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Only in America, I think, can one drive down the highway (Route 66, to be exact) and see a sight such as this-an enormous concrete whale, painted in a pop-art shade of turquoise blue! Even if you've never been to Catoosa, Oklahoma, you can enjoy the Blue Whale's delightful grin every day with this 5x7 art photo closeup of the fellow's smiling eyes and mouth.

Sitting as big as life beside the Mother Road in Oklahoma, the Blue Whale was "born" in the early 1970s. The smiling whale I've photographed was an anniversary gift from Hugh Davis to his wife, Zelta. The couple, reptile aficionados, had built an alligator park, but finding it didn't suit them, they began turning it into a waterpark. At some point, Mr. Davis decided to create an 80-foot long, 20-foot tall whale.

126 sacks of Portland concrete, 2,520 gallons of blue paint, and two years later, the marvellous concrete blue whale whose face you see in this 5x7 photo was finished at last. Visitors, amazed by the sight and of course attracted to the whale's toothsome grin, stopped to picnic, fish, and swim at the Davis' pond before continuing along on Route 66. Children (and grownups, I'm sure) could run straight into his mouth and all the way to his tail, from which they could jump off into the cool water-or they could slide into the pond thanks to the whale's fins, which had been cleverly designed as little slides. The smiling Blue Whale of Catoosa was a hit-with kids old and young alike!

It didn't take long for Catoosa's enormous blue whale to become a beloved icon of Route 66. For decades, travellers were able to stop, rest, and enjoy themselves at the Davis' little slice of Oklahoman paradise. Though the Blue Whale fell into disrepair for a while, he is once again getting all sorts of attention. In fact, just days after I took this photo, he received a fresh coat of cerulean paint!

I love the joyous colours in this documentary 5x7 photo of the Blue Whale-the turquoise blue of the whale's skin, his red mouth, the white teeth. They're so fitting for his big grin. Whether you love Route 66, kitschy retro Americana, or simply want some fun art to bring a laugh and a smile to your home or workspace, this shot of Catoosa's famed whale is perfect for you.

Professionally printed on archival-quality 5x7 photograph paper, this cheerful, kitsch-loving Route 66 has a white border for easy framing and to protect the image itself. I sign, date, and number each photo on back prior to mailing it.

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Visiting and photographing Catoosa's famed Blue Whale was one of the most fun stops I've made in two years of touring and shooting Route 66. Despite the unseasonable chill in the air, the grey sky, and the misty rain, I couldn't help but have a great time! Seeing the Whale's big red and white smile is bound to cheer anyone up. And there isn't just the Blue Whale to see-there are small whale-themed tables and chairs in cheery colours, a round restroom with whale signs designating the ladies' and men's rooms, and of course the reptile ark itself.

The Blue Whale's new caretakers are working very, very hard to get the old ARK park back into shape for visitors and Route 66 "routies" alike. I can't wait to see how much has changed the next time I take the Mother Road west!

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