Day #1

Today was less sightseeing and more ‘getting there’. We spent the first five hours in the car getting to where we left off on our last trip (somewhere near Meremec Caverns). Once on Route 66 we fell quickly back into our old routine. We hunted down landmarks and took tons of pictures. And what a BEAUTIFUL DAY to do it all in!

John’s Modern Cabins are so close to being complete ruins, that I am surprised they are still standing. I confirmed with myself while standing outside the Wagon Wheel Motel that it was better we push on to Lebanon to the renowned Munger Moss Motel. I realized that we had all better be careful in the trading posts and tourist shops because truly ‘a fool and his money are soon parted.’

We missed a few stops, some intentionally (ran out of time) and some we just couldn’t find (like Frog Rock…how does one miss a rock painted like a frog sticking out of the side of a hill?!?)

We checked into what can only be called the quaintest room on the Route. When we signed in, I couldn’t believe she gave us Room 66! (it must be fate…) In this room, Ramona (the keeper of the motel) has turned one wall into a restrospective of Michael Wallis’ works (he was the voice of the sheriff in Cars and is authority on Route 66…I wonder if he stays in this room when he stays here…).

Bell Restaurant was a wonderful roadside coffee shop near the hotel. We sat at dinner and laughed at the silly things Pete did, and I realized that this is going to be as good of a trip as I had hoped it would be. Oh, and the waitress was really really nice. I think most of the people we meet along the way will be that way (except for the troll-woman at the gas station who yelled at Pete…no, really, she looked just like a troll!)

It was a good day. I look forward to less driving and more enjoying of our route tomorrow.