knightfan26917

I can hardly believe it has been a month since my road trip ENDED. It's been a rough few weeks since I got back home, which hasn't helped. I finally had the CT Scan of my heart/chest Saturday, August 6, 2011, and, given some other things happening (mostly not-so-good; one maybe good), I may be scarce for a while. I haven't even driven my MCs much this year ... MAYBE 100 miles so far on each of them. I kinda doubt I'll get 1,000 miles on 'em this year for what would be the 3rd year in a row. Anxiousness + uncertainty + waiting + powerlessness + helplessness + feeling lost + not feeling well + hating medical crap = NOT a good combo. BUT ... I'm still alive and such. HA! Life is, after all, TOO SHORT PEOPLES! One current bright spot is my nephew. He will be 3 in ~3 months ... and it has been fun watching him grow up. And, yes, because of Uncle Cort, he knows cars VERY well...! This was taken right before my road trip: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32629252&l=17237f10b8&id=1300282613 NOW ... to my 2011 road trip notes and pictures (with captions)...!!!! "SNAPSHOT" FACTS/FIGURES ...22 states visited = IN, OH, PA, IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, SD, ND, MN, WI ...# of days = 18 (Friday, June 24 - Monday, July 11) ...Friends/Family seen = MANY! ...Miles driven = over 9,300 (wish I could buy a 2011 Dodge Charger!) ...Total cost = over $2,600.00 ...Pictures taken = 697 ...Memories made and kept = PRICELESS! SOME THOUGHTS ALONG THE WAY A fine line exists between planning a road trip TOO much and not having enough "concrete" plans...and it is tough to negotiate/balance those.... I just HATE saying goodbye.... Reminisced with several friends about my 2004 road trip ... and how it can't be possible that was 7 years ago.... During the trip trip, I lost touch with many online, but I was in touch IN PERSON with many awesome friends and family members..... For me, it has become harder & harder to come home after a road trip because my home IS the road, though I'm hoping that will soon change.... SOME HAPPENINGS ALONG THE WAY 06/21/2011 ...I should've been elated that my road trip was ON, but I wasn't; I was drained and in knots. ...My cardiologist's office waited until just after 5p to call to tell me the CT Scan (heart/chest) could wait until AFTER my road trip. ...Luckily, I made to the rental place in time, and my first drive in a 2011 DODGE CHARGER was SO WORTH IT! 06/24/2011 ...Embarked on the road trip over an hour late, but it all worked out...I think! 06/27/2011 ...With the Road Trip Kickoff Weekend over (having had less than 10 hours of sleep between Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, traveling all the way to PA and back to IL), I started the second phase of my road trip...after 6 hours of sleep Sunday night into Monday morning in Pontiac IL. ...Spent the night in the Marilyn Monroe room of the newly-renovated Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba MO). 06/28/2011 ...Saw part of the tornado destruction in Joplin MO and was thrilled when Gary Turner (Route 66) shook my hand and said, "I KNOW you!", remembering me from my 2009 Route 66 journey. 06/30/2011 ...Watched the 12:30a and 7:30a showings of "Golden Girls" on The Hallmark Channel at Jake and Mel's home in Wichita KS. 07/02/2011 ...Could NOT believe my road trip was half over already.... Needed a "mind shut off" button, but never did get it.... 07/04/2011 ...Chose SLEEP over SUNRISE (had planned to be up at 4a to watch the sunrise west of Salt Lake) and glad I did; it was CLOUDY that morning so I wouldn't have seen the sunrise anyway. ...In the morning, I finished the rest of the delicious, world-famous cinnamon roll from Johnson's Corners (north of Denver CO). ...The day of driving was "contemplative" as I drove west. ...Ended up just north of Sacramento CA, spending the evening of July 4th alone; hadn't planned on that. 07/05/2011 ...Ended the day watching the movie "Gran Torino" with my cousin and her best friend. Never did get to see CARS 2.... ...Earlier in the day, I met Angela, the author of THE EPIC thread, and saw "Dad's SS"...: http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=484380#Post484380 ...Unfortunately, Dad was in the ICU while I was there...and died on July 20, 2011: http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=885895#Post885895 07/06/2011 ...Traveled US 20 from Lebanon OR to the coast and back. US 20 runs through my home town, Elgin IL. I drove eastern portions of US 20 during my August 2010 road trip to the NorthEast US. 07/07/2011 ...With a twinge of sadness and excitement about seeing more people along my travels, I turned my rental 2011 Dodge Charger east, towards home. 07/08/2011 ...Stopped in Twin Falls ID, after leaving Boise ID and the First Generation Monte Carlo Club Western Meet; I was at the FGMCC Eastern Meet 2 weeks prior in Carlisle PA. In Twin Falls, I stopped at the vistas and at a church my grandfather pastored MANY years ago. 07/09/2011 ...I was supposed to stop in Sioux Falls SD, but with "no room at the inn" and no friends calling, I found myself headed an additional 3 hours north to Fargo ND to spend the evening, or rather, early morning hours.... 07/10/2011 ...POOL PARTY in the evening at a cousin's home in MN. Had a BLAST ... and, yes, I did swim. Holy cow was that nice! 07/11/2011 ...After a stop in Freeport IL to see some friends (and eat at a restaurant along ... US 20!), I steered my rental 2011 black Dodge Charger into my home driveway ~9p. 07/16/2011 ..."Uncle Cort, let's play cars. You're done" ... said my 2+ -year-old nephew, peering up at me after dinner Saturday night, just seconds after he noticed my plate was clean, too. That was a slice of heaven after a ROUGH WEEK. ...Earlier in the day, I drove my 1979 Caprice Classic for the first time since returning home. I drove all 5 Monte Carlos the next day, Sunday. 07/20/2011 ...Returned the 2011 Dodge Charger, though I wanted to keep it. ...Then, I drove my '79 CC to a cruise night, which turned out to be the first of FIVE cruise nights IN A ROW (Wednesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 24). LINES FROM SOME SONGS HEARD "Put some gravel in my travel" "Every time I see your face my heart takes off on a high-speed chase" "Don't underestimate the things that I will do" "I'm gonna take my chances taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for" "Out here its like I'm someone else" "Time just seems to fly, but the memories remain" "We were coming alive" PICTURES ... SLIDESHOW link: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011#slideshow/5632615869249437186 (You will need to adjust the "second" interval so you can read all of the captions!) Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Got the wings of heaven on my shoes" __ Bee Gees __ 'Stayin' Alive'

