Author: Lauren Mirs

The Spirit of 66

I get really excited when I see anything related to Route 66. Like a lot of people, I’m captivated by the idea of it: the spontaneity, the adventure, the discovery. The truth is, I probably would have hated it: the clogged streets, the crowds, touristy souvenir shops, the roasting summer heat. When I see photos of Route 66 in its heyday, each lane of traffic as long as a freight train, all I can think about is trying to make a left turn out of a gas station.  

Ironically, I drove five hours straight through to visit the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. It was the only Point of Interest on the atlas to capture my attention that day. The museum came at a good time on my trip; I’ve been traveling too far too fast. It was a good reminder to slow down and savor my time.

When it comes to Route 66, I don’t think there’s anything special about that particular asphalt- it’s the style of travel that’s appealing: pick a road to drive on, and stop at whatever catches your eye along the way. Be present. Wholly experience the journey. The good news is that the spirit of 66 can be replicated on any road, in any town- even in your own neighborhood.  

Photo: Roman Nose State Park, OK

Photo: goat at Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo, Hot Springs, AR

Before entering the petting zoo, staff members handed each guest two or three slices of Wonder Bread. Once outside, you’re allowed into some of the pens, so there’s no fence between you and the animals. Most goats came up and started chewing on my clothes and climbing up my legs, trying to reach the bread. This little cutie would walk up calmly, stand a couple feet away, and politely ask with this look.

A Chance to Escape

I passed a sign near the Kansas-Oklahoma border that read “Hitchhikers may be escaped inmates.” On a serious note, I appreciate the warning to drivers. But mostly, the sign sounded like a Mad Lib. It got me thinking about all the other possibilities: Hitchhikers may be Olympic pole vaulters. Hitchhikers may be snake charmers. …may be violinists, roller skaters, fluent in Farsi, Trekkies, champion poker players, puppeteers, astronauts- anything. It’s a good exercise to imagine what any of us could be.

Photo: Oklahoma cow

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I started camping on National Pi Day. Extreme wind caused two layers of my tent to flap together all night, creating the craziest noises. It sounded like a squirrel was zipping and unzipping a huge plastic zipper, scarfing down popcorn, sucking out of a straw when there was only ice left in the glass, then scrabbling up the side of my tent. As these sounds repeated in different patterns, I pictured a cartoon squirrel with a mischievous grin acting out each scenario. Being Pi Day, I also pictured it slurping down whole pumpkin pies. I did not get a lot of sleep that night.

Photo: juniper at Alabaster Caverns State Park, OK