Anyway, Tuesday was a day of more driving and fewer stops. We got kind of a late start out of Springfield, MO and our first stop was soon after, and for me it was also the most entertaining. The place was in Paris Springs, MO, and was called Gay Parita. The proprieter told us that there was originally a town/settlement there called Parita, MO, and the woman half of the couple that started the gas station had the first name of Gay, thus the name was born. Eventually they sold it to another couple who kept the name, and when they died, their family took over the business and are still there catering to the cruisers who stop to shop and chat. Incidentally, I got a nice long sleeved Henley shirt with the obligatory Route 66 stuff silk screened on it at a very reasonable price, and the best part is that they sell only American made shirts! Way to go George and Barbara! See pictures below of their well kept operation.
We also stopped for a minute in Galena, KS where the real life inspiration for Tow Mater (from the movie Cars) resides. I got a couple of pics of myself next to is and shot a short video on my phone for my granddaughter Evelyn...it's her favorite character from the movie. We also stopped at an historical marker near there and learned a bit about the Civil War activity there, specifically some of the attacks by Quantrill's Raiders.
And the stop at the Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK can't go without mentioning. It's this huge figure that is half in a pond, and looks like a whale. Considering the wooden Ark that is also on site, but not in the water (and looking like it's about to fall down), I've come to the conclusion that the whale must be tied to the biblical story of Jonah. I have no idea why this stuff was built, because it was no small effort or expense and there is no admission charge, but it's there just the same.
Well, it's time for a fresh cup of coffee. More travels in Oklahoma today. See ya!
How cool is that
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