* After a frustrating/nerve-wracking week (death of a good friend and dealing with my primary care doctor and cardiologist), this road trip IS A GO! The CT Scan (heart/chest) ordered by my cardiologist CAN wait until July, AFTER my road trip! The test (for which I have to take pre-meds due to my kidney issues) was originally scheduled for October, but after my EGD on June 3, this was moved to "ASAP" status..... My May 2011 cardiology checkup revealed I have an enlarged heart and am now pacemaker dependent...along with issues starting to develop with my pig's valve (installed January 6, 2003).... I hope to see MANY of you along the way. The best way to reach me now (since I do not know when I'll have online access during the trip) is my cell phone ... call or text (preferably CALL)...: 847- 337- 9897 My rental is a black 2011 DODGE CHARGER!!! Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I need to get away from this place" __ Smashmouth __ 'All Star'

* It'd be awesome if we could set a NEW record-high attendance yet this year; 2 chances in TwentyEleven... ...July 30 ...October 15 The previous record-high attendance was 65, set 3 years ago, 07/26/2008: http://pics.projectmonte.com/album/12498 If you're interested, these are previous pictures I've taken in the 2 towns that the first 2 Meet'n'Greets were held this year... ...Dwight IL (04/16/2011 Meet'n'Greet), November 2009: http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/DriveSouthTNAL112709112909#slideshow/5431282615925577026 ...Franklin Grove IL (05/21/2011 Meet'n'Greet), September 2009: http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/RT66TRIPDAY1#slideshow/5427141662526110530 Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by" __ Bonnie Tyler __ 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'

