The Journal –
Phase II
From St. Louis, Missouri to Amarillo, Texas
789 Miles (Cumulative total 1,402)
We drove to St. Louis on Thursday, May 29, 2003
to begin phase II. Iris began from the Arch Saturday, May 31st.
We returned home from Amarillo, Texas before July 4th in time for our three grandsons combined
birthday party. The following is a picture
journal of our trip. We plan to end our adventure in Phoenix by November 21, Eric’s 31st
birthday.
May 29, 2003 Day One
This is Iris with car packed waiting for Jim and Biscuit to show up. We
left at 10:00 this morning. We stopped in Lafayette, OH. at the Red Brick Tavern
for lunch to say hello to the owner, Chris who we met during phase I. It was a
beautiful drive to Indianapolis which is where we are hanging out for the night.
Biscuit is doing great and Jim is still in charge. Hope we hear from you as we
make our way west. Happy trails to you!
May 30, 2003 Day Two
We reached St. Louis in time for lunch and a tracking (by car) of the route Iris
will take tomorrow. We found no book stores or nearly new shops for her to
wander into. If you look very closely, you may see Jim's new attempt to grow a
beard.
May 31,2003 Day Three
We started from the arch at 8am. Iris is doing
great! She claims that her mind and spirit are ready. The body is on a
"as we go basis". Dave and Mary Kay Crawford are ours hosts while in
St. Louis. Dave, whom we never met before, is taking care of us while Mary Kay
is out of town. He is a most gracious. Dave is a lawyer so Jim is able to
practice his lawyer jokes that he (Dave) actually thinks are funny. 
The
first day accounted for 20 miles: 10 walking and 10 biking. Ended on a freeway
with no place to hide but Jim came to my rescue.
June 1, 2003 Day Four
Mary Kay & Sara made it home so we decided to stay one more night.
Iris wore her special t shirt today and received many many inquiries which gave her the chance to explain what we were doing. Great progress was made. 24 miles. We arrived in a little town called Gray Summit. Our objective for tomorrow is the reach a town called Bourbon.
June 2, 2003 Day Five
Well, we got rained out. Iris did 13.5 miles today when
we decided to check into a motel. Iris is taking the down time to read up on her
poetry. Jim (command central) is pondering his next move. We are in
Sullivan, Mo.
June 3, 2003 Day Six
The day started off with Iris stopping to rent a movie. We all know she is
not capable of passing on a good deal. We had a small delay in order to
find the best place in town to dine. The Hens Nest Cafe was well worth the
wait. The waitress remarked that my laptop was the very first one she ever
saw. Golley! Iris is picking up the pace. Total miles today of
34.
Finished in Cuba, Mo. Tomorrow we head for Doolittle.
30 miles away. Total miles traveled --95
June 4, 2003 Day Seven
We are close to the Ozarks so we decided to try the local food at Missouri Hick Bar B Q. Iris agreed that she would pass next time since our culinary delights resulted in more pit stops than plan. We stopped in St. James, Mo. to show you that we are really getting our kicks on route 66. Total miles today of 31.8.
June 5, 2003 Day Eight
Jim
met some new friends in Buckhorn, Mo. Wes and Sam spent the afternoon
telling jokes and stories while Iris was completing another 30 + mile day. Sam
(age 81) told Jim he married his first wife in 1948, kept her for 16 years and
traded her in for a 19 year old. Then in 1988, remarried his first wife
again. We had a lot in common in the marriage category. At lunch we
met Penny, our waitress, at Jack's Route 66 Diner. She loved having her
picture taken. While Iris is huffing and puffing up the Missouri hills,
Jim is showing his card ticks and learning new jokes. Nothing has changed.
June 6, 2003 Day Nine
We had breakfast at the local Texaco station is
Buckhorn. The dude in the picture with Iris is Tony. He told us that he
was born a beautiful baby but the ugly was beat into him. It rained all
morning so we spent the time with Tony and other new found friends. After
arriving in Lebanon both Jim (yes I said Jim) and Iris walked an additional 5
miles. We will reach Springfield this Sunday.
June 7, 2003 Day Ten
We
finished the day in Marshfield, Mo (20 miles east of Springfield). Spending Sat
and Sun in Springfield. Our special event of the day was a visit to a
garage sale. Iris found some treasures which she insisted on paying retail
which did not make Jim too happy. Our hotel is a throw back to the 50's when
route 66 was really hopping. We are in the Marilyn Monroe room. The motel is
recently
remodeled but showing her age. Aren't we all? 32 miles covered
today.
