DAY 244: DUNCAN - MARLOW - RUSH SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA

It was still dark when I stepped out of SPIA this morning for my first walk.

Ended with 20 miles for the day in 6.6 hours.

The town of DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA has all the attributes of a mid-size city found anywhere in America. These fast food joints stand shoulder to shoulder along US 81 on the North end of town.

Looking back South on US 81, DUNCAN is already two miles away.

This High School is located at the prior town of CENTRAL HIGH, OKLAHOMA...today, only the High School remains of the town.

US 81 as it nears the small town of MARLOW, OKLAHOMA...a most interesting place.

One must know that US 81 is the old CHISHOLM TRAIL. The Chisholm Trail is the route used to drive herds of cattle out of Texas North before railroads reached the South Plains....more on the Chisholm Trail below...

Roadside Vendor. The 82 year old gentlemen who owns this collection of wood art has been parked at this spot for over 10 years. He has made each and every piece...I closely examined many of them...they are incredible. He asked $20.00 for one of the Rocking Horses...which I know have been in MY family for over 50 years (the design).

Some days are good, he says...then again I often go home without any sale at all. It keeps me busy, in touch with folks and I love to do the woodwork.

An impressive Ranch House along US 81.

This is the town of MARLOW, OKLAHOMA...a most interesting town with lots of creative ideas all over town, such as the window art along Main Street...anyone you know up there ??

The Circus is coming to town - DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA -

Reminds me of the 1940s in KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON...Brother Jim and I met the Barnum & Bailey Circus Train, got jobs helping unload the animals and escort them to the Fair Grounds in return for free passes to that famous 3-ring Circus. We even got to help raise and stake down the Big Top !!

A wall Mural on the side of a building in MARLOW, OKLAHOMA.

The sidewalk along Main Street, MARLOW, OKLAHOMA.

1911 Bank Building...now part of LUIGI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT.

Main Street, MARLOW, OKLAHOMA.

Visitor directions to REDBUD Park and the many monuments to the MARLOW BROTHERS of Chisholm Trail Days.

REDBUD Park Children's Playground - interesting for adults as well.

A long pathway winds throughout the Park, crossing and recrossing the Wild Horse Creek which winds its way through REDBUD Park.

Please, please, click click the following photographs. They are of historical significance and are quite interesting...all related to the Chisholm Trail and the Marlow Brothers.



Wild Horse Creek in REDBUD Park.


Another of the many foot bridges along the trail in REDBUD Park crossing Wild Horse Creek.

THE HIDEOUT. Inside the building is the entrance to the Harlow Brothers' secret Cave Hideout, which was not found until many years later...and then quite by accident.


REDBUD Park Trail.

Picnic Area, Footbridge, and The Cave building.

Yesterday - and in previous Blogs, we have viewed some towns' numerous monuments dedicated to America's War Heroes. This simple yet elegant monument is the tribute from the town of MARLOW, OKLAHOMA to it's Sons and Daughters.

Wild Horse Creek Care on US 81.

Welcome to the town where SPIA is spending the night.

The Water Tank.

The local B&B (Bed & Breakfast). I nearly stayed there tonight, but no one answered the door. In town there was a lively Auction going on...with nearly 50 in attendance...probably including the B&B owners.

High School Seniors have created Window Art all over town promoting their 2 - 0 (score) football team. Some really good artwork, and lots of it.

Sidewalk on Main Street in RUSH SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA.

The Town Center.

SPIA all tucked down for the night - even with electricity.

Please say HELLO to Crystal, who is responsible for finding a spot for SPIA.

and, her sidekick, Bobbi

Looking at the backside of the Country Tavern...our host for the night.

Saturday College Football games are on the tube.

We have been in the midst of a sever lightning storm for the past 30 minutes...finally, it caused our electricity to sputter and crackle...so, I shut it down and quickly posted this Blog.

The lightning / thunder portion is mostly past now with the rain starting in...forecast to continue for the next 3 days. TV shows Radar images of nearby sever storm activity, which might reach us later on.

Will walk North on US 81 in the morning - weather permitting.