After an exciting night for me (while I was doing laundry I noticed that the extension to the El Ranchero was on fire and there were firemen all over the place…it is across the street so it didn’t disturb my sleeping family at all) we had a leisurely start to our day. We ate breakfast in the hotel, and Steve enjoyed an authentic Mexican breakfast – Huevos Rancheros – complete with Mexican rice and beans, Woof! We finally headed off away from Route 66 north towards Colorado.
Almost the entire time heading up we were on a Navajo Reservation. It is truly beautiful country. We saw ranches and horses, and Shiprock Mountain (Shiprock, NM is quite a large town as towns go out here) and lots and lots of mesas/hills/mountains. It was a lovely drive north – and a nice break nice to not have to figure out where to turn next to stay on 66!
We arrived at Mesa Verde National Park around 12:45 and quickly tried to figure out the lay of the land. We decided to forgo picking a campground site until later (the ranger at the entrance said there were always plenty) and head straight in to get tickets to the guided tours. We got 3:30 tickets for Balcony House and 5:30 tickets for Cliff Palace. Both places are up in the rock and quite interesting to get to. Balcony House requires you to climb a 32 foot ladder, which Pete did with flying colors! (after his experience at City Museum I knew he could do it). We also required crawling on hands and knees through a small entrance inbetween rooms. We crawled…Pete merely bent over. Sometimes it is really nice to be 3 feet tall!
It was a bit hairy for me, though, with him. I didn’t look up as much as I should have, because I was constantly making sure Pete wasn’t walking off the edge of the cliff dwelling! Emily wondered why they hadn’t put up guardrails. * Sigh * Oh Emily.
So, after a long afternoon of pretending we were Pueblo Indians living on the side of a cliff, it was time to get camping! I have learned two things from this experience. 1. If you are setting up a campsite at 7:30 at night, DON’T try to do dinner too. We were running to get set up, cook, eat, breakdown, and get into the tent by 10. 2. Be organized INSIDE the car before you start unpacking the top. Because it never gets better inside the car once everything from on top comes down!
Since I was unable to write my blog last night (who could find the computer?!?), I can also give you the skinny on what happened during the night, in chronological order (although I can’t give you exact time which is probably a good thing):
1. We all snuggled into our sleeping bags watching lightening in the distance creep ever closer.
2. I decide to close one window “just in case”. Pete insists on closing the other window, but loses the fight.
3. I wake in the middle of the night to a cool breeze and more lightening. I decide to go ahead and close the other window.
4. Pete wakes up crying. I wrap him in blankie.
5. Pete wakes up crying again. I decide he is cold and so brings him into the double sleeping-bag with me and Steve. The lightening still looks impressive.
6. I wake up in between Pete and Steve COMPLETELY crushed (only able to sleep on my side), and so I move to Pete’s bed, which is located perpendicular to our bags.
7. I wake up FREEZING and so I try to slip down into the thin top that is Pete’s sleeping bag. I then realize that this is made for someone 3 feet tall, not 5.5 feet tall. I embrace the fetal position and attempt to continue sleeping (lightening occasionally flashes…it’s no longer threatening, just annoying)
8. Emily awakens, throws off her sleeping bag top and blanket and says “I am so HOT!” I immediately fish around, find the blanket and steal it from her. On top of Pete’s bag I can now stretch out with at least a blanket.
9. Steve wakes up with Emily and Pete pushing on him from the left, and Andy pushing on him from the right (Andy has his head completely on Steve’s pillow!) Steve picks up Andy’s upper body and hurls it towards the tent grunting “Move OVER.” I just laugh, sleeping above their heads on my tiny air mattress.
10. It begins to rain. No one cares anymore.
11. We all awake to the sun and Pete standing over us saying “The dark is GONE!” Huzzah.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Day #5
A nice cool morning greeted us today. After showers all around (even Pete!), we packed up and headed out to a restaurant called Kix on 66. It had AMAZING bakery items! We stuffed ourselves silly, and then drove down the main drag of Tucumcari. It really was once a bustling spot for 66 traffic. It’s holding on, but you can tell it wasn’t what it was. Steve thinks that this town looks the most like Radiator Springs so far. They do have the Tucumcari Mountain in the distance which does look like the Radiator Springs mountain in Cars.
Today was spent on and off the Route. Much of 66 is buried by Interstate 40, so there were times we were actually on the route while being on the highway! We got off a few times, even backtracked when we missed an exit, to see some of the beautiful drives that the old route offered us. As I looked across the plains towards the mesas, I could easily envision a group of cowboys and/or Indians on their horses riding across the plains.
We drove past more old hotels and gas stations. We stopped occasionally to get ice or just take a bathroom break. We enjoyed watching the storms move across the mesas as we traveled. At one point they finally found us and we drove through some driving rain in Albuquerque. We tried to get off the main highway and find 66, but we got so turned around that we got back on 40 and said “Forget it!” A ways out of Albuquerque we found the route again and started back down it.
We decided that we all really wanted to swim in the hotel pool tonight (the children had hoped for a pool yesterday, but the Blue Swallow didn’t have one), so we wanted to be sure we got to the hotel as soon as we possibly could. I did give the children the choice, however of seeing one of three things: An underground museum in Grants, NM which showed the history of mining, Sky City in Acoma, NM which was a tour of one of the oldest Indian pueblos in the area, or quite a detour to the Ice Caves to see rock and ice formations buried deep in the earth.
While Emily really wanted to see the Ice Caves, we decided it would be too long of a detour, so we decided on Sky City. While driving there, we were taken with the beautiful rock formations. We could see the city in the distance, and it was beautiful. When we got there, we realized that it would be at least an hour and a half touring, and it would cost us almost $60 for everyone to go. We decided that the Indian Cliff Dwellings tomorrow would be enough, so we headed back to the Route, appreciating the beautiful formations again.
