Day 4: Get Your Kicks!

 

Once upon a time there were giants on the road.

Reflections while on the Mother Road 

Route 66! More myth than macadam, it was christened in 1926. But it was deemed more efficient to cut new straight roads for commerce and in 1985 it decommissioned. Towns got bypassed. The byways crumbled. The Mother Road was dying. 

An early runner on the Mother Road

In 1999, President Clinton signed a bill to restore the historic features along the old road. Tours, like the one we are on, breathed new life into Route 66.

There are so many amazing signs and painted murals along the way!

Along the route, are so many museums, original signs, garages, and diners that unless you take 3 to 4 weeks, you can’t see it all. Wisdom says take two weeks and you will see a lot. If you’re pressed for time, you could do it in a week and see a few sights.

The museums hold beautiful cars from every era.

For 16 days we are rolling down Highway 40, which principally follows old Route 66.  Ocassionally we deviate from the Interstate and take it slow just so we can roll on original parallel roads that were decommissioned. 

These beauties are from the 40’s

At  every chance, the group stops to breathe in the joy of those who are keeping the flame alive. Their enthusiasm has brought back the beauty, nostalgia, and vibrant culture that made the Mother Road “The Highway That's The Best.” 

A cool guy takes “the pause that refreshes” from a working vintage Coca-Cola cooler.

The adventure will continue soon… with a few of our favorite stops so far.