Getting our kicks on Route 66

Today the entire day was in the "Show Me State", and what it showed us was the beauty, mystery and history of an era long past. We joined some friends from England for our journey on Route 66. Here's our happy band of travelers:
Robert and DeeDee


Steve and Jane


Steve and his son James


Peter and Pat


So today's senses were dominated by sight, sound and taste. So I've added a few more pictures so that you could get a feel for what it's like to travel down this historic highway. As I was riding, I got the feeling that this highway, in many ways, is so much like an aging beautiful woman. The road is a thin curvy ribbon that is very mysterious and full of surprises. The cracks and pot holes reminded me of well earned wrinkles of a seasoned veteran of this earth. Some of the area's we rode through reminded me of an aging actress that had had one too many face lifts or botox injections trying to hold to a beauty long past. Then other parts reminded me of classic beauty that embraces age with a grace that only enhances their natural beauty and mystery. As you ride along this road, more than ever you are just in anticipation of what will be around the next curve. I also spent a lot of time thinking about what this road meant to America, and the people that traveled this highway as the major artery from East to West. This is a really nostalgic road to drive, there are some very corny parts, but to take the time to imagine the history that has traveled this highway is worth the effort.




This is a pretty typical view of the part of Route 66 that was used from 1921 to 1946. This steel truss bridge goes across the Big Piney river on a very famous and dangerous section of the highway. I try to imagine what it was like for cars in the 20's, 30's and 40's traveling down this section of road. There is a military base near here and I imagine that our service men from WWII used this road as they prepared to defend our nation.


We ran into some "locals" who showed us to this great bar/restaurant called the Elbow Inn. This is a true biker spot and a very historic establishment. It's been here for decades and serves a unique and varied clientele.


As we traveled on Route 66, these next two pictures are pretty typical of what I began to see and realize. If I were to select one word to describe my thoughts, it would be decay. It seemed to me that the land and time were reclaiming what was once theirs. You can see dotted all along this route, building, homes, barns, businesses that are being reclaimed by the land. They wood is weathered and broken, roof's collapsed, walls falling down, metal rusting. It's very interesting to see. And then there are times when people have stepped in to stop the natural process and restored sites to a beautiful original condition.




We had lunch at a neat little spot called "Britt's BBQ". In honor of our British friends. The fare was not exactly what you might call healthy, but that really was not one of our priorities for the day.


What a great, nostalgic day. Not too many miles, and no major "historical" events, but great weather, great friends and conversation and a great road. What a blessing!