Once back on the route, we passed lava flows which flowed here over 20,000 years ago! We stopped and touched the lava (I touched a lava!), and then headed on. We got into Gallup around 6, which was the earliest we have arrived ANYWHERE so far! We checked into the El Ranchero which is a beautiful old hotel where the stars have stayed. If you go upstairs, you can see all of their signed photos on the wall. Many a famous cowboy stayed here while filing in the area. Consequently, many a film was filmed around here.
We checked in and asked about the pool. Peter had said “We’re going in the pool!” for the last two hours in the car. The man at the front desk told us that some kids had thrown rocks in the pool over the weekend and it had jammed up the filter, and so it was closed for repair. Poor Peter! Poor kids!! We ended up offering Peter a tubby, and he seemed pretty happy with that.
We ate at the restaurant attached to the hotel. Steve really enjoyed their Mexican combo plate. Some of that stuff was HOT (spicy hot!) After that, we made a trip to the gift shop, drove down the strip (not a lot to see) and then headed back to the room for Peter’s tubby. It also had become surprisingly cold while we were at dinner! I thought this was the desert!!
Once back at the room, I was thrilled to see that they have a guest laundry three doors down from our room! I don’t have much, but I’ll do what I can before we go camping tomorrow night! Pete is done with his tubby and being a maniac, so it’s time to settle down. Tomorrow, Indian Cliff Dwellings. Not sure if the national parks have any WiFi hot spots, so it may be awhile before my next post.
Today was spent on and off the Route. Much of 66 is buried by Interstate 40, so there were times we were actually on the route while being on the highway! We got off a few times, even backtracked when we missed an exit, to see some of the beautiful drives that the old route offered us. As I looked across the plains towards the mesas, I could easily envision a group of cowboys and/or Indians on their horses riding across the plains.
We drove past more old hotels and gas stations. We stopped occasionally to get ice or just take a bathroom break. We enjoyed watching the storms move across the mesas as we traveled. At one point they finally found us and we drove through some driving rain in Albuquerque. We tried to get off the main highway and find 66, but we got so turned around that we got back on 40 and said “Forget it!” A ways out of Albuquerque we found the route again and started back down it.
We decided that we all really wanted to swim in the hotel pool tonight (the children had hoped for a pool yesterday, but the Blue Swallow didn’t have one), so we wanted to be sure we got to the hotel as soon as we possibly could. I did give the children the choice, however of seeing one of three things: An underground museum in Grants, NM which showed the history of mining, Sky City in Acoma, NM which was a tour of one of the oldest Indian pueblos in the area, or quite a detour to the Ice Caves to see rock and ice formations buried deep in the earth.
While Emily really wanted to see the Ice Caves, we decided it would be too long of a detour, so we decided on Sky City. While driving there, we were taken with the beautiful rock formations. We could see the city in the distance, and it was beautiful. When we got there, we realized that it would be at least an hour and a half touring, and it would cost us almost $60 for everyone to go. We decided that the Indian Cliff Dwellings tomorrow would be enough, so we headed back to the Route, appreciating the beautiful formations again.
Once back on the route, we passed lava flows which flowed here over 20,000 years ago! We stopped and touched the lava (I touched a lava!), and then headed on. We got into Gallup around 6, which was the earliest we have arrived ANYWHERE so far! We checked into the El Ranchero which is a beautiful old hotel where the stars have stayed. If you go upstairs, you can see all of their signed photos on the wall. Many a famous cowboy stayed here while filing in the area. Consequently, many a film was filmed around here.
We checked in and asked about the pool. Peter had said “We’re going in the pool!” for the last two hours in the car. The man at the front desk told us that some kids had thrown rocks in the pool over the weekend and it had jammed up the filter, and so it was closed for repair. Poor Peter! Poor kids!! We ended up offering Peter a tubby, and he seemed pretty happy with that.
We ate at the restaurant attached to the hotel. Steve really enjoyed their Mexican combo plate. Some of that stuff was HOT (spicy hot!) After that, we made a trip to the gift shop, drove down the strip (not a lot to see) and then headed back to the room for Peter’s tubby. It also had become surprisingly cold while we were at dinner! I thought this was the desert!!
Once back at the room, I was thrilled to see that they have a guest laundry three doors down from our room! I don’t have much, but I’ll do what I can before we go camping tomorrow night! Pete is done with his tubby and being a maniac, so it’s time to settle down. Tomorrow, Indian Cliff Dwellings. Not sure if the national parks have any WiFi hot spots, so it may be awhile before my next post.
Day #4
It’s always interesting when you start your day at the Laundromat. Hurrah. Got everything dried while watching the Beverly Hillbillies on a TV there. Somehow, that seemed appropriate!
Got back to the room and it was a mad dash to get everyone showered and to the car. Pete really needs a tubby, but that tub was gross, so we’ve decided that tonight’s place is supposed to be really good, so we’ll wait. Besides, after everyone was done getting their skin peeled by the water pressure, the drain couldn’t keep up and so the tub was almost overflowing with used shower water…yuck!
Before we left, we documented the hotel with photos, including Room 215 where Elvis used to stay. Hmmm….donuts anyone? Instead we had a quick meal of cereal in the room, and then we were off…not very far, though. We were going right across the street! The Route 66 Museum was there. The birth of the Mother Road began in Oklahoma, and Clinton has always been a huge supporter of keeping the road going. Their museum consisted of walking through various rooms, each one dedicated to a different decade and what that brought to the road. The 70’s room had an old VW bus. And then it hit me. I reminded the family that the Pixar team came through here and saw this museum (they also had stayed across the street where we stayed). Perhaps that bus was the first inkling of Fillmore?