June 8,2003 Day Eleven (Sunday)
Iris
walked into Springfield while Jim stayed at the motel catching up on some
e-mails etc. You can see the picture says " I'm very very tired but
very very happy. Gwen & Pauley are some of our well wishers we have
met along the way. We are 60 miles from the border and should make it by
Weds
Total miles thus far ------>>>> 272.5
Total miles phase I &II ------->>>> 885.5
Approx miles to complete ------->>> 1,118.0
June 9, 2003 Day Twelve (Monday)
Today
we said good bye to Springfield. On the way out of town Iris encountered a very
interesting establishment ( You need to click on picture to appreciate it). At
the end of the day ( 28 miles) I took her picture next to another friend. We
stopped in Aurora, Mo. and found the local newspaper ( The Aurora Advertiser)
that will do a feature article on our trip. I know its not the New York Times
but hey, it's a start. Spending the next two nights in Monett, Mo.
June 10, 2003 Day Thirteen (Tuesday)
After completing 31 miles, Iris and Jim stopped at
Deb's Cafe in downtown Monett and yakked with the owner, Deb who re-located
here from Chicago as a newlywed. Tomorrow we cross into 
Okalahoma
if they are willing to accept us. Iris has lost 7.34 pounds and Jim's
beard is looking mighty good.
June 11, 2003 Day Fourteen (Wednesday)
As
Iris crosses the border into Oklahoma, she raises her hand in great triumph
and says " What the hell I'm I doing here?" Yes we made it into the
next state. We will be in Tulsa by this weekend at which time we will take a
break. Jim says he needs to rest. We thank you all for your encouragement
extended while we trek along the back roads of USA. Your
e-mails have kept us going knowing your following our progress.
June 12, 2003 Day Fifteen ( Thursday)
Today
we encountered a problem with safety as route 66 turned into a two lane highway
without a berm and many many 18 wheelers with no respect for bikers.
Command central (Jim) sprang into action locating an alternative route. It
was a dirt road also without berm but very scenic and minus the truckers. Iris
found some four legged friends that agreed to have their pictures taken.
At night Iris and Biscuit relaxed at the motel. 26 miles today. We have
met many people so far and find them all friendly. Thanks to our friend,
Roger Arbaugh, we are able to pass out key chains with Iris's picture and our
web address.
June 13, 2003 Day Sixteen (Friday)
Command Central found another alternative route that took Iris down the original
back road of Oklahoma. Two dogs followed her for a couple of miles. Fred
& Brownie. Later on, Iris reached the 400 mile mark and was awarded a
plague by the local mayor. We are staying in the town of Claremore , the birth
place of Will Rogers. Those of you who do not know who he is are younger than
me. Tonight we attend our first rodeo.
June 14, 2003 Day Seventeen ( Saturday)
The
pictures are Iris and Jim at their first rodeo. Iris was quite accepted by
the locals who all thought she was from the area. Jim, however had a
problem blending with the crowd. Fishing hat, Izod shirt, and deck shoes.
One Okie remarked that this was the first time he had ever met a preppy.
Reached the 425 mark today. Tomorrow a day of rest in Tulsa. To all
you fathers out there, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !
June 15, 2003 Day Eighteen ( Sunday)
Father's Day We took the day off Jim is tired We have nothing to report that we dare
June 16, 2003 Day Nineteen ( Monday)
On Sunday, after Iris received a professional massage, she & Biscuit visited with a penguin friend in a section of Tulsa called Cherry St. On Monday, after reaching Sapulpa, OK we had lunch at the Route 66 diner. Full lunch for two including pecan pie with ice cream, $10. You can see we dine at only the very best places we can find. We should reach Oklahoma City by this Thursday to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Jim's track record is looking better and better.
June 17, 2003 Day Twenty (Tuesday)
WWin Stroud. Not much here t
We completed 38 miles today and
ended our journey in Stroud. Not too much here. Found an old cafe from
route 66 days gone by and , yes, visited a winery for a tasting. Total miles
490. 310 to go. 40 miles to 
Ok
city.
