May 26, 2009
My trip to Great Plains Rodeo in Oklahoma
Friday May 22, 2009
Left at 3pm for Oklahoma after a bit of a freak out when I could not find my pills they where already in my suitcase just in a side pocket . . . freaked out for nothing, not a good start.
Started up my GPS, which I have named “Gaye”, I drove down by myself so she kept me company when I strayed from her chosen route to get gas or food. Recalculating your route, make a U-turn was her favorite saying to me. However, she worked like a charm and got me to the hotel. Found out later she can lead you down the wrong rood too.
The hotel was great “Hilton Garden Inn” very nice folks and wonderful breakfast bar. It has a hot tub and pool along with a workout room. Unfortunately, I did not use any of those since I worked all day Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday May 22, 2009
The rodeo on Saturday went very well got many good photos. Left the rodeo around 6pm and tried to find “Copa Bar”, but Gaye couldn’t find it so when I went back to the hotel I check the address and that is what I had programmed into ole Gaye. While back at the hotel and worked until 1am. At around 8pm a huge storm blew up and thunder so loud not like KC. The lights went out twice while I was working; sheets of rain came down the rest of the night. Got the photos ready from Saturday and updated my website with Saturday’s photos. Fell into bed and fell right to sleep.
Sunday May 23, 2009
The rodeo on Sunday was great also, again got many good photos. This time I did not take too many photos about ½ of what I shot on Saturday. If I had taking the same amount I would not be able to get them done for that nights unveiling at “The Copa”. Oh, the Copa I hope I can find it with a little help with Gayle. Therefore, I tried Gayle again asking her to take me to “The Copa”. Well I did find Pennsylvania Avenue that was half the battle it is at I-44 and Pennsylvania. In addition, after only one stop at a gas station I found it…. I was so glad to the bar, and before dark, I had to be there at 7pm. I started to network, get my name out there, and set up my computers to show my work to the contestants. I did very well sold 50% more than last year.
Monday May 24, 2009
Woke up at 4am to a cramp in my leg, oh I hate those, finally got back to sleep after walking off the cramp. I did not get a good nights sleep, oh well, got ready to get on the road. Ate a great breakfast and packed the car, Gayle and I started back to KC. Told Gayle the address, and off we went. Well I though this was going to be easy, well for some reason ole Gayle thought I lived in Missouri and took me down a turnpike with Indian reservations on both sides. I kept looking for a way to get off this turnpike but there were none, probably because there were reservations on both sides. Finally, after an hour of driving I found an off ramp the only problem was it had a tollbooth on it, and I had no change, I had $20's and $100. Dang it. Sitting there wondering what to do a car pulled in behind me with a couple, I told them my situation and besides there was one toll both and one lane so what are they going to do with me in front of them. Therefore, they gave me 4 quarters, I gave them my card and told them to email me their address, and I would send them the money back. I was just so glad to get off that toll road. I found a gas station, filled up, and asked the attendant where hwy I-44 was and he said just down this road on Route 66. Route 66 I though to myself I had always wanted to drive Route 66 and here is my opportunity. Maybe Gayle had a plan for me.
Well in Oklahoma down the road means 60 miles. Along those 60 miles, there were some wonderful things to see. I saw the round barn, this person who has many sculptures in his yard and a fancy gas station real “Jetson” stuff.
All in all a great trip and I had a great time met some nice people. Oh yes and I have a cowboy had now. |