Anyway, the 20 minute film which was showing at the end was really good for the kids. Gave them a great sense of the history of the road (as well as of America!) and showed them with real footage what we’ve been talking about. Pete was busy with a sticker on the floor, so he didn’t distract from the film too much. ☺
After a quick stop in the gift shop, we were off. Today was a on/off the Mother Road kind-of day. We had a lot of distance to cover to get to New Mexico, and the road is just a frontage road at time. We would get off the road if we wanted to see something, drive 66 a bit, and then get back onto the highway. In some places you had to drive on the highway anyway!
We went past another Route 66 museum in Elk City. It was huge, and we just didn’t have any more time, but we photographed it. Into Erick, OK I told Steve we had to stop at the Curiosity Stop. It is home to Harley and Annabelle, the Mediocre Melody Makers. (both mentioned in the special thanks of the Cars movie!) I had seen them on my DVD, too. It isn’t a shop or anything, just a stop. They invited us in, gave us lemonade, talked with us for a spell, and then sang Route 66 to us. Andy got it on his camera, but there was something wrong with his disc. ☹ They were quite the characters. They had to get the shop ready because a group of about 30 Norweigan Bikers (I’m not kidding!) were coming through, so we thanked them, took some pictures and headed back down the road.
We crossed into Texas after going through the ghost town of Texola. Took some photos. We YEHAW and we were off! Headed to our STEAK MEAL. Unfortunately, it was getting late for lunch. I think we ended up having it for linner? Dunch? It was about 2:30, but the steak was mmm mmm, good! The Big Texan in Amarillo will offer your meal free if you can eat a 72 ounce steak in one hour. No one was trying it when we got there (and we had already said NO, ANDY), so he had to settle with a 21 ounce. He was full afterwards!
Another trip to the gift shop, some photos in the HUGE rocking chair, and we were off…to Home Depot! I bought some spray paint, and we headed to Cadillac Ranch. It is a series of Cadillacs that Stanley Marsh (an very rich man who loves art) buried half way in the ground in the 70’s. (We had seen Bug Ranch in Conway earlier in the day which is a smaller version someone did recently burying old VW Bugs part way into the ground.) People are constantly spray painting them with various things, and we let the kids do their thing. It was hot out there (it’s in the middle of a field) but Steve assured me it was a dry heat. Blah.
We loaded up the car again and headed to New Mexico. We were excited to get to Adrian, TX to the Midpoint Café. I had told the kids to not have dessert at the Big Texan because THIS was where we were going to get dessert! It is the home of the Ugly Crust Pie (and also mentioned in the Cars credits). This town is located midway between Chicago and Los Angeles (there’s even a sign!). Well, we pulled up and saw that they had closed 30 minutes earlier!! I was SO sad. We could look in the windows and see the pie in the cases. It was CRUEL! Everyone else got in the car and opened up the cookies. I just pouted all the way into New Mexico.
At Exit 0 I told Steve that I was tired of the ‘super slab’ as Mother Roaders call the Interstate. So, we got off and headed through Glenrio, another ghost town. As we drove into New Mexico the road went from paved to dirt. The navigation system said “Historic 66” so I knew we were on a very old version. We drove for about 5 miles past all sorts of beautiful scenery far far away from the superslab. Our car got FILTHY (there was a layer of grime on everything IN the car too), but it was beautiful. The scenery had changed so much since our ‘pie stop’. We had started seeing mesas and a definite rise and fall to the previously completely flat land. There were no trees, but what there were can only be called brush. I could envision cowboys coming up over the ridge chasing a bandit.
We made it to the Blue Swallow an hour earlier than I had thought (Thank you Mountain Time!). It is an old motor court which has been lovingly kept up. Some of the rooms still have adjoining garages (as these Motor Courts did). We have adjoining rooms with the kids in one room and Steve and I in the other. The hall that connected us has a cute little closet and shared bathroom with a shower (Sorry Pete…tubby tomorrow night?). It is really a sweet hotel…and a favorite with “Mother Roaders” according to my guide books.
After a quick small dinner at Del’s (“Mom, I am still so FULL!” – Andy), we tucked in for the night. Tomorrow…all of New Mexico!
FYI: For a link to the pictures we have uploaded to the web so far, go to http://www.flickr.com/gp/34503352@N00/6M21nN
Got back to the room and it was a mad dash to get everyone showered and to the car. Pete really needs a tubby, but that tub was gross, so we’ve decided that tonight’s place is supposed to be really good, so we’ll wait. Besides, after everyone was done getting their skin peeled by the water pressure, the drain couldn’t keep up and so the tub was almost overflowing with used shower water…yuck!
Before we left, we documented the hotel with photos, including Room 215 where Elvis used to stay. Hmmm….donuts anyone? Instead we had a quick meal of cereal in the room, and then we were off…not very far, though. We were going right across the street! The Route 66 Museum was there. The birth of the Mother Road began in Oklahoma, and Clinton has always been a huge supporter of keeping the road going. Their museum consisted of walking through various rooms, each one dedicated to a different decade and what that brought to the road. The 70’s room had an old VW bus. And then it hit me. I reminded the family that the Pixar team came through here and saw this museum (they also had stayed across the street where we stayed). Perhaps that bus was the first inkling of Fillmore?
Anyway, the 20 minute film which was showing at the end was really good for the kids. Gave them a great sense of the history of the road (as well as of America!) and showed them with real footage what we’ve been talking about. Pete was busy with a sticker on the floor, so he didn’t distract from the film too much. ☺
After a quick stop in the gift shop, we were off. Today was a on/off the Mother Road kind-of day. We had a lot of distance to cover to get to New Mexico, and the road is just a frontage road at time. We would get off the road if we wanted to see something, drive 66 a bit, and then get back onto the highway. In some places you had to drive on the highway anyway!