* NOTE: I will be out of town, June 24 to July 11, and NOT at any Chicagoland cruise nights. I have been attending as many cruise nights as possible, including a stretch of 4 in 5 nights (June 1-5) and 7 in 12 nights (June 1-12). Pictures I have taken thus far: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights 1 highlight from each night... ...06/01/2011, Maxwell's, Dundee IL: ...06/02/2011, Mr C's, Elgin IL: ...06/04/2011, Beef Villa, S Elgin IL: ...06/05/2011, Rookie's, Elgin IL: ...06/08/2011, Maxwell's: ...06/10/2011, Village Squire, S Elgin IL: ...06/12/2011, Rookie's: ...06/17/2011, Village Squire: ...06/19/2011, Rookie's: Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Uh, what model is it?" __ Johnny Cash __ 'One Piece At A Time'

Sometimes, wheeled vehicles other than cars, trucks, vans, or motorcycles appear at Cruise Nights. This is one that I spotted at a cruise night a few weeks ago: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/06/cruise-nights/ What have you seen at Cruise Nights? AND ... I've posted another section to my Route 66-based story: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I know every engineer on every train" __ Roger Miller __ 'King Of The Road'

* A few more license plates I've seen recently include... TULBOX 3 ... white Saturn L300 TRRRBO 2 ... orange Neon LV MAUI 1 ... blue Infiniti BBQ HR 1 ... maroon Acura SMOKD UP ... yellow GTO PLN MAN 1 ... blue mc Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Distractions are amusing" __ Hal Ketchum __ 'Past The Point Of Rescue'

LOL! I spotted that, too! I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing...! Those buildings sure are awesome. A couple of them reminded me of similar style buildings we have around here and in western IL. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I'll take a Chevrolet just any day" __ John Conlee __ 'Common Man'

YES ... Exactly! I also often wonder how "quick" the abandoning took place. In other words, was it a "hear today, gone tomorrow" scenario ... or was it more of a gradual pace? I'm also most often curious as to how many people stop to see it NOW ... and have similar thoughts..... Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Nothing's quite the same now" __ Vertical Horizon __ 'Best I Ever Had'