June 18, 2003 Day Twenty One ( Wednesday)
Reached
the outskirts of Ok City today. Jim and Biscuit decided to take a small
break while waiting for Iris to pass by. Jim has been mistaken for Shaun
Connery on two separate occasions. Declined autographs. Met Sue
Preston, owner of Seaba Station (antiques, gifts, collectibles) Spent a great
deal of time with Sue who was very interested in our mission. She is very active
in a newsgroup for route 66 fans. Check out the group's web site.
http://www.fullcirclepros.com/66/index.htm
June 19, 2003 Day Twenty Two (Thursday)
15 years with the same woman. 15 years with the
same man. What a concept. Yes, today is our anniversary. Its been a
wild and glorious ride. The first picture is the sunset outside the window
of were we celebrated with a wonderful meal. The restaurant was called Nikz and
rotated 360 degrees on the twentieth floor. The second picture is the
loving couple. We send best wishes to all our friends and family. We thank
each and everyone of you for your support. Tomorrow we complete our
venture through Ok City. Saturday, another day off to visit Ok City before
heading towards Texas on Sunday
June 20, 2003 Day Twenty Three( Friday)
This was the day we scheduled to pass through OKC. We
discovered that OKC is very busy with car traffic and has no sidewalks or berm
for either safe walking or biking. Command Central leaped into action and
made the tough decision to by-pass the city by driving Iris and bike to a
safe spot the other side of the city. That's why the leader of command central
gets paid the big bucks. Iris received directions from a new friend, John
Shenk, who is a avid biker. John directed us to beautiful bike path out of the
city. After completing another 28 miles, we visited the OKC Federal Building
Memorial. If was quite moving. On the spot of the original building,
a chair for each victim is placed in one of nine rows at the spot each died.
Each row representing the floor they were on at 9:02am. On two walls
between the memorial are engraved the times 9:01 and 9:03 to mark the times
between the tragic event. It is very well done. Iris is only 100 miles
from Tx and has a total of 200 miles to complete phase II. She is quite a
woman I'll sure you all agree.
June 21, 2003 Day Twenty Two (Saturday)
Iris has made such great progress that command central
gave her another well deserved day off. We had lunch at a restored area of
OKC call Bricktown (all streets were in brick). It's like the flats but without
the river. Just a canal. We were compelled to return to the OKC Federal
Building Memorial for another visit. Iris, of course, made friends with the park
ranger. She really goes for those guys in uniform. Tomorrow we will
return to our favorite route 66.
June 22, 2003 Day Twenty Three ( Sunday)
The multitudes have been requesting the latest picture of Jim and the progress
he is making with his new image (or lack thereof). Many of you will
remember that he grew a beard on phase I but shaved in off when his grand kids
said it made him look too old. The attached picture of Iris is taken on the old
route 66 about 60 miles from OKC. Its been a great bike path since no one
hardly is on it. We are 82 miles from the Tx border and will be
staying in Tx Tuesday night. Iris is a day or two ahead of schedule which
means we will be leaving for home next Thursday or Friday. Our friend, Al Arvio
apparently was the only one adding the miles and tracking our progress with such
detail. He said as an accountant, my numbers are not "adding
up". So here's the revised report:
Total miles traveled on phase I ( Chardon, Ohio to St. Louis, Missouri) 613
Total miles traveled as of today -- Phase II( June 22, 2003) 611
Total miles to complete phase II ( St Louis to Amarillo, TX) 185
Total miles phase I &II 1,409
Est miles phase III ( Amarillo Tx to Phoenix AZ) 810
Total Trip 2,219
This means we are 55% completed as of today and will be 63.5% after phase II
Thank you Al for pointing out my error. It has always been my goal to be 100% completely accurate when answering your questions
Jim dropping the ball
June 23, 2003 Twenty Fourth Day ( Monday)
Because of the extreme heat, Iris awoke at 5am to get
an early start. Her objective of 40 miles today fell short by 6 miles. Not
only the heat but the wind was against her. We finished by noon and
visited the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK. Maxine in the
picture with Iris works at the museum and gave us a recommendation for
dinner. She was quite thankful when we surprised her with a cheeseburger
(very very well done) with everything on it! Tonight should be our last in
OK since we will cross into Tx tomorrow.