We went past another Route 66 museum in Elk City. It was huge, and we just didn’t have any more time, but we photographed it. Into Erick, OK I told Steve we had to stop at the Curiosity Stop. It is home to Harley and Annabelle, the Mediocre Melody Makers. (both mentioned in the special thanks of the Cars movie!) I had seen them on my DVD, too. It isn’t a shop or anything, just a stop. They invited us in, gave us lemonade, talked with us for a spell, and then sang Route 66 to us. Andy got it on his camera, but there was something wrong with his disc. ☹ They were quite the characters. They had to get the shop ready because a group of about 30 Norweigan Bikers (I’m not kidding!) were coming through, so we thanked them, took some pictures and headed back down the road.
We crossed into Texas after going through the ghost town of Texola. Took some photos. We YEHAW and we were off! Headed to our STEAK MEAL. Unfortunately, it was getting late for lunch. I think we ended up having it for linner? Dunch? It was about 2:30, but the steak was mmm mmm, good! The Big Texan in Amarillo will offer your meal free if you can eat a 72 ounce steak in one hour. No one was trying it when we got there (and we had already said NO, ANDY), so he had to settle with a 21 ounce. He was full afterwards!
Another trip to the gift shop, some photos in the HUGE rocking chair, and we were off…to Home Depot! I bought some spray paint, and we headed to Cadillac Ranch. It is a series of Cadillacs that Stanley Marsh (an very rich man who loves art) buried half way in the ground in the 70’s. (We had seen Bug Ranch in Conway earlier in the day which is a smaller version someone did recently burying old VW Bugs part way into the ground.) People are constantly spray painting them with various things, and we let the kids do their thing. It was hot out there (it’s in the middle of a field) but Steve assured me it was a dry heat. Blah.
We loaded up the car again and headed to New Mexico. We were excited to get to Adrian, TX to the Midpoint Café. I had told the kids to not have dessert at the Big Texan because THIS was where we were going to get dessert! It is the home of the Ugly Crust Pie (and also mentioned in the Cars credits). This town is located midway between Chicago and Los Angeles (there’s even a sign!). Well, we pulled up and saw that they had closed 30 minutes earlier!! I was SO sad. We could look in the windows and see the pie in the cases. It was CRUEL! Everyone else got in the car and opened up the cookies. I just pouted all the way into New Mexico.
At Exit 0 I told Steve that I was tired of the ‘super slab’ as Mother Roaders call the Interstate. So, we got off and headed through Glenrio, another ghost town. As we drove into New Mexico the road went from paved to dirt. The navigation system said “Historic 66” so I knew we were on a very old version. We drove for about 5 miles past all sorts of beautiful scenery far far away from the superslab. Our car got FILTHY (there was a layer of grime on everything IN the car too), but it was beautiful. The scenery had changed so much since our ‘pie stop’. We had started seeing mesas and a definite rise and fall to the previously completely flat land. There were no trees, but what there were can only be called brush. I could envision cowboys coming up over the ridge chasing a bandit.
We made it to the Blue Swallow an hour earlier than I had thought (Thank you Mountain Time!). It is an old motor court which has been lovingly kept up. Some of the rooms still have adjoining garages (as these Motor Courts did). We have adjoining rooms with the kids in one room and Steve and I in the other. The hall that connected us has a cute little closet and shared bathroom with a shower (Sorry Pete…tubby tomorrow night?). It is really a sweet hotel…and a favorite with “Mother Roaders” according to my guide books.
After a quick small dinner at Del’s (“Mom, I am still so FULL!” – Andy), we tucked in for the night. Tomorrow…all of New Mexico!
FYI: For a link to the pictures we have uploaded to the web so far, go to http://www.flickr.com/gp/34503352@N00/6M21nN
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Day #3
We started out early today because there was so much we wanted to see. We took off immediately down the Route and enjoyed the quiet Sunday morning. Our first stop was at the world’s LARGEST Totem Pole in Foyil. We took many pictures, and petted the two family dogs that belonged to the caretaker. Because it was so early, we were the only ones there. It was nice!
We found our way back to the Route and went into what looked like a convenience store, but ended up being a restaurant. So, we all went in and had a nice breakfast. After that, we did need a convenience store for ice. It was getting HOT.
While at the store, we noticed a runaway horse. A few people at the filling station were watching it, and one guy got on the phone. Perhaps they recognized the horse? It was beautiful. I hope they caught it!
We saw the Will Rogers memorial, the Catoosa Whale, made it through Tulsa and ended up in Stroud at the Rock Café for lunch. (1:30 is still lunch time, right?) The food was EXCELLENT. They say that the food network is coming next week to do a segment on them! The owner, Dawn, wasn’t in which was a shame. She was the inspiration for Sally in the movie Cars. We did get some fun pictures outside where she has a wooden Sally on display.
With full tummies, we made our way down one of the most beautiful parts of Route 66. It was such an idyllic scene of cattle and horses in the distance. And with no one else on the road, we could slow down and take as many pictures as we wanted!
We saw oil drums, beautiful old bridges and plenty of ranches. We saw Garth Brook’s hometown, the Oklahoma City memorial, a beautifully restored Round Barn and one of the first ever gas stations in America (well, what is left of it).
As we got closer to Clinton, we decided to stop for dinner. We ate quickly hoping to get to the hotel for a dip in the pool because it was so hot. But alas, the pool is under repair. So, Emily and I ran to the Laundromat to get some clothes cleaned, and the boys hung out in the hotel room. Unfortunately, the Laundromat closed at 10, and we started at 9:30, and the clothes took 30 minutes to wash, so we now have a laundry bag full of wet clothes.