*** I've revised the itinerary, posted below. I BELIEVE I listed everyone who mentioned meeting up along the way. If not, PLEASE TELL ME...meeting people is one of the main reasons for my road trips! I'm still looking for a place to stay overnight while I'm in... ...Pontiac IL ...Tulsa OK ...Dallas TX ...Amarillo TX ...Denver CO ...Sacramento CA ...Eugene OR ...Bozeman MT ...Sioux Falls SD CONTACT ME... ...via PH: 847- 337- 9897 ...via EM: faithcubsmc2691 @ aol.com _____ FRI, 06/24/11 _____ ~3p - ~midnight ... 8 hrs (time change) ... ELGIN IL - SMITHVILLE OH route: I-294 E I-94 E IN RT 49 S US RT 30 E VISITS = NW IN ... Phil, fg = Smithville OH ... Keith A, college = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Keith's _____ SAT, 06/25/11 _____ ~6a - ~1p ... 7 hrs ... SMITHVILLE OH - YORK PA route: OH RT 585 I-76 E I-83 S VISITS = York PA ... ~1p - ~4p ... people at MC Nats: http://montecarloclub.com/Monte_Nationals_Page.htm = York/Lancaster PA ... ~1p - ~4p ... Bill W, C&G = OTHERS...? ~4p - ~5p ... 1 hr ... YORK PA - CARLISLE PA route: I-83 N I-76 W VISITS = Carlisle PA ... ~5p - ~8p ... people at GM Nats: http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/gm-nationals/ = Carlisle PA ... ~5p - ~8p ... people at 1st Gen MC Club's EASTERN MEET: http://www.firstgenmc.com/html/11meeteast.shtml = Carlisle PA ... ~5p - ~8p ... New York MC Club: http://nymcc.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=133005&p=3&topicID=39808825 = Carlisle PA ... ~5p - ~8p ... Roger, GMTruckGuy, C&G = OTHERS...? ~8p - midnight ... 4 hrs ... CARLISLE PA - PITTSBURGH PA route: I-76 W VISITS = Pittsburgh PA ... Drew, C&G = Pittsburgh PA ... Cory, C&G = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Drew's _____ SUN, 06/26/11 _____ ~9a - ~7p ... 11 hrs (time change) ... PITTSBURGH PA - PONTIAC IL route: I-76 W US RT 30 W (possible Lincoln Highway stops) US RT 224 W US RT 24 W VISITS = Pittsburgh PA ... ~7:30a - ~9a ... Adam P, GMI, breakfast = Pittsburgh PA ... ~7:30a - ~9a ... Anthony P, ACHA, breakfast = Pittsburgh PA ... ~7:30a - ~9a ... Frank, MCs, breakfast = Pittsburgh PA ... ~7:30a - ~9a ... Marc, MCs, breakfast = Akron/Canton OH ... Ross, HVP = Akron OH ... Pat, ChevyTalk = Fort Wayne IN ... Nick G, Y2KMC = Wabash/Huntington IN ... Marcia, VR = Wabash/Huntington IN ... Tammy, college = Wabash/Huntington IN ... Amy/Tim, college = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ MON, 06/27/11 _____ ~11a - ~7p ... 8 hrs ... PONTIAC IL - LEBANON MO route: sections of US RT 66 I-55 S I-255 S I-270 W I-44 W VISITS = Pontiac IL ... Rt 66 Museum: http://il66assoc.org/attraction/route-66-association-hall-fame-museum = Springfield IL ... Becky's Barn: http://www.beckysbarn.com/ = Stanton IL ... Henry's Ra66it Ranch: http://www.henrysroute66.com/ = St Louis MO ... Tom, ChevyTalk = St Louis MO ... Joe W, ChevyTalk = St Louis MO ... Rich D, Rt66 = St Louis MO ... Lena, ACHA = St Louis MO ... Chris K, MCs = St Louis MO ... Matt B, MCs = Lebanon MO ... Kathy A, Rt66 = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Munger Moss: http://www.mungermoss.com/ ______ TUE, 06/28/11 _____ ~9a - ~6p ... 9 hrs ... LEBANON MO - TULSA OK route: I-44 W US RT 66 (~Joplin MO to avoid tollway) VISITS = Springfield MO ... Larry, Rt66 = Springfield MO ... Marcia P, Rt66/Nixa = Gay Parita Station ... Gary, Rt66: http://garysgayparita.com/ = Joplin MO ... Glenda, VR = Galena KS .. Brandi A, Rt66 = Galena KS ... 4 Women On The Route: http://www.kansastravel.org/4womenontheroute.htm = Afton OK ... Laurel/Afton Station, Rt66: http://www.postcardsfromtheroad.net/afton.shtml = Broken Arrow OK ... various = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ WED, 06/29/211 _____ ~9a - ~3p ... 6 hrs ... TULSA OK - WICHITA KS route: US RT 66 W (Tulsa - Oklahoma City OK) I-35 N VISITS = Arcadia OK ... POPS: http://route66.com/ = Oklahoma City OK ... Dennis, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Bob, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Travis, MCs = Oklahoma City OK ... Tony E, Rt66 = Oklahoma City OK ... KenLR, Rt66 = Wichita KS ... Jake & family, MCs = Wichita KS ... Mike, FGMC = Wichita KS ... Saul, ECML = Wichita KS ... Shawn R, former Elginite = Wichita KS ... JD B, former Elginite = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Jake's _____ THU, 06/30/11 _____ ~9a - ~4p ... 7 hrs ... WICHITA KS - DALLAS TX route: I-35 S VISITS = Oklahoma City OK ... Dennis, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Bob, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Travis, MCs = Oklahoma City OK ... Tony E, Rt66 = Oklahoma City OK ... KenLR, Rt66 = Dallas TX ... Kelly H, ECML ... Kelly is planning a BBQ, w/DETAILS TBD = Dallas TX ... Smokey, ChevyTalk = Dallas TX ... Tommy, 2nd gen MC = Dallas TX ... Niki & family, VR/ACHA = Dallas TX ... Suzy, VR/ACHA = Dallas TX ... Marsha, VR/HVP = Dallas TX ... Lloyd T, FG = Dallas TX ... Greg H, Rt66 = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ FRI, 07/01/11 _____ ~9a - ~7p ... 10 hrs ... DALLAS TX - OKLAHOMA CITY OK - AMARILLO TX route: I-35 N I-40 W VISITS = Oklahoma City OK ... LUNCH ... Clay, HotSeat = Oklahoma City OK ... Dennis, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Bob, ChevyTalk = Oklahoma City OK ... Travis, MCs = Oklahoma City OK ... Tony E, Rt66 = Oklahoma City OK ... KenLR, Rt66 = Amarillo TX ... Greg H, Rt66 = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ SAT, 07/02/11 _____ ~8a - ~6p ... 