Another day, another adventure

JOPLIN, MO — I got lost at least a half-dozen times today underneath a back-and-forth of rain and sun, but I was also able to take the above photo from the comfort of my car. On which of today’s super highways are you able to do that?

Don’t get me wrong, the modern interstate highway system is clearly a wonder of technological progress, whisking millions of motorists from one point to another more quickly, safely and efficiently than ever before. But the last three days have made plain to me that it’s also a holy bore to drive.

You’re not going to find the world’s largest rocking chair, so certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, on I-80 anytime soon.

Rocker, Fanning Outpost General Store, Fanning, MO.

A fuller picture of the Route 66 experience is forming in my mind. It’s a little premature yet, but I’m sure it’ll germinate nicely over the next few days. Remember, the great American Southwest still lies ahead.

For now, merely consider that all of the roadside photographs posted in this dispatch were taken today.

Barn and pasture near Doolittle, MO.

Road closed, somewhere in MO.

Water tower, Cuba, MO.

Sinclair station display, Ash Grove, MO.

Bridge and original Route 66 roadway, Devil's Elbow, MO.

Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon, MO.

For those considering their own excursion along Route 66, I highly recommend two key sources to both prepare you and guide you on your way: Drew Knowles’ Route 66 Adventure Handbook and Jim Ross and Jerry McClanahan’s “Here It Is! The Route 66 Map Series.”

The maps, in particular, have been invaluable in guiding me along the Mother Road when the route is not clearly marked and for improvising alternate routes on those two occasions (thus far) when a stretch of the old road had been closed for repair. (Route 66 is no longer marked on standard roadmaps.) In Illinois, following Route 66 is as easy as following your shadow. You don’t need a map; nearly the entire route, including turns, is clearly delineated by “Historic Route 66” guide signs. In Missouri, however, staying on course is another matter entirely. The route is not well marked, which only further complicates the often tricky sequences of turns that crop up throughout the state. So be prepared.

See you tomorrow from Oklahoma!