I know where I’m headed back to tomorrow when they open at 7! Ye haw. A busy day tomorrow too. We are all looking forward to a good Texas steak meal…
We found our way back to the Route and went into what looked like a convenience store, but ended up being a restaurant. So, we all went in and had a nice breakfast. After that, we did need a convenience store for ice. It was getting HOT.
While at the store, we noticed a runaway horse. A few people at the filling station were watching it, and one guy got on the phone. Perhaps they recognized the horse? It was beautiful. I hope they caught it!
We saw the Will Rogers memorial, the Catoosa Whale, made it through Tulsa and ended up in Stroud at the Rock Café for lunch. (1:30 is still lunch time, right?) The food was EXCELLENT. They say that the food network is coming next week to do a segment on them! The owner, Dawn, wasn’t in which was a shame. She was the inspiration for Sally in the movie Cars. We did get some fun pictures outside where she has a wooden Sally on display.
With full tummies, we made our way down one of the most beautiful parts of Route 66. It was such an idyllic scene of cattle and horses in the distance. And with no one else on the road, we could slow down and take as many pictures as we wanted!
We saw oil drums, beautiful old bridges and plenty of ranches. We saw Garth Brook’s hometown, the Oklahoma City memorial, a beautifully restored Round Barn and one of the first ever gas stations in America (well, what is left of it).
As we got closer to Clinton, we decided to stop for dinner. We ate quickly hoping to get to the hotel for a dip in the pool because it was so hot. But alas, the pool is under repair. So, Emily and I ran to the Laundromat to get some clothes cleaned, and the boys hung out in the hotel room. Unfortunately, the Laundromat closed at 10, and we started at 9:30, and the clothes took 30 minutes to wash, so we now have a laundry bag full of wet clothes.
I know where I’m headed back to tomorrow when they open at 7! Ye haw. A busy day tomorrow too. We are all looking forward to a good Texas steak meal…
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Day #2
We started out slow, enjoying the morning in our nice room. We finally loaded up and headed out…but not very far! Our first stop was 1 minute down the road at Wrink’s Market. We thought it would be closed. Mr. Wrinkle died in 2005, and it had been closed since. But NO! His SON opened it nary one week ago! We ended up spending so much time there visiting with Terry Wrinkle and his customers (plus buying a few things) that we were REALLY late on our start to the day when we finally got going! No worries. We are on the Mother Road where they say it’s not the destination, it’s the journey..
Before we headed out of Lebanon, though, we did stop at the local Library to see their special tribute to Route 66. They had a sample motel and soda shop set up, plus the blueprints to building the road, and other collectible items. These little museums are so neat.
So, we tripped along seeing various open and closed shops and motels, taking pictures and generally gawking out both sides of the window. We did make a major stop at the Exotic Animal Paradise in Marshfield, MO. We thought we had made a horrible mistake at first when we saw their petting zoo, but once we did the ‘drive through safari’ we realized it was worth the money. The kids had a BLAST feeding the animals from the car. We had a few very forward Emus and Donkeys come right INTO the car window! Peter squealed with delight…Mom squealed in absolute fear!
We also stopped suddenly beside a replica of an old Sinclair gas station and met Gary, the nicest man! He told us all about his shop and his friends, and he gave us all signed copies of the Route 66 Pulse newspaper which had the opening of Cars and an interview with Michael Wallis on it. He was so incredibly friendly and loved having people stop in!
After that, we were headed to Kansas. We skipped downtown Joplin due to the time, and headed straight for Galena. As we wandered toward Kansas, Pete decided he’d had too much fun and it was time to nap. We entered Kansas, went about 2 miles, turned the corner at Galena and saw before our very eyes the REAL TOW-MATER!! (from the movie Cars). And, as if on cue, Pete woke up and said “It’s Mater!” Well, that was good for about 45 minutes buying T-shirts, taking pictures, and getting the whole story about the Pixar team and the truck. It was really fun. We also made sure we saw the Arch Rainbow Bridge and Eisler Brother’s store (they were given a special ‘thanks’ at the end of the Cars movie). Kansas only has 13 miles of the Mother Road, but they contain some pretty good stuff!
We made it into Oklahoma and past a few interesting towns. Vinita isn’t all I wanted it to be, though. The only place in which I was interested in eating was closed, and the drive-in restaurant in the nearby town didn’t sound so appealing in the hot sticky night. So, we ended up taking the kids to the World’s Largest McDonalds which is located in a highway oasis over Hwy. 44. I know, I said no fast food on this trip, but I decided that because it was the World’s Largest, it would somehow, in a weird way, be an okay exception to my rule. We were able to park on a side road and not have to get onto the Toll Road to enter the restaurant. Now I know how the employees do it!
So, we are now at our roadside retreat for the night. We are all exhausted and looking forward to an early tomorrow. We have about 50 more miles to go tomorrow, and we had trouble getting in all the miles we had to today! We could take two months to do this trip and still not have enough time!
Before we headed out of Lebanon, though, we did stop at the local Library to see their special tribute to Route 66. They had a sample motel and soda shop set up, plus the blueprints to building the road, and other collectible items. These little museums are so neat.
So, we tripped along seeing various open and closed shops and motels, taking pictures and generally gawking out both sides of the window. We did make a major stop at the Exotic Animal Paradise in Marshfield, MO. We thought we had made a horrible mistake at first when we saw their petting zoo, but once we did the ‘drive through safari’ we realized it was worth the money. The kids had a BLAST feeding the animals from the car. We had a few very forward Emus and Donkeys come right INTO the car window! Peter squealed with delight…Mom squealed in absolute fear!
We also stopped suddenly beside a replica of an old Sinclair gas station and met Gary, the nicest man! He told us all about his shop and his friends, and he gave us all signed copies of the Route 66 Pulse newspaper which had the opening of Cars and an interview with Michael Wallis on it. He was so incredibly friendly and loved having people stop in!
