Day 39 - Archer City to Frederick - Two Far 2021 - Sooo... Far

May 17, 2021

Day 39 - Archer City to Frederick

Into Oklahoma

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Today was a long one -70 miles. It was a nice ride most of the way. The cloudy skies gave way to blue early in the ride and we had a great tailwind for at least the first 40 miles. After that, it was a cross wind, but not bad. We were on very low traffic roads, most with good shoulders. Drivers continued to be safe and courteous.

This picture sums up the first half of the ride - cows and oil wells.

Oil wells were very numerous just north of Archer City.

This is called a pump jack. It is used to lift oil to the surface when there is not enough pressure for it to rise naturally.

Our first stop today was at Kathy's Korners, a small breakfast and lunch diner near Kamay, TX. The greeter at the door was very glad to see us.

We had a rest break and some Diet Coke and cookies. Kathy told us a little bit about the place. She's owned it for thirteen years.

Kathy wants to start serving dinner with live music on Friday nights.

Kathy treated us to the soda and cookies. Thank-you, Kathy!

Kathy and her father in law, Chuck. Chuck said he is the cashier.

Across the street from Kathy's Korner was this row of old pump jacks.

They are also called nodding donkeys, grasshoppers, horse-heads, thirsty birds, among other nicknames.

Today's first historical marker was Texas decorated. We actually haven't seen nearly as many bullet hole ridden signs in Texas as we have in other places.

The marker is on a Shriners Hospital owned farm. We didn't learn any more about that.

We rode past many miles of mesquite trees today. Where ever land had not been cleared for oil wells, pasture or farming, there were mesquite trees.

Today's other historical marker. We didn't see any evidence of the old road.

As we got closer to Oklahoma, we saw more and more wind turbines. Most of them were still today.

Cattle and oil gave way to wheat and cotton farming in far north Texas.

I don't know why this hut stands in a wheat field, but it makes a pretty picture.

Kerry saw this business and decided it was a place worth visiting. We rode in and talked to the guys inside the office. In addition to ginning cotton, they provide other agricultural services, including fertilizers and fuel.

Alan shared his knowledge about local wheat and cotton farming.

They've been ginning cotton here for a long time

We soon crossed the Red River into Oklahoma

The old bridge across the river There were hundreds of these birds flying from under the bridge. Cliff swallows, maybe?

Something we haven't posted yet - Oklahoma cows

We have "only" 54 miles tomorrow to Hobart, OK. The weather continues to be iffy, but we hope our luck will continue.

Today's ride: 70 miles (113 km)
Total: 1,702 miles (2,739 km)

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Ken GassYou two have a knack for meeting local folks! Also, you are leaving Texas so soon. You'll have to come back for the Hill Country;)
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3 years ago

Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo Ken GassWe have had fun visiting the Hill Country by car. We may get there on the bike someday.
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3 years ago

Teresa KillebrewDan was born at the Frederick hospital .....he grew up in Tipton, about 15 miles west. His mother lived in Frederick a good many years growing up.
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3 years ago