11 hrs (time change) ... AMARILLO TX - DENVER CO route: I-40 W US RT 66 N (into Santa Fe) I-25 N VISITS = various Rt66 people/places = Denver CO ... Mickey, FGMC = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ SUN, 07/03/11 _____ ~7a - ~8a ... 1 hr ... DENVER CO - JOHNSTOWN CO route: I-25 N VISITS = Johnstown CO ... ~8a - ~9:30a ... Jay, racingForum, Johnsons Corners Truck Stop, breakfast: http://www.johnsonscorner.com/location.php = OTHERS...? ~9:30a - ~5:30p ... 8 hrs ... JOHNSTOWN CO - SALT LAKE CITY UT route: I-25 N I-80 W (possible stops along the Lincoln Highway) VISITS = Salt Lake City UT ... Ray B, ECML: http://www.chevyasylum.com/ = Salt Lake City UT ... Anna, Rt66 = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Ray's _____ MON, 07/04/11 _____ ~4:30a - ~1p ... 9.5 hrs (time change) ... SALT LAKE CITY UT - RENO NV route: I-80 W [or] I-80 W US RT 93 S US 50 W (either way, possible stops along the Lincoln Highway) VISITS = Salt Lake/Desert ... for sunrise! = Middlegate UT ... diner (original pony express station) = Reno NV ... ~1p - ~3:30p ... packrat, FGMC = OTHERS...? ~3:30p - ~6p ... 2.5 hrs ... RENO NV - SACRAMENTO CA route: I-80 W VISITS = Sacramento CA ... Nygel, FGMC = Sacramento CA ... DeeDee, ChevyTalk = Sacramento CA ... Dennis V, ChevyTalk = Sacramento CA ... Renee = Sacramento CA ... Uncle Dennis/Jacki = Sacramento CA ... Julianne, cousin = Sacramento CA ... Marilyn, ACHA = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ TUE, 07/05/11 _____ ~8a - ~5p ... 9 hrs ... SACRAMENTO CA - FLORENCE OR route: I-5 N SR 138 W SR 38 W US 101 N VISITS = Medford OR ... Angela, Dad'sSS, MCSS = Florence OR ... ~5p - ~6:30p .. Bliss Diner: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/16104 = OTHERS...? ~6:30p - ~8p ... 1.5 hrs ... FLORENCE OR - EUGENE OR route: SR 126 E VISITS = Eugene OR .. Jedediah, G3 = Eugene OR ... Todd, MCF = Eugene OR ... Keith, MCF = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ WED, 07/06/11 _____ ~7a - ~1p ... 6 hrs ... EUGENE OR - NEWPORT OR - PORTLAND OR route: I-5 N US RT 20 W, same route that goes through my home town, Elgin IL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_20 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_20_in_Illinois https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/NorEasterTrekRoadTripWed08042010Sun08152010#5508402661126948322 US 101 US RT 20 E, same route that I was on a bit in 2010: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/NorEasterTrekRoadTripWed08042010Sun08152010#5506964194204434002 I-5 N VISITS = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Mary, ECML = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Dustin, 2nd gen MCs = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Willie, GMG3 = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... pikacat, HVP = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Rick Z, Rt66 = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Kenya, former Elginite = Portland OR ... ~1p - ~3p ... Jedd S, former Elginite = OTHERS...? ~3p - ~7p ... 4 hrs ... PORTLAND OR - SEATTLE WA route: I-5 N VISITS = Mt St Helens = Mt Ranier NP = Seattle WA ... Chris M, CHD = Seattle WA ... Arsin, FGMC ... Arsin is hosting a BBQ for FGMCCers w/DETAILS TBD = Seattle WA ... Chris/montecruiser, FGMC = Seattle WA ... Jake/Shadow, FGMC = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ Arsin's _____ THU, 07/07/11 _____ ~7a - ~1p ... 6 hrs ... SEATTLE WA - MOSCOW ID route: I-90 E SR 26 E US 195 S VISITS = Moscow ID ... Darrell K, MCs = OTHERS...? ~2p - ~9p ... 6 hrs (time change) ... MOSCOW ID - BOISE ID route: US 95 S I-84 E VISITS = Boise ID ... Bill, ChevyTalk = Boise ID ... people at 1st Gen MC Club's WESTERN MEET: http://www.firstgenmc.com/html/11meetwest.shtml = OTHERS...? OVERNIGHT @ shared room _____ FRI, 07/08/11 _____ ~10a - ~noon ... 2 hrs ... BOISE ID - TWIN FALLS ID route: I-84 E VISITS = Twin Falls ID ... Ice Caves, Shoshone Falls = OTHERS...? ~2p - ~10p ... 8 hrs ... TWIN FALLS ID - BOZEMAN MT route: I-84 E I-15 N I-90 W VISITS = ...? OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ SAT, 07/09/11 _____ ~7a - ~1p ... 6 hrs ... BOZEMAN MT - LEAD/DEADWOOD SD route: I-90 E VISITS = Lead/Deadwood SD ... Garrett, MCF = OTHERS...? ~3p - ~10p ... 6 hrs (time change) ... LEAD/DEADWOOD SD - SIOUX FALLS SD route: I-90 E VISITS = Sioux Falls SD ... David, MCs = Sioux Falls SD/ne ... Brock, MCF OVERNIGHT @ TBD _____ SUN, 07/10/11 _____ ~8a - ~noon ... 4 hrs ... SIOUX FALLS SD - FARGO ND route: I-29 N VISITS = Fargo ND ... ee/db, racingForum = OTHERS...? ~1:30p - ~6p ... 4.5 hrs ... FARGO ND - ST PAUL MN route: I-90 E VISITS = St Paul MN ... dimitri, MCs = St Paul MN ... Jeannie, VR = Bloomington MN ... SWIMMING PARTY, hosted by one of my cousins, starting ~6p. ALL ARE INVITED! If you want to join us, let me know, and I'll give you the address privately. = Bloomington MN ... family OVERNIGHT @ family _____ MON, 07/11/11 _____ ~8a - ~4p ... 8 hrs ... ST PAUL MN - ELGIN IL route: I-94 E I-39 S / I-90 E US RT 20 E VISITS = ...? Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "The life I love is making music with my friends" __ Willie Nelson __ 'On The Road Again'

