It was then off to see the World's Largest Rocking Chair at the Fanning Outpost General Store. An even better attraction than the chair was their great selection of Route 66 wine - of course, I bought a bottle and 2 Route 66 wine glasses.
Back on the road, we headed towards Vernelle's motel. Situated off all main roads, I wonder how they manage to survive. Sadly, John's Modern Cabins, just a stone's throw away from Vernelle's, did not manage to survive. Through the overgrown grass, weeds, and trees you can see the remains of what used to be small cabins where weary 66 travelers could rest for the night. A sign warns no trespassing and spells out the dangers of disobeying.
Next stop was the Gay Parita, a re-furbished Sinclair station near Halltown. Mike and I got to drink Route 66 root beers with the owner, Gary Turner. After trading stories about the Mother Road, Gary pointed us in the direction of Red Oak.
Following Gary's advise, Mike and I headed to Red Oak II. I am not even sure how to describe this very surreal place. I read some place that Red Oak was like a ghost town, but not really! Lowell Davis, a Missouri artist, made the "town" of Red Oak II after the real Red Oak (which was his hometown) faded away like so many others on The Route. There are houses, a jail, a park, a blacksmith's shop, and even a church; Lowell and his wife live in one of the houses. I think one of the other houses in the "town" is also occupied. Artwork, ducks, butterflies, and birds were abundant; there was even a peacock wondering about.
After leaving Red Oak II and Missouri behind us, we drove into Kansas. I was saddened by what seemed like little towns trying to survive and very proud of their connection to Route 66. After a great meal in Baxter Springs at Cafe on the Route - I had an Everything But...burger (and trust me it had everything) - we headed to the hotel to blog, unwind, and plan tomorrow.
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