Postcards from Jiles • Road Trip on Route 66
Monday, 24 January 2022
Bonjour Road Trippers!
So this goofy thing is so iconic we had to stop here! It used to be a swimming spot. Now it’s just an . . . well, it’s an Instagramers dream. lol.
The Blue Whale was originally built as a surprise anniversary gift in the early 70’s. Hugh Davis gifted it to his wife Zelta who collected whale figurines. It was a swimming hole for the family that evolved into an iconic spot for locals and travelers to play. There was even a petting zoo type thing there at one point.
It’s just outside of Tulsa. Again, not the best planning for us. We arrived late in the dark. So we spend the night in Tulsa. Ate lunch at Tally’s Cafe (a totally must!). Then we doubled backed to the Whale.
In hindsight, and on our list of what we’ll do differently next time we snowbird West → I would have gone to the Hampton Inn in Catoosa versus where we laid our heads in Tulsa, but I didn’t have the proper info at the time. Hampton Inn’s seem to be a solid steady brand. And this Hampton Inn, in particular, helped to restore the Blue Whale when it was closed and in disrepair. So I think that deserves to be rewarded. They were a force in getting the whale back to it’s pretty blue and eventually re-installing the picnic area! Ohh, you could actually take your complementary breakfast over to the picnic area. How fun! And also, this Hampton Inn is pet friendly, and less than a mile from the Blue Whale.
Ok. Back to our whale of a time (haha ha) 🐳 . . .
Not sure if it was because it was January, or a Monday just before sunset, or the Rona, but it was pretty empty. Just one other couple there. So that made pictures a dream!
Our little Choubedoo loved it! After being such a good girl at our lunch spot we were glad to see her trot about. And we were careful to hold tight to the leash — this little girl likes to try and jump in water!
I don’t know why that goofy whale is such a happy spot. But it is! Maybe because it was our first really iconic landmark on the Mother Road. Maybe because it holds the energy of all the frolicking and play from yesteryear. Maybe it’s the excitement of just bing in the moment.
Anyhow. We totally recommend a photoshoot at the Catoosa Whale and a meal at Tally’s. Makes for a great happy day!
Pip pip, Darlings! Next Stop: Oklahoma City! 🚙🐾
😘 Gigi, Miles & Miss Mia
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