* MAY MADNESS: 2 of us (Jason H and myself) met in Franklin Grove IL, 05/21/2011, for the 2nd of 4 meet'n'greets in Northern IL. It was good to see Jason again after a few years. My pics of the 04/16/2011 and 05/21/2011 Meet'n'Greets: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011MeetNGreets02# 10 highlights from 05/21/2011: **** 2 MORE Saturday RAIN OR SHINE "MEET'n'GREETS" in TwentyEleven ... MARK your calendars to BE THERE! Why? Because it is cool to meet new people and see old friends ... and it doesn't matter what you drive! Contact me... ...via PH: 847- 337- 9897 ...via EM: faithcubsmc2691 @ aol.com ____ 07/30/11 = COLD TREAT ____ FB: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162553523802552 ~11a - ~4p @ CULVER'S 280 Randall Rd S ELGIN IL http://www.culvers.com/fotd.aspx?storeId=223 ...between Hopps & McDonald Rds ...behind Walgreens ~4p - ~9p @ BEEF VILLA (CRUISE NIGHT) 1225 W Spring St S ELGIN IL http://www.beefvilla.com/ ...E of Randall Rd ____ 10/15/11 = OCTOBER FEST ____ FB: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162289947162585 10a - ~4p @ VOLO AUTO MUSEUM 27582 Volo Village Rd VOLO IL http://volocars.com/ If 15 OR MORE PEOPLE attend, the admission fee will be reduced to the GROUP RATE! Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Let me get behind the wheel before I lose control" __ Barbara Mandrell __ 'Fast Lanes & Country Roads'

