W & S Tour--Day 2

After a comfy, if somewhat odiferous, night’s rest and a continental breakfast consisting of waffles and biscuits and gravy, we hopped on the road again heading for the Talimena (Talihina, OK to Mena, AR) Scenic Drive. Be forewarned, there are a lot of motorcycles vrooming down this particular highway. A lot. Scads. Buttloads. It’s just about mandatory to cruise this stretch of asphalt from the seat of a massive Hog. After snapping a great deal of pictures and vainly looking for leaves that had turned an expected shade of yellow, orange or red, we entered Mena and headed south to DeQueen. From there, we crossed back into Okrahoma and stopped in Broken Bow.


One would think the middle of October would be an ideal time to view the annual Changing O da Leaf Colors, but you would be wrong, wrong, wrong no matter what this website tells you. I did spot a bunch of Goldenrod though. *aachoo!*

“The Talimena Scenic Drive is probably best known for its Autumn colors, and rightly so!

Because of our unique geology and geography our fall color season is unusually long. From early October into late November you'll see a variety of trees and bushes changing colors, either deep in the sheltered valleys or along our mountain top.”

Anywho, just north of Broken Bow is the wildly popular winery with the marvelous designation—Girls Gone Wine. This fabulous location has only been open a few years (I think) but what it lacks in stuffy credentials, it more than makes up for in enthusiasm and passion. Rhonda herself was manning the front desk when we arrived and welcomed us warmly. A cute, bouncy Malaysian gal was our perky pourer and she was a total blast. I did have to restrain myself from asking what she thought of the movie, Zoolander. *snicker* Not only did we load up with a case of assorted wines and a commemorative wineglass, but I also purchased an adorable black top with the caption “Wine Diva.”

After snagging dinner at the local Sonic, we bedded down in the “luxurious” Charles Wesley Motor Lodge. I hereby refer to this decrepit, dilapidated hole in the wall as The Palace. While the outside sign drew our attention to newly renovated rooms, they were most definitely not referring to ours with its astonishing pink sheets, dingy brown drapes, broken locks, fluorescent lights, and lack of essential hair dryer and coffeemaker. At least I didn’t glimpse any resident bugs and the sink and tub did look sanitary.

Not quite as lovely as they make it out to be. *arches brow*

Their version of the room

Our actual room

Their version of a cushy chair

Our actual utilitarian chair put to good use

And really, it could have been much worse. This place looked even shabbier, and with a somewhat depressing name and a very disheartening pic...

Early Saturday morning, we fled the premises and before daybreak, headed west toward the Indian Nations Turnpike where we then headed north and home. While the landscapes were uplifting and revitalizing, and we most definitely dropped some serious cash (ok, Visa) purchasing vino, I’d be lying through my teeth if I said we also enjoyed gastronomic delights. After thoughtful deliberation I realized we had chowed down at Sonic, Taco Bell, Subway, and Mickey D’s, with Best Western’s nearby restaurant the only fast food exception. Nevertheless, it was great to get out of town and you’re all invited to Casa de Circe to experience the fruits of Okieland’s labors. ;)