After that, we were headed to Kansas. We skipped downtown Joplin due to the time, and headed straight for Galena. As we wandered toward Kansas, Pete decided he’d had too much fun and it was time to nap. We entered Kansas, went about 2 miles, turned the corner at Galena and saw before our very eyes the REAL TOW-MATER!! (from the movie Cars). And, as if on cue, Pete woke up and said “It’s Mater!” Well, that was good for about 45 minutes buying T-shirts, taking pictures, and getting the whole story about the Pixar team and the truck. It was really fun. We also made sure we saw the Arch Rainbow Bridge and Eisler Brother’s store (they were given a special ‘thanks’ at the end of the Cars movie). Kansas only has 13 miles of the Mother Road, but they contain some pretty good stuff!
We made it into Oklahoma and past a few interesting towns. Vinita isn’t all I wanted it to be, though. The only place in which I was interested in eating was closed, and the drive-in restaurant in the nearby town didn’t sound so appealing in the hot sticky night. So, we ended up taking the kids to the World’s Largest McDonalds which is located in a highway oasis over Hwy. 44. I know, I said no fast food on this trip, but I decided that because it was the World’s Largest, it would somehow, in a weird way, be an okay exception to my rule. We were able to park on a side road and not have to get onto the Toll Road to enter the restaurant. Now I know how the employees do it!
So, we are now at our roadside retreat for the night. We are all exhausted and looking forward to an early tomorrow. We have about 50 more miles to go tomorrow, and we had trouble getting in all the miles we had to today! We could take two months to do this trip and still not have enough time!
Friday, July 20, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Things We Want To See!
WE ARE READY TO GO!!
These are the things we want to see each day. Colors mean:
■ Places with Food
■ Pixar Cars Points of Interest
Friday:
Chicago, IL to Lebanon, MO (456mi)
> Mule Trading Post – St. James
> Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba
> Route 66 Motors & Gift Shop – Dillon
> Totem Pole Trading Post – Rolla
> Trail of Tears Stone Gateway – near Arlington
> John’s Modern Cabins – Doolittle
> Devil’s Elbow – Hooker
> Old Stagecoach Stop – Waynesville
> Frog Rock - Waynesville
> Bell Restaurant – Lebanon
Stay at Munger Moss Motel - Lebanon (backtrack if necessary to see previous listed items)
Saturday:
Lebanon, MO to Vinita, OK (197mi)
> Exotic Animal Paradise – Marshfield
> CD’s Pancake Hut (or Gooseberry Diner or Carthage Deli & Ice Cream) – Carthage
> R&M Restaurant/Wilders Finer Foods – Joplin
> Richardson’s Candy House – Joplin
> Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store – Riverton *
> Rainbow Arch Bridge – Riverton
> Café on the Route – Baxter Springs
> Mickey Mantle Home, 319 S. Quincy – Commerce
> S. of Miami – OLD Alignment
> Rocket Drive-In – Afton
> Buffalo Ranch (remains)
> Backtrack to Route 66 Drive-In, Carthage, MO for movie!
Stay at Route 66 Inn and Motel - Vinita
Sunday:
Vinita, OK to Clinton, OK (271mi)
> Little Cabin Pecan Co - Vinita
> World’s Largest Totem Pole – Bushyhead
> Will Rogers Memorial - Claremore
> Blue Whale – Catoosa
> Ollie’s Station Restaurant (Trains!) – Red Fork
> Frankoma Pottery – Sapulpa
> Giant Coke Bottle - Sapulpa
> The Rock Café – Stroud *
> Old ’66 Antiques – Stroud
> PJ’s BBQ – Chandler
> Phillips 66 – Chandler
> Seaba Station – Warwick
> Bob’s BBQ & Round Barn – Arcadia
> Pop Hick’s Restaurant – Clinton *
Stay at Best Western Tradewinds Courtyard Inn - Clinton
Monday:
Clinton, OK to Tucumcari, NM (285mi)
> OK Route 66 Museum – Clinton
> National Route 66 Museum – Elk City
> Two Giant Kachina Dolls – Elk City
> Country Dove – Elk City * (French silk pie)
> AS&K Railroad Museum – Sayre
> Sands Hill Curiosity Shop – Erick
> Texacola – ghost town
> U-Drop Inn – Shamrock
> Devil’s Rope Museum – McLean *
> Phillips 66 – McLean
> McLean Alanreed Museum - McLean
> Cowboy Café – McLean
> Jericho Gap - Jericho
> Leaning Tower of Groom
> Giant Cross – Groom
> Bug Ranch - Conway
> Long Horn Trading Post – Conway
> Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo *
> Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo
> Midpoint Café – Adrian * (pie!)
> Glenrio – ghost town
> Someplace Else Lounge & Route 66 Mural – San Jon
> The Rustler – San Jon
> Tee Pee Curios – Tucumcari
> Tucumcari Cheese Factory – Tucumcari
> Mesalands Dinosaur Museum - Tucumcari
Stay at Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari
Tuesday:
Tucumcari, NM to Gallup, NM (310mi)
> Route 66 Auto Museum – Santa Rosa
> Gift Shop – Clines Corner
> Longhorn Ranch Site – Moriarty
> Aztec Motel – Albuquerque
> Indian Pueblo Cultural Center? – Albuquerque
> 66 Diner – Albuquerque
> Rattlesnake Museum - Albuquerque
> Sky City – McCartys
> Grant’s Underground Museum – Grants
> Uranium Café - Grants
> Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave, Grants
> Continental Divide
> Oldest Indian Pueblo – Acoma?