* Anyone attend any cruise nights yet? As I'm able to go, I'll take pictures and post some highlights.... Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Tryin' to make a livin' and doin' the best I can" __ Allman Brothers Band __ 'Ramblin' Man'

* Two queries: Has a song ever "scared" you? (and) What are sparks for you? SCARED BY... Once upon a time, "Convoy" frightened me. Luckily, that isn't the case anymore.... The full story is here: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/05/scared-by-convoy/'>http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/05/scared-by-convoy/ More "Motor Gnomes" entries are here... http://www.motorgnomes.com/ ...including "Plate Tales": http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/05/plate-tales/ What cool license plates have you seen? A SPARK... My road trips and enthusiasm for meet'n'greets, gatherings, cruises nights, etc., have many sparks. This is one: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/15/sparks-that-tie/ MORE... I've posted additional sections to my Route 66-based story: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We're runnin' out of time" __ Fine Young Cannibals __ 'She Drives Me Crazy'

... 1977 MONTE CARLO (last year of 2nd generation) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bSyjQH1lGA 1978 THUNDERBIRD, w/Danny Dark Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_10.15.11_Volo.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Maybe it's the feeling or maybe it's the freedom" __ Rodney Atkins __ 'Take A Back Road'

Have you seen any of these? 1970 MONTE CARLO (first year of 1st generation) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sskGMPQfO4I 1973 GRAND PRIX ...

09/12/2009, Holbook AZ, Route 66 road trip: 08/06/2010, PA, road trip: 08/09/2010, Derry NH, road trip: 08/12/2010, Marshall VA, road trip: 08/13/2010, Bridgewater VA, road trip: 08/22/2010, Starks/Hampshire IL: 04/16/2011, Dwight IL, SPRING FLING meet'n'greet: 05/21/2011, Ashton IL, MAY MADNESS meet'n'greet: 05/21/2011, Franklin Grove IL, MAY MADNESS meet'n'greet: 05/21/2011, DeKalb IL, MAY MADNESS meet'n'greet: Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I walk for miles along the highway" __ Patsy Cline __ 'Walking After Midnight'

AMEN! Just attended a friend's funeral earlier this week ... never easy. Keep your notes and pictures coming! Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_10.15.11_Volo.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "The sun is on my side and takes me for a ride" __ Natasha Bedingfield __ 'Pocket Full Of Sunshine'

Wow ... that'd be a bit shocking, I suspect. Your first pic reminds me of this pic, along Route 66: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/RT66TRIPDAY11#5430391970847857186 I don't know why, but I always seem to get a "wistful" feeling, when I see an abandoned or broken road like this. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I missed a million miles of fun" __ Len __ 'Steal My Sunshine'

Awesome shots, Jim! Glad you shared 'em with us. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It was worth all the while" __ Green Day __ 'Time Of Your Life'

Good stuff as usual, Denny. I see you went through Hannibal MO ... I have a few friends in that area! Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Years and miles are flying by" __ Bon Jovi __ 'Lost Highway'

"Right on time, too!" Got a kick out of that line, as well as: "Mr Fisher has to look out for all kinds of careless drivers on the highway." Neat video. As for "blind hills", we have a few of those around here, including one at a major intersection along US Route 20 in Elgin's east side. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_10.15.11_Volo.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Loose your blues" __ Kenny Loggins __ 'Footloose'

LOL! I'm not sure which technology I like better ... the 1917 "wireless telephone" or Chrysler's "record player". Of those two, I HAD seen the "record player" previously. Quite the interesting contraption...lol. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "If you'll hand me my crayons, I'll be glad to take your name" __ John Conlee __ 'I Don't Remember Loving You'

Wow ... how cool. "Then and now" pics of that bridge, between the pic you posted, Jim, and the link you gave. Love that 1917 photo. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * RT_06.2011_us66+NW USA MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Goin' back to find ... a simpler place in time" __ Gladys Knight and the Pips __ 'Midnight Train To Georgia'

Jim, Sounds like you had an awesome time. What muscle car auction did you attend? Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Gonna make some dreams come true" __ Hoyt Axton __ 'Della & the Dealer'

If I had 6 weeks for a road trip, I'd be in HEAVEN! Thanks for the link ... I bookmarked it. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_10.15.11_Volo.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Everybody's looking for something" __ Eurythmics __ 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)'

I love it ... and I may have to start using that term to describe myself! Thanks for the pics of those pages ... sure are cool. Heh ... so true. I have that same dream. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * meet_07.30.11_Cold.Treat * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Relight the flame when it's cold"__Godsmack__'Serenity'