Last Arkansas Trip to Arkansas Part 1 - Route 66

Several years ago we visited Arkansas by way of Route 66. We started our trip heading out to Colorado, staying in the town of Nederland, where we once had a construction company. Boy, we had forgotten how the altitude affects you when you consume alcohol after living in Ohio for awhile! The next morning when we got up, there was snow on the peaks just above town, nixxing our plan to ride through Rocky Mountain National Park. So we headed south towards the big state of Texas and the Oklahoma pan handle where we would pick up old Route 66.
We picked up Route 66 and found ourselves taken back in time as we explored abandoned gas stations and motor hotels, small kitchenette motels along the roadside that had carport accomodations much like the one pictured here, chained off when we stopped, most likely to prevent additional ravages by vandals. Old Route 66 runs parallel to US 40 and hops on and off the interestate. Patches of it are gone completely, and other sections are sort of rough. Much of the ride we could see and hear the interstate traffic off in the distance, but it was far enough removed to put you in another time, another place. The occassional local traffic would pass by without giving us particular notice, most likely used to the tourists and sight seeing public exploring the silent past.
We saw a flier for the Devil's Rope Museum, a tribute to barbed wire, some where along the way and deviced to check it out. Unfortunately, one loses track of days and time on the road and we found ourselves standing at a locked door on the Labor Day Holiday. We were only able to enjoy the folly from the road side, heading on to other adventures.

On a well maintained portion of the old Route 66 we found this Conaco gas station that used to house a restraunt, dry cleaners and full service mechanic in days gone by. Beautifully restored, with era specific gas pumps under the porteco, this too was closed due to the holiday. We enjoyed viewing the beautiful restoration job from outside. The facility has been turned into a tourist information stop.

Our cabin in Arkansas was a welcome site. Located in the Buffalo National Forest in the Ozarks, it was very secluded and very nice accomodations, although not very motorcycle friendly access. Any motorcyclist will tell you that alot of the trip is the journey, not the destination.

Looking forward to doin' it again. See ya' on the road.

Bobbi