June 24, 2003 Twenty Fifth Day ( Tuesday)
As we travel on route 66 we note the contrast of the
past with its buildings in disrepair and the present were locals attempt to
restore the past. A broken down cafe in Sayre, OK. A gas station in
Shamrock, Tx brought back to its original glory day. Iris did another 35
miles today. Wind and heat becoming a major problem. There are no motels
between Shamrock and Amarillo worth staying in. We have 85 miles to cover
with no place to stay. We will be doing considerable back-tracking from
here on out.
June 25, 2003 Twenty Sixth Day (Wednesday)
People that meet Iris for the first time will encounter what Jim calls "
The Three Foot Syndrome" This syndrome states that anyone passing within
three feet of Iris will soon become an instant friend. Today was no
exception when she met Leon and Tracy. Leon has six children, 13
grand-children, and 9 great grand-children. He told us of his many
experiences along route 66. He was here when the mother road was being
built. Tracy was touched by Iris and shared her own experience with grief.
Iris crossed into Texas today singing " Deep in the Heart of
Texas" with Jim harmonizing . The extra picture of Jim is
only there to show all to see how his image is progressing.
June 26, 2003 Twenty Seventh Day ( Thursday)
We have one more day to complete phase II of this
wonderful journey. 37 miles to go to reach Amarillo! Iris and Jim
will finish tomorrow (Friday) and start home Saturday morning. Today's
pictures are more examples of the time route 66 was the road to travel. You
don't really see this country until to go the back roads and meet the basic American
people. Tomorrow will be our last web page production. Please tune
in for our final fair well.
June 27, 2003 Last Day Twenty Eight ( Friday)
Jim and Iris had dinner at this great
steak house in Amarillo. What do you
think of Jim's beard and new out fit?
He purchased a new hat too! Note too
that he lost a great deal of weight.
Iris reached the city limits of Amarillo today after
completing a total of 789 miles. We will sleep in tomorrow and be home by Monday
PM. Before we leave, we will be paying a little visit to the local Harley
Davidson dealer to inquire about renting hogs for phase III. Is that a
visual?
A Very Special Message from the wonder woman ( IRIS LLEWELLYN ANGLE)
I have so much I want to say that I plan to write a book. I need to share my experience with the world. For now I want to say thank you. First to God, Jim and Eric who were with me every step and mile of this incredible journey. I could not have succeeded without them. I also thank all of you who sent e-mails of encouragement and said prayers for our safety. You were with us in spirit and I felt your presence and energy when I really needed it. To those of you who we met along the way, thank you for sharing your stories and reminding me that what I am doing helps us all heal.
Jim asked me what I think about as I walk or bike. I'd like to share some of these with you. My first mile is a prayer of thanksgiving and blessings for all God has given me and special prayers for family, friends, people we've met, and love and peace for our world. The next couple of miles I soak in the beauty I'm seeing: the foothills of the Ozarks in Missouri, the rivers, giant trees and many lakes in Oklahoma, and the rainbow of wildflowers and the endless green prairies that meet the clear blue sky in Texas. And I have to thank God again for the beauty of this grand land.
Around five miles it's time to do some stretches and then I do my abdominal exercises. I hold my abdomen in for a count to 20 and then 10 deep breaths. I do this for a mile and repeat it three more times every day. My stomach is still fat but my abdomen is strong. I've memorized the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and several Rumi and Whitman poems. I also write one or two Haiku poems a day. Today's is: My last day to ride.
Heading for Amarillo
and then home again.
About this time, I start thinking about finding a bathroom and where to have lunch. This has been a great challenge in Texas. There isn't even a bush or tree to go behind. In the city or in congested areas, I have to stop thinking about everything and watch the traffic. I had two close calls. And when we arrived in Ok and then Tx, I had to watch for rattlesnakes. I just found out they are nocturnal so I didn't have anything to worry about. Another "Thank you, God." And then I just ride and ride and ride.
I wrote a chant that I sing several times a day. It sums up my feelings about this experience and it is my gift to you.
Morning sun, I thank you.
Evening moon, I thank you.
I thank you. I thank you. Namaste, I thank you.
Rolling hills and meadows,
Trees that touch the sky.
Clouds float on high.
Birds sing lullaby.
Wild flowers growing.
Heavenly breezes blowing.
All my friends and family
and those we've just met.
God is all around me.
God's love is inside me.
I thank you. I thank you.
Namaste, I thank you.
Thank you for sharing our journey.
Namaste, Love and Shalom,
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