A few weeks ago I found myself with a few minutes to spare in the Tulsa suburb of Catoosa. So, of course I went to the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Right on Highway 66. A tradition since 1972 when it was built.
So, you will just have to grin and nod like I do when people talk about how they used to stop here in in the 1940’s, 50′, and 60’s when the old timers (“most of whom are younger than me!”) used to stop here when travelling cross country with their parents. I have yet to mention that it wasn’t built until 1972. And they in turn are supportive my illusions. Live and let live is my motto.
It is free. I don’t know how, but the place is well maintained, but they don’t really want you swimming there anymore.
Even the restrooms are sparkling clean. In over 1800 posts I have only posted the inside of a restroom once and talk about the uproar. You’d have thought they had actually found a live Democrate in Oklahoma. So you’ll have to take my word for it.
They stock the pond with fish. This guy came trotting through, all “excuse me sir” and of course I was all “excuse yourself sir.” Catch and release only.
I didn’t spend long, but I always love a trip to the Blue Whale. What is your favorite Route 66 attraction?
I have posted several Blue Whale posts including:
Our World – The Blue Whale of Route 66
Scavenger Hunt Sunday Cooling Off
Weekend Reflections – Blue Whale
And several others.
Oh, how fun!! You do make me giggle and grin and that’s always a plus on a rainy gray evening!! I love the Blue Whale!! Thanks for sharing!!
The number of “old-timers” who visited the Blue Whale prior to 1972 is only somewhat less than the number of people who were at the original Woodstock. The number keeps growing all the time. Nice photos.
I like the Blue Whale. My favorite Rt66 site is the neon covered Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff where you can cruise on Friday nights during the summer. See a lot of nice wheels there. And the food is good too.
Hi Yogi,
This Blue Whale is new to me. What a delightful place to visit!
Thanks for playing Blue Monday, and for sharing your blue.
I have never seen the Blue Whale, but I bought my first car in Catoosa and it was blue (well, sort of blue-green).
What a delightful place and great shots for HBM ~
carol ^_^
Route 66 is on my bucket list to finish. We’ve only done a small portion of it. Love the blue whale..reminds me of my mom’s desire to always pull over for every little attraction. The largest ball of string, the natural bridge..etc. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree though..I am the same way!
Is that made out of paper mache?
careful he might swallow you
I’m sure I traveled Rt. 66 as a child, but unlike the old folks you encounter, I don’t remember a thing about it!
The whale looks fun, though.
How do you find these things? If I’m ever in Tulsa, that whale is a must see.
You sure get out and find interesting spots.
Cheers from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
I loved seeing this! That really is a blue whale! HaHa! My girlfriend Sharon and my hubby have this inside joke about blue whales so I chuckled when I first saw it. A very nice story to go with your blue. Thanks for sharing. Have a good week!
Roadside icons are pretty cool and this is a really neat one.
That’s totally cool and fun and quaint. I love it.
What a wonderful storybook looking character! I bet children love to see it. I wonder who built it and why?
Ah…Route 66….no memories from my end as I sadly never traveled it.
What a fun character!
What the funny place. looking a wonderful place for the kids.. such beautiful find and have a nice trip day. thanks for sharing…or yes, Yogi, I just found a glorious place which is very interesting and famous for their history and royalty. so, I hope you will know about it through my new post..
I eel like I’ve missed something as I don’t believe I have ever traveled on Route 66!
I love visiting The Blue Whale! Thanks for posting about it. I need to visit again.