Making Fast Tracks Today-May 5, 2012

St. Jude's Hospital for Children, Memphis, TN

We really made some tracks today, traveling more than 600 miles!  As we headed out of Tennessee, we passed St. Jude's Hospital for Children in Memphis.  My cousins Kim and David Wichlan were doctors there; and, Memphis was the location of their wedding in 2007....bringing back many fond and joyful memories.  Unfortunately, our driving marathon did not allow time to revisit Graceland....a very favorite location for my cousin Bill, super-fan of Elvis that he is :-)

So, on we trekked...crossing the mighty Mississippi River and into Arkansas.

The landscape along I-40 was a mix of flatland and farms, rice fields, and some hills thrown in.  The highways need some work, but we managed just fine.

From time to time, we took some much-needed rest breaks thru the day.  So far, each state has beautiful rest stops along the interstate and Cutter was especially eager to explore the many new smells.  At each stop, he attracts new friends eager to pet and fuss over him.  It is amazing how friendly folks are to share their favorite dog stories.  It sure opens up some fun opportunities to chat with new folks along the way.

It has been interesting to read about each state....we stop at the Welcome Centers to get basic travel information, and it has made for interesting reading.

It is hard to believe that we are entering Oklahoma by mid-afternoon.  There are signs telling us that we are passing thru Cherokee Nation - a reminder that Oklahoma has a long history with our American Indian nations.  I am eager to get the the Welcome Center to read more about the history.

As we pull into the Welcome Center, the unique tepees are really picnic tables.  At every turn, there are reminders we have entered Indian country.

The Welcome Center lobby is full of Indian regalia, along with photos and descriptions of the many Indian Nations that now reside in Oklahoma.

As I read through the history of the many Indian Tribes, I am feeling like I just finished watching 'Dances With Wolves' again.  Feelings of shame about what has been done to our Native Americans seems to be yet, another example of the selfish, destructive nature of our human race.

We are getting weary as we approach Oklahoma City....Dick has been driving for more than 12 hours, and we are ready to crash.

We have just plugged in at the Rockville RV Camp off Exit 143.  Once Dick has the electric connected, I am eager to get the A/C fired up....it has been super-hot these past few days. Dinner, showers and now bed....a good day, but exhausting.  We'll probably do another 600 miles tomorrow, making up for lost time.  I think our destination tomorrow is Albuquerque, NM...stay tuned!