Stay at Hotel el Rancho - Gallup
Wednesday:
Gallup, NM to Mesa Verde National Park (148mi)
> Cliff Dwellings
> Hike in the park
Stay in Mesa Verde National Park
Thursday:
Mesa Verde National Park to Holbrook, AZ (238mi)
> Petrified Forest National Park
> Painted Desert
Stay in Wigwam Motel - Holbrook
Friday:
Holbrook
, AZ to Grand Canyon (189mi)
> Joe & Aggie’s Café – Holbrook *
> Rainbow Rock Shop - Holbrook
> Jack Rabbit Trading Post – Joseph City *
> Roadworks Gifts & Souvenirs – Winslow *
> Old Trails Museum – Winslow *
> La Posada Hotel & Gardens - Winslow
> Museum Club – Flagstaff *
> Sunset Crater Volcano
Stay in Grand Canyon National Park
Saturday:
Grand Canyon National Park to Williams, AZ (113mi)
> See Grand Canyon
> Rod’s Steak House – Williams
> Twisters 50’s Soda Fountain - Williams
Stay at Red Garter Bed & Bakery - Williams
Sunday:
Williams, AZ to Oatman, AZ (159mi)
> Angel & Vilmas Route 66 Gifts – Seligman *
> Snow Cap Drive-In – Seligman *
> Copper Cart - Seligman
> Grand Canyon Caverns
> Fontier Café – Truxton
> Bidirectional Sign – Truxton
> Hackberry General Store – Hackberry
> Gunfights in Oatman
> Oatman Hotel & Café – Oatman
Backtrack a bit and Stay at Hotel Brunswick – Kingman
Monday:
Oatman, AZ to Pasadena, CA (324mi)
> Irene’s – Needles ?
> Welcome Wagon - Needles
> Amboy Crater, Amboy
> Roy’s Café? – Amboy
> Bagdad Café – Ludlow
> Forest of Bottle Trees – Helendale
> Roy Rogers Double R Bar Ranch (drive past) – Helendale
> Emma Jean’s Holland Burger – Oro Grande
> Bono’s Historic Orange Stand – Fontana
Stay at Saga Motor Hotel - Pasadena
Tuesday:
Sightseeing in L.A.
> Santa Monica Pier & FINISH ROUTE 66!!
> Hollywood Sign
> Grauman’s Chinese Theater
> Hollywood Sign
> In-N-Out Burger
Stay at Saga Motor Hotel - Pasadena
Wednesday:
Pasadena, CA to Sequoia National Park (232mi)
> Explore Sequoias
Stay in Sequoia National Park
Thursday:
Sequoia National Park to Las Vegas, NV (400mi)
> Ride the Monorail to MGM and walk the Strip
> Explore hotels
> One of the best free shows in Las Vegas is held every night in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in Sirens Cove. The free show goes on nightly at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in Sirens' Cove at the front entrance of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
> Get up close with the lions of the MGM Grand. This attraction also allows you to take a picture with some lions. (for a fee) The habitat is at the entrance to the resort and offers large viewing areas of the habitat and the lions. (11am to 11pm)
> Stand out front of the Bellagio and watch as the music and the water are perfectly choreographed for your pleasure. 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., show every 1/2 hour, 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., show every 15 minutes
Stay at Las Vegas Hilton – Las Vegas
Friday:
Las Vegas, NV to Bryce Canyon National Park (260mi)
> Explore Bryce Canyon
Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park
Saturday:
Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches National Park (275mi)
> See Canyonlands National Park
> Explore Arches National Park
Stay in Arches? Somewhere else??
Sunday:
Arches National Park to Rocky Mountain National Park (400mi)
> Meander...
Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Monday:
Spend the day in Rocky Mountain National Park
> Take the Georgetown Loop Railroad through the mountains
> Hike the park
Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Tuesday:
Rocky Mountain National Park to home (1030mi)
These are the things we want to see each day. Colors mean:■ Places with Food
■ Pixar Cars Points of Interest
Friday:
Chicago, IL to Lebanon, MO (456mi)
> Mule Trading Post – St. James> Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba
> Route 66 Motors & Gift Shop – Dillon
> Totem Pole Trading Post – Rolla
> Trail of Tears Stone Gateway – near Arlington
> John’s Modern Cabins – Doolittle
> Devil’s Elbow – Hooker
> Old Stagecoach Stop – Waynesville
> Frog Rock - Waynesville
> Bell Restaurant – Lebanon
Stay at Munger Moss Motel - Lebanon (backtrack if necessary to see previous listed items)
Saturday:
Lebanon, MO to Vinita, OK (197mi)
> Exotic Animal Paradise – Marshfield> CD’s Pancake Hut (or Gooseberry Diner or Carthage Deli & Ice Cream) – Carthage
> R&M Restaurant/Wilders Finer Foods – Joplin
> Richardson’s Candy House – Joplin
> Eisler Brothers Old Riverton Store – Riverton *
> Rainbow Arch Bridge – Riverton
> Café on the Route – Baxter Springs
> Mickey Mantle Home, 319 S. Quincy – Commerce
> S. of Miami – OLD Alignment
> Rocket Drive-In – Afton
> Buffalo Ranch (remains)
> Backtrack to Route 66 Drive-In, Carthage, MO for movie!
