Oklahoma has suffered some terrible wildfires over the last couple of weeks and even as we arrive at 6:00 pm it is very hot with a strong wind. The US has suffered some terrible weather conditions in a number of the states in recent weeks, extreme heat, heavy rainfall and extensive flooding. Much of this has been due to tropical storm fronts hitting the eastern seaboard.
Oklahoma is one of the states that has made it's wealth from oil. Maureen visited the lovely Phillbrook Gallery, located in the wealthy suburb of Mapleridge. It was created by the Waite Phillips family. Their own oil-derived weath enabled them to build a 72-roomed house in the Renaissance style and fill it an extensive art collection. They also created the most amazing garden. After 10 years they moved away and donated their house and art collection to the city of Tulsa.
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| Philbrook Art Collection - the house |
As we had to continue west we have spent part of the day travelling on a section of the famous Route 66. We saw a number of historic sites including the Rock Cafe and Skyline Motel in Stroud. The Rock Cafe was replicated by Pixar for their 'Cars' movie series.
We stopped off in Sayre which is famous for it's landmark the Beckham County Courthouse on Main Street.It was featured in the film version of the 'Grapes of Wrath' . Also this small town has a large grain elevator next to the railway line that has rusted into a gorgeous orange glow.We were there when the low evening sun showed this off to its best.
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| Beckham County Courthouse featured in the movie 'Grapes of Wrath' |
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| Grain elevator |
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| Paul and our Huyundai hire car posing for the camera in Sayre, Oklahoma |
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