To get to the other side, of course. đ
In the space of less than a mile on Old Sapulpa Road (aka Route 66) in Oklahoma, we encountered a small flock of wild turkeys and this turtle.
The turkeys didn’t have a problem. When a couple of motorcyclists approached from the other direction, they simply flew to the other side, scolding the riders as they roared past.
The turtle needed help. Old Sapulpa Road isn’t Interstate 44, but it’s busy enough that the slow-moving creature was taking its life in jeopardy. So we stopped the vehicle we were riding, picked up the turtle and deposited it into the safety of a grassy ditch on the other side.
The turtle trying to cross Route 66 is a prominent symbol at the beginning of John Steinbeck’s novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.” The turtle is turned upside-down by a passing truck, struggles to right itself, and continues on its journey.
Many of us now see the turtle as a symbol of modern-day Route 66. Through decertification and interstate bypasses, Route 66 was upended and left for dead. But it righted itself and is plodding onward.
But the Mother Road wouldn’t have righted itself without the help of its people, and it continues to need that support.
That’s where I — and you — come in.
We saw a turtle crossing 66 in Oklahoma as well. I very seriously remembered the symbolism in Grapes of Wrath, pulled over, and in the spirit of turtle-brotherhood, helped this fellow traveler cross the road.
And then he peed on me.
A lot.
But at least he made it to the other side. I had a change of clothes, he’s only got one shell.