Each state has its own interstate story to tell as I buzz through on my way to the Super Bowl Tailgate Party. Sometimes the buzz is a little slower than it should be and sometimes it’s just right.

Oklahoma is a state that takes pride in its own. That came through crystal clear as I saw the huge sign as I RV-ed past the exit for Checotah on Interstate 40.

It read, again, with pride:

CHECOTAH

HOME OF CARRIE UNDERWOOD

aMERICAN IDOL 2005

That’s really cool. It’s good to see a state show such backing for a young star and to do it in such a public way.

There are so many things to see at the Super Bowl and on the way to the Super Bowl, and by today, many fans are worn out by all the pregame hype and that’s why I organized this unorganized trip to do something different. It’s good to see a state take the time to recognize one of its own and that’s why I want to recognize Oklahoma.

Passed that sign hours ago. It’s nearly 6 a.m. and after two major power naps, totally three hours that gives me four hours of sleep over the last 48 hours, I am ready to get on the road again once I post this. I’m about 50 miles outside of Texas. I pulled off the highway and am sitting alongside the winter stubble of what is left of a summer’s cornfield.

I am in the middle of nowhere, but still able to send along the post, however, I am having severe cell phone problems at the moment. I cannot get service and I’m sure my Big Blue BBQ boys are in Phoenix, way ahead of me. Like the turtle, I am pushing forward one mile at a time taking the journey for what is to be in 2600 miles.

I have yet to hit warm weather. It’s still freezing out and for the second straight day was hit with a snowstorm.

Another Oklahoma sign caught my eye as we left there. It read: “Think Safety. We Care For You.’’

Talking to the people in Oklahoma you do get the feeling they care for you. The metropolitan area should try to pass along such roadside messages. In Arkansas I passed a sign that was different and I’m sure it’s a well-known local park, but still I couldn’t help but laugh when I read the huge brown and white sign:

TOAD SUCK PARK

I’ll leave it to Hondo to supply the obligatory Clinton joke.

I also learned by reading the signs that Alma, Arkansas is the Spinach Capital of the World. Who knew? There are too many Arkansas jokes out there, but the western part of the state is much more scenic than many other states I passed through.

There is much less litter on the roads here than in our fine area. Far and away the dirtiest place I have seen, not on this journey, but any road trip, remains the Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel where there are layers and layers of empty bottles and cans and who knows what else along the weedy left side of the road as you make your way to the approach. Recycle those thousands of cans and bottles and maybe the tolls don’t have to go through the sunroof.

By the way, in the eight states roughly 1700 miles I’ve traveled so far my toll total is five bucks. Gas is another story.

As for Alma, they tell me there is a statue of Popeye in the center of town. On the way back I’ll have to stop and see for sure.