Historic Route 66
In April of 2018 I set out on a road trip adventure: driving historic Route 66 all the way from Chicago to LA. Route 66 has been called The Main Street of America; and John Steinbeck, in The Grapes of Wrath, called it The Mother Road. Over the years, Route 66 was the way west for families escaping the Dust Bowl, and it was the vacation route for countless vacationers heading to the Grand Canyon and beyond. “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” written by Bobby Troup, has been recorded by more than 130 artists.
No artistic photography here; just a few of the pictures from my journey.
Gemini Giant
Nostalgia is everywhere on Route 66. When you see the Gemini Giant, you know you have reached the Launching Pad diner in Wilmington, IL, where owners Holly and Tully will greet you with a smile.
Vintage Gas Stations
Many old service stations, like this Standard Oil station, dot the route.
Gateway Arch
Yep, Route 66 goes right through St. Louis.
1926 Ford Touring Car
I crossed paths several times with Juanma and Cristina, a young couple from Murcia, Spain. We met for lunch at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q in Cuba, MO. There we ran into George, who gave us a ride in his car.
Blue Whale
The Blue Whale: Summer fun at a swimming hole in Catoosa, OK.
Shamrock, Texas
I saw this interesting contrast between new and old next to the long since closed U Drop Inn.
Texas Panhandle
Yep, it’s flat up there.
Winslow, Arizona
This town loves the Eagles! I decided to stop and take it easy there for a while.
Santa Monica Pier
The official end of Route 66 is about a block from here. Time to find a beer and celebrate the end of the journey.