Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

In Retrospect

Let me say one thing first…  The trip was definitely an experience of a lifetime, and I recommend it to anyone interested in seeing American history at its finest; I also would not do it again.

Before I reflect on the trip, let me start with some quick random thoughts:

  • 123 degrees in the desert is hot, even if it is a “dry heat”
  • I was surprised (and disappointed) that we did not see more people driving the Mother Road
  • We met extremely friendly people everywhere
  • No scheduling, car or other problems of any type
  • To satisfy my “touchy / feely” friends, it was somewhat disheartening to see progress (Interstate Highways) literally destroy lives and entire towns

While we did the trip alone, I can see how it would be even more interesting with others.  Just the thought (and site) of multiple cars (Corvettes in our case) cruising through the towns and down The Mother Road would be awesome.

Our total time from Chicago to Santa Monica was 17 days, and this was just about right for us.  I can see two things that might reduce this time by maybe 2-3 days, but no more than that.  We specifically wanted to stay in many of the historic motels (Wagon Wheel, Blue Swallow, Wigwams, etc), so this shortened our travel distance on many days.  Had we just driven until we wanted to stop and then found a hotel, our total time could have been reduced.  In addition, when speed limits on Route 66 were 55 MPH, or even 65 MPH, I usually found myself driving no more than 40-45 MPH.  This was so that we could enjoy the scenery and easily make a quick stop if we wanted to see something or just take a picture.  By adjusting both of these variables, you could probably save the 2-3 days I mentioned above.

When planning our route, I tried in most instances to take the earliest alignment to experience the history.  Sometimes this wasn’t possible with the Vette because of the road conditions, but I did find myself driving on roads that I never thought I would with my car.  The “Sidewalk Highway” south of Miami, OK and “Dirt 66” in Arizona quickly come to mind.  I was very meticulous (some would say anal) when it came to planning our route.  I used Jerry McClanahan’s Here It Is! Route 66 Map Series for the turn-by-turn instructions, and actually created about 30 different itinerary files for my TomTom GPS.  The problem with this was that at many times my GPS either did not know the road existed, or thought it might be one way.  Using Jerry’s Route 66: EZ Guide for Travelers as the checks and balances, my wife was able to help keep us on track.  I can see how just winging it might work as well, but that’s just not me.

My biggest surprise was the total or near total abandonment of towns and buildings within towns.  I understand why, just surprised that it appears people just “up and left”; buildings (diners, gas stations, etc.) just left to rot.  Who owns these now?  Maybe there’s an investment opportunity.

By all means stop at the various places and meet and talk to the locals.  Their business depends on Route 66, they are experts, and want to talk.  Gary Turner at the Gay Parita Sinclair Station west of Halltown, MO immediately some to mind.  He’ll spend all day talking to you, and you will learn all the good places to stop and the people to talk to.

My biggest regret is we did not get to see or meet Angel Delgadillo while we were in Seligman, AZ.  Many people credit him for starting the resurgence of interest in Route 66.  It’s obvious why; once the interstate by-passed Seligman, there was no business.  He saw what was happening to his community and wanted to fix it.  Without Angel, Route 66 may just be another American icon in the history books, and not something you can experience today.

In summary, as the song says, “If you ever plan to motor west… Get your kicks on Route 66”.  You get to see some great parts of our country, meet new people, and experience the past, and see progress (or stifled growth, depending on your perspective).  I’m glad we did it, and the memories will last forever (or at least as long as our memories last).

Be sure to let me know if you have any questions, or want some help with your trip.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

HOME !

Need I say more?
......
Keith..
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I HATE OHIO (and KENTUCKY)

Should be home now, but construction on bridge from Kentucky to Ohio. So far, 1 hour to go 5 miles, and still about 2 miles to go.

Turning around and heading for Route 66 :-)

......
Keith..
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Final Leg

Just left Bowling Green.

4 hours yo go.

......
Keith..
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Saturday, July 10, 2010

Our Final Night on the Road

Made it to Bowling Green, KY; birthplace of our Vette (Buzzer). We thought we would swing by the museum before dinner since it has recently been expanded. Unfortunately we couldn't get in, the Corvette Police saw how dirty Buzzer was and told us to leave.

......
Keith..
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I'm Hopeful

Just went through Hope, Arkansas, birthplace of Bill Clinton.

Ah, the good old days. Just hope, no change.
......
Keith..
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Off to Nashville

Another dreary day. No rain, but looks like it could at anytime. Been a long three weeks, and can't wait for a few Bad Juans.

......
Keith..
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Friday, July 9, 2010

Final Pictures are Posted

Sorry for the delay, but shit happens.  The pictures are in 4 groups...

1st... The few pictures we took enroute to Carlsbad
2nd.. The pictures from our morning guided Lantern Tour
3rd..  The pictures from the main area of the cave, known as The Big Room
4th...  The pictures from our afternoon guided tour of the lower cave.  This required repelling down a large slippery rock, and descending three ladders.  Remember though, what goes down must come up.  The return required going up the ladders and up the rock.  Debbie was a trouper and did it, even thugh she thought she couldn't.

Carlsbad Pictures


Today we drove from Carlsbad to Greenville, Texas.  Only about 550 miles.  A little disappointing, but the weather was horrible.  We had solid strong rain and wind for about 5 hours, which caused us to hit rush hour in both Ft. Worth and Dallas.  After tham I gave up and insisted on some margarittas.  So we stopped.  Our plan for tomorrow (assuming the weather cooperates) is some close to Nashville.  From there it is an easy drive Sunday to Dayton.

God bless george bush part. Two

On interstate 20 east bound , speed limit ...80!

......
Keith..
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Back in Texas

It will take most of the day to get across these wide open spaces. Good news, speed limit is 75 MPH; currently doing 82.

God Bless George Bush !

......
Keith..
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Another Day - No Pics Posted

We spent 12 hours at the caverns today, 8 of which were spelunking.  Debbie even repelled town a 30 foot slippery rock, Yee Ha !

We are so tired and whipped, no energy for you guys.  Hopefully tomorrow night as we hit the highways and head on back.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

At the Caverns

Good thing we will be underground all day; still a monsoon here.

......
Keith..
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Made It to Carlsbad

What a long day. 11.5 hours of driving. We took the northern looping route from Phoenix through great winding roads and National Forests. Hit some heavy rains near the end, and a monsoon in Carlsbad. Good thing the Vette is "powered by Evinrude". Water in the streets was VERY DEEP.

Not many pictures today because we didn't want to take any longer than necessary. But trust me, views were breathtaking.

We'll post the few we took along with the cavern pics. 1st tour at 9A, so gotta go drink now.


......
Keith..
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Off to Carlsbad

Had a great evening with our friends Gary and Marg.

Taking the long and hopefully scenic route through the national forest. Probably a 10 hour drive.


......
Keith..
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