antonio. They even acquired the original boats that were used in San Antonio. For a reasonable price, you are treated to a smooth, 40-minute, narrated tour. In addition to seeing the buildings, businesses, and lovely landscaping lining the Bricktown waterway, you also hear about the skyline, famous people, the Trail of Tears, and the Land Grab of 1893. For fellow geezers and geezerettes, there is a discount for people our age. :) Paid parking spaces are available around the block on Oklahoma Avenue.

Thanks to a recommendation from our friend, Dave Russell, we had a fabulous dinner at Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the Stockyards City section of town. Steve ordered a T-bone, which is said to have been the favorite cut of steak ordered by President George H.W. Bush when he visited Oklahoma. I had a ribeye. Steaks are served with a salad, a side, and GIANT yeast rolls. Highly recommend this place. It's not fancy. You won't have to dress up.