Here it is, the final stretch on our journey down the "mother road". We have spent the past week in a Dodge Magnum driving across farm land, cruising through half forgotten towns, and eating the best American food you could ask for. I have to say, I am quite familiar with the interior of the car, but it has proven to be the ultimate American grand tourer. Sure, I may not need 340 hp for this trip which is primarily 45 or 55 mph speed limits, but it is always nice to have it on tap. Our last excursion took us [View Full Entry]

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Ok, I promised that in the next update I would reveal the coolest attraction on the Springfield to Oklahoma City run. It actually was quite unexpected. Kind of that feeling when you think you have spent all of your money, then you find a twenty hiding in another pocket. We pulled into Arcadia to see the Round Barn to snap a few photographs, then drove west into the sunset. As soon as we began to accelerate Misti and I noticed something in the distance. I could not tell for sure, but it appeared to be metal slats in the shape of [View Full Entry]

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I honestly wondered as we set out on this journey if Route 66 would live up to her expectations. I had my suspicions that it would, but of course I enjoy history, research, and exploration: all of the key ingredients for a mother road traveler. If an antique suspension bridge does not do anything for your curiosity, then go to Disney Land. It takes a deep appreciation for things of the past to find true enjoyment in a trip like this. We set out of Springfield heading for Oklahoma City today. Alignments of the old route took us through Joplin, passing [View Full Entry]

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Now, as you're reading these entries, don't think that a trip down Route 66 is all play and no work. It's draining at times- mentally, emotionally, and physically. When we headed out of St. Louis this morning, I had little more than four and a half hours worth of sleep. When you've been driving all day and you try running off of that kind of recharge, you're in for a crash... well, not a car crash hopefully... an energy... anyway, you're asking for it. But just as I begin to think that the interstate may be more feasible, that old stretch [View Full Entry]

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The rush of life often leaves me wondering, "Why is it that I fill my schedule up to the brim? Why do I stay too busy to enjoy this wonderful creation?" Words cannot convey the much needed serenity you experience while traveling down Route 66. For me, it's the ultimate disconnect from the rest of the world. The moment we pulled onto the "Mother Road" just outside of the Chicago hustle, I was instantly taken back to a time before my own existence. From 40s gas stations, to car hops and diners, to Burma Shave signs, it's everything I've ever heard [View Full Entry]

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I don't know what's windier, the city of Chicago or the politician's hot air. At any rate, this is our starting point for our journey down the mother road- Route 66. Upon arrival we immediately checked into the Hyatt (thanks to Priceline and for my Wife taking William Shatner at his word) and headed to the original Gino's East for some Chicago deep dish pizza. These Chicagoans aren't bored with redundancies such as cholesterol and blood pressure. I call it, "the heart of Chicago corruption". The next day we had to try Lou Mitchell's restaurant and bakery for the finest [View Full Entry]

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Route 66 starts in Chicago, and though the original downtown alignment is long buried under decades of new development, it's a great place to kick off the tour. For us East Texans though, that means a solid 950 miles before we can set out on historic 66. Of course, any road trip you embark on inevitably takes on it's own character after a few miles. Saturday, October 10th, we left Nacogdoches and drove to Memphis, TN. We arrived just in time to see the Peabody Duck March at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. Now, if you've just tilted your head [View Full Entry]

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Here it is: The Route 66 trip Misti and I have been so adamant about taking. It's a journey down the "Mother Road" and a look at America during the early part of this century. We are joined by Misti's parents, Craig and Dottie Bridegam who will be following closely behind us. And the car of choice- an 06 Dodge Magnum R/T HEMI to pay homage to the Detroit lead-sleds of the time, and it's the only thing in the garage all of our luggage would fit in. So join us as we journey from Chicago to Amarillo down the half [View Full Entry]

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