The 66 finale

As we left Baxter Springs, Michael advised that we take a short pilgrimage to Baxter Springs National Cemetery No. 2, the second oldest military cemetery in the nation.

The spirit of the brave men who fought in the Civil War seeped into us as we headed southwest into Oklahoma. The town of Picher has seen many events that helped lead to its destruction, mismanagement by zinc and lead companies, as well as tornadoes. Nonetheless, the soul remains.

However, there was one structure that epitomized the fight and struggle along the Mother Road.

We went on to visit the hometown of a baseball legend in Commerce, OK.

Of course we could not leave town without another trip to the filling station.

After a delicious brisket and beans lunch at a medium sized establishment,

where we saw the memory of the Mick on full display, and filled our tanks

we began the final stretch of 66 on the day's journey, Miami (pronounced Miam-Ah). From a former AT&T beige Art Deco building to a well preserved Marathon station it was a lovely visit.

Still used as a post office and a federal court.

Thee journey ended along a pre-1937 stretch of Route 66, the Ozark Trail, and the Jefferson Highway.

The smell of asphalt will linger on for the rest of my days.