10/07-08/07 Oklahoma City / Murrah Building /Clinton OK

Captain’s Blog
10/07/07
Rogers Arkansas
Odometer Reading: 11,572.1

Spent the night at our campsite at the home of Judy and Tom. Before we left we spent some time talking with them and sharing life stories. Tom and Judy invited us to stay for a few more days or at the very least come and stay with them at their second home and campsite in Texarkana. These people epitomize graciousness and hospitality. We are privileged to have met such great people.

Then it was on to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The Museum is dedicated to the all the people involved in the rescue operation, the survivors and to those who lost their lives at the Murrah Building on April 19, 1995. The magnitude of destruction was amazing and the Museum exhibits brought every detail of the events of that day to life. The Museum and dedication was beautiful done. There is a photo wall of all the fatalities with mementos on the glass shelves beneath their pictures. There were also video clips of the survivors which was heart wrenching to here their stories and realize that survival can be mean a long painful road to recovery from an event like that.

Outside they have a memorial with 168 chairs made out of a glass-like material with the name of each person whose life was lost that day. The chairs in the outside memorial are arranged in rows that represent the floor on which each person was located at the time of the explosion. Of the 168 who perished 11 were children from the day care center.
The outside memorial is the location of the former Murrah Building. The back wall to the building still stands as a reminder. At each end of the Memorial is a wall. On the wall to the left is inscribed 9:01 signifying innocence and peace. The wall to the far right has 9:03 inscribed on it to signify the death of innocence and how life can change in one minutes’ time. This is a must see if in the area. We have been changed not only by the events of 9/11 but by this event as well. Live life like every day is your last and be Happy!!

Captain’s Blog
10/8/07
Elk City/Clinton, OK, KOA
Odometer Reading: 11902.5

Drove about 100 miles after visiting the Memorial In Oklahoma City. Set up for the night in the KOA off the highway. Have about 450 miles to Albuquerque. Stopped to get the oil changed in the RV and are looking for a Truck Wash to wash the RV and car. Can’t believe the dirt and bugs from this long trip. The weather is still beautiful although the temp did drop into the high 50’s this morning. Will be driving the rest of the day-no stops planned until Albuquerque.

Finally found a truck wash in Amarillo, TX. It’s good to see the real color of the RV and Jeep again.