Stay at Route 66 Inn and Motel - Vinita
Sunday:
Vinita, OK to Clinton, OK (271mi)
> Little Cabin Pecan Co - Vinita> World’s Largest Totem Pole – Bushyhead
> Will Rogers Memorial - Claremore
> Blue Whale – Catoosa
> Ollie’s Station Restaurant (Trains!) – Red Fork
> Frankoma Pottery – Sapulpa
> Giant Coke Bottle - Sapulpa
> The Rock Café – Stroud *
> Old ’66 Antiques – Stroud
> PJ’s BBQ – Chandler
> Phillips 66 – Chandler
> Seaba Station – Warwick
> Bob’s BBQ & Round Barn – Arcadia
> Pop Hick’s Restaurant – Clinton *
Stay at Best Western Tradewinds Courtyard Inn - Clinton
Monday:
Clinton, OK to Tucumcari, NM (285mi)
> OK Route 66 Museum – Clinton> National Route 66 Museum – Elk City
> Two Giant Kachina Dolls – Elk City
> Country Dove – Elk City * (French silk pie)
> AS&K Railroad Museum – Sayre
> Sands Hill Curiosity Shop – Erick
> Texacola – ghost town
> U-Drop Inn – Shamrock
> Devil’s Rope Museum – McLean *
> Phillips 66 – McLean
> McLean Alanreed Museum - McLean
> Cowboy Café – McLean
> Jericho Gap - Jericho
> Leaning Tower of Groom
> Giant Cross – Groom> Bug Ranch - Conway
> Long Horn Trading Post – Conway
> Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo *
> Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo
> Midpoint Café – Adrian * (pie!)
> Glenrio – ghost town
> Someplace Else Lounge & Route 66 Mural – San Jon
> The Rustler – San Jon
> Tee Pee Curios – Tucumcari
> Tucumcari Cheese Factory – Tucumcari
> Mesalands Dinosaur Museum - Tucumcari
Stay at Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari
Tuesday:
Tucumcari, NM to Gallup, NM (310mi)
> Route 66 Auto Museum – Santa Rosa> Gift Shop – Clines Corner
> Longhorn Ranch Site – Moriarty
> Aztec Motel – Albuquerque
> Indian Pueblo Cultural Center? – Albuquerque
> 66 Diner – Albuquerque
> Rattlesnake Museum - Albuquerque
> Sky City – McCartys
> Grant’s Underground Museum – Grants
> Uranium Café - Grants
> Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave, Grants
> Continental Divide
> Oldest Indian Pueblo – Acoma?
Stay at Hotel el Rancho - Gallup
Wednesday:
Gallup, NM to Mesa Verde National Park (148mi)> Cliff Dwellings
> Hike in the park
Stay in Mesa Verde National Park
Thursday:
Mesa Verde National Park to Holbrook, AZ (238mi)> Petrified Forest National Park
> Painted Desert
Stay in Wigwam Motel - Holbrook
Friday:
Holbrook
, AZ to Grand Canyon (189mi)> Joe & Aggie’s Café – Holbrook *
> Rainbow Rock Shop - Holbrook
> Jack Rabbit Trading Post – Joseph City *
> Roadworks Gifts & Souvenirs – Winslow *
> Old Trails Museum – Winslow *
> La Posada Hotel & Gardens - Winslow
> Museum Club – Flagstaff *
> Sunset Crater Volcano
Stay in Grand Canyon National Park
Saturday:Grand Canyon National Park to Williams, AZ (113mi)
> See Grand Canyon
> Rod’s Steak House – Williams
> Twisters 50’s Soda Fountain - Williams
Stay at Red Garter Bed & Bakery - Williams
Sunday:
Williams, AZ to Oatman, AZ (159mi)
> Angel & Vilmas Route 66 Gifts – Seligman *
> Snow Cap Drive-In – Seligman *> Copper Cart - Seligman
> Grand Canyon Caverns
> Fontier Café – Truxton
> Bidirectional Sign – Truxton
> Hackberry General Store – Hackberry
> Gunfights in Oatman
> Oatman Hotel & Café – Oatman
Backtrack a bit and Stay at Hotel Brunswick – Kingman
Monday:
Oatman, AZ to Pasadena, CA (324mi)
> Irene’s – Needles ?> Welcome Wagon - Needles
> Amboy Crater, Amboy
> Roy’s Café? – Amboy
> Bagdad Café – Ludlow
> Forest of Bottle Trees – Helendale
> Roy Rogers Double R Bar Ranch (drive past) – Helendale
> Emma Jean’s Holland Burger – Oro Grande
> Bono’s Historic Orange Stand – Fontana
Stay at Saga Motor Hotel - Pasadena
Tuesday:
Sightseeing in L.A.
> Santa Monica Pier & FINISH ROUTE 66!!
> Hollywood Sign
> Grauman’s Chinese Theater
> Hollywood Sign
> In-N-Out Burger
Stay at Saga Motor Hotel - Pasadena
Wednesday: Pasadena, CA to Sequoia National Park (232mi)
> Explore Sequoias
Stay in Sequoia National Park
Thursday:
Sequoia National Park to Las Vegas, NV (400mi)
> Ride the Monorail to MGM and walk the Strip> Explore hotels
> One of the best free shows in Las Vegas is held every night in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in Sirens Cove. The free show goes on nightly at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in Sirens' Cove at the front entrance of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
> Get up close with the lions of the MGM Grand. This attraction also allows you to take a picture with some lions. (for a fee) The habitat is at the entrance to the resort and offers large viewing areas of the habitat and the lions. (11am to 11pm)
> Stand out front of the Bellagio and watch as the music and the water are perfectly choreographed for your pleasure. 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., show every 1/2 hour, 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., show every 15 minutes
Stay at Las Vegas Hilton – Las Vegas
Friday:Las Vegas, NV to Bryce Canyon National Park (260mi)
> Explore Bryce Canyon
Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park
Saturday:
Bryce Canyon National Park to Arches National Park (275mi)
> See Canyonlands National Park
> Explore Arches National Park
Stay in Arches? Somewhere else??
Sunday:
Arches National Park to Rocky Mountain National Park (400mi)
> Meander...
Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Monday:
Spend the day in Rocky Mountain National Park
> Take the Georgetown Loop Railroad through the mountains
> Hike the park
Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Tuesday:
Rocky Mountain National Park to home (1030mi)
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