I first experienced Oklahoma as a USAF Airman in 1963.  I was stationed at Altus AFB in the south western corner of the state.  I fell in love with the state and, especially, the people.  As a young airman, I was impressed with the honesty, frankness, innocence, and unbound patriotism most Oklahomans possessed.  The state is beautiful - dry (humidity, not booze), open sky, straight roads, and no huge hills. 

 

When I left the Air Force in 1964, I knew I would someday return to Oklahoma.  That day came in 1976 when I accepted a position as English teacher (and department) with the Erick school system.  I flew out to check out the area and position.  Erick was the perfect small town for raising my two sons.  It had all the charm we have come to associate with small towns - everyone knew everyone, all cared for one another, the town celebrated holidays as a community, and the school was central to the community.  We had an 8-man football team that rarely one games; however, we all went to the stadium to watch games - the same stadium where religious revivals were held!  At any rate, Carol and I moved our two boys to 123 Maple Avenue, and our idyllic life began.  There is nothing to regret about our decision except that we moved away from our family.  Although mom Fritz came out for several months each year, we missed the rest of the family.  After Abigail was born in Elk City, Oklahoma, we decided to return to the East so our children could grow up with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

 

Well, now, 34 years after we left, I am returning for a nostalgic trip through time.    After packing our RV, Riley and I left 2:30 Thursday afternoon.  The first two days were relatively uneventful.  I learned a few important lessons about my RVing: dogs are not welcome anywhere!  We couldn't go inside the rest area, we couldn't sit at a bar with a beer, we couldn't take side trips, and (with the 16 foot trailer) we couldn't stop along the highway and take photos of interesting scenes.

 

Today, Saturday, we are at a wonderful KOA site in Stanton, MO.  Riley is happy to be stopping for an extended time.  We went for a long walk through the area, and Riley could sniff every prior dog's scent each time marking the area with her own.  I could take a shower, clean up the trailer, and check Internet matters.  We stopped at a Walmart Supermart last night.  Walmart is great to provide free parking overnight.  I bought groceries, a coffee maker, a toaster, a warm sweater and long sleeved shirt (weather has been cool - low 50s), little bags for doing my duty when Riley poops, and other sundries.  I bought a case of Coors in Walmart (what a civilized way to dispense beer to the public) which I have filled my little fridge with.  

 

It is approaching the magic hour, so I will end this part of the blog and continue tomorrow.  I plan to reserve a KOA place in Elk City for 3 or 4 days so I can unhook the truck and visit areas and friends important to me.