Guest big_ugly_mich@yahoo.com Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 That's almost as bad as the death of Chuck Taylor shoes (old canvas Converse high tops). I still have the copy of Smithsonian magazine that did an article on Chuck Taylor the man when the last shoe went off the line in North Carolina. --- In AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com, "william cashman" <theoakman@e...> wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Chris > > Very sad. . . I will forever remember the NJ-FL trip in the back > seat of Dad's 63 Olds. . . if the car exists there are probably still > Cheerios hidden inside. . . . > > And I still remember the looong summer trips from Chicag's northwest side to the farm near South Haven, Michigan in the '36 Olds [at least I remember it as a '36 :-)] 4-door sedan. The 125 miles was an all day trip back then..... > > Cya l8r, Bill > There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works. > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest big_ugly_mich@yahoo.com Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 > I haven't used a GPS or a mapping program yet. I was blessed > with "Having a Compass & GPS in my brain" and "a nose for roadside > restaurants & a good mom-and-pop motel". (Okay, once in a while, I > cheat by using an Auto Club Guide. But I have always had the > instinct to find just the right place.) GPS is for people who don't know that the best way to see new stuff is to get lost. I found a lot of neat parks, cemeteries, eats, etc. like that. > > My Number One Rule; BRING LOTS OF GOOD TRAVELING MUSIC (But I've > heard good things about XM.) In my case, it's CD's I've created > that consist of either Classic Hard Rock (Van Halen [David Lee > Roth, of course.], Metallica, Eagles, AC/DC, etc.) My Idea of Good > Country (Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Charlie > Daniels, Hank Jr. etc.) and even a little Old School Jazz, > Blues, "Rat Pack" & "Mob Music" (Sinatra, Louis Prima, etc.) thrown > in./careermakeover One thing I've used that's techno friendly is the scan button on my old radio. I find the neatest stuff like that, too. One station played every song on it's playlist one after the other once, and they had a lot of different genres. I heard Al Jolson do the old Elvis standard "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and Bill Haley with a group called the Four Aces of Western Swing. Never saw that on CD or tape, though. Hitting the road, to me, is all about discovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest william cashman Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 >----- Original Message ----- >From: Big Ugly > >GPS is for people who don't know that the best way to see new stuff >is to get lost. I found a lot of neat parks, cemeteries, eats, etc. >like that. Getting lost in an auto is one thing.....getting lost while towing a 30 foot fifth wheel can be a whole different ball game......I'll keep my GPS....especially in the Louisiana swamps.... Cya l8r, Bill There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Frankovich Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 They still make Chuck Taylors overseas somewhere. They are not as good as the old US made ones, and don't come in as many colors. I have a new pair of black ones. Somewhere I have my old pair of blue high tops, but they are pretty ratty now. --- big_ugly_mich@yahoo.com wrote: > That's almost as bad as the death of Chuck Taylor > shoes (old canvas > Converse high tops). I still have the copy of > Smithsonian magazine > that did an article on Chuck Taylor the man when the > last shoe went > off the line in North Carolina. ===== Mike Frankovich __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Win a $20,000 Career Makeover at Yahoo! HotJobs http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/careermakeover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lulupic66@aol.com Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 In a message dated 5/16/03 3:11:32 PM Central Daylight Time, hester_nec@yahoo.com writes: << Oh, goody - mine should be here soon, then. >> I checked my mail today and still. no dice! from, a disappointed, Lulu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jenniehelderman Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 Trying again. Can anyone help me find out which roads have been featured in the magazine? Is there a list or index??? Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jenniferrt66 Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 --- In AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com, "jenniehelderman" <jmheld@b...> wrote: > Trying again. Can anyone help me find out which roads have been > featured in the magazine? Is there a list or index??? Many thanks. On this Yahoo group, we don't have a list or index of the magazine's articles and which roads they have featured so far. Also, when they feature a route for an article, it's usually focused on a specific region, rather than a general overview of the whole route. You might check with Becky Repp for an answer to your question. They also have regular columns on some major routes. The only way I could help you is to go through all my magazines, and unfortunately, lack of time prevents this! Jennifer Rebecca Repp, Coordinating Editor and General Manager becky@mockturtlepress.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest seabastation@aol.com Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 John: I did not even know about this Society!! How interesting!!! When you make it to Lincoln County (and I am sure that you will), be sure to stop by Seaba Station, an antiques, gifts and collectibles store on Route 66, and say hi! The article was fascinating! What is the Society of County Collectors website address? Cruisin' Route 66 Oklahoma Style Sue Preston Seaba Station R R 1, Box 7891 Chandler, OK 74834 Phone 405-258-6700 Fax 405-258-6777 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BringBackRoute66.com Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 Dear Group, Just wanted to let everybody know we have made some changes to our "The Plan" page. At the bottom of the page you can click on "alternative plans" to get a different viewpoint. If this new plan proves popular, we might have the two plans trade places. Also, if anybody thinks they might have a viable plan for re-designating Route 66 as a U.S. Highway, please send us your ideas and they will be considered for posting. Sincerely, Fred M. Cain, U.S. Route 66 Re-commissioning Initiative http://www.bringbackroute66.com ***************************************************************************** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jenniehelderman Posted April 6, 2004 Report Share Posted April 6, 2004 Thanks. That's what I needed to know. Also, didn't mean to post my message twice. Has anyone ever taken the road around Little River Canyon in northeast Alabama? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Russell S. Rein Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Jennie, I believe there have only been 5 or 6 issues out so far - Lincoln Highway, National Highway, Yellowstone Highway, US 40, US 66 , US 101, CCC Highway - Ohio, El Camino Real, etc. Is there something in particular you are looking for? It certainly provides $16 worth of education and entertainment! ypsi-slim On Fri, 04 Jun 2004 13:27:18 -0000 "jenniehelderman" <jmheld@bellsouth.net> writes: > Trying again. Can anyone help me find out which roads have been > featured in the magazine? Is there a list or index??? Many > thanks. > > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor > --------------------~--> > Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. > Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! > http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/bgxwlB/TM > --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> > > > Visit our homepage at: http://www.mockturtlepress.com > > To subscribe to AMERICAN ROAD magazine, PHONE TOLL-FREE > 1-877-285-5434 WITH YOUR ORDER TODAY! > Or send payment to: Mock Turtle Press, PO Box 3168, Lynnwood, WA > 98046-3168 > SUBSCRIPTION RATES: > 1 year (4 issues) for $15.95 > (save $3.85 off the newsstand price!) > 2 years (8 issues) for $27.95 > (save $11.65 off the newsstand price!) > > > For questions about the list, contact: > AMERICAN_ROAD-owner@yahoogroups.com > > To SUBSCRIBE to this group, send an email to: > AMERICAN_ROAD-subscribe@yahoogroups.comTo POST a message via e-mail, > send it to: AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jenniehelderman Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 - I just discovered the magazine and have the current issue. Just wondering what I had missed. Thanks for your reply. -- In AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com, "Russell S. Rein" <Ypsi- slim@j...> wrote: > Jennie, > > I believe there have only been 5 or 6 issues out so far - Lincoln > Highway, National Highway, > Yellowstone Highway, US 40, US 66 , US 101, CCC Highway - Ohio, El Camino > Real, etc. > Is there something in particular you are looking for? It certainly > provides $16 worth of > education and entertainment! > > ypsi-slim > > On Fri, 04 Jun 2004 13:27:18 -0000 "jenniehelderman" > <jmheld@b...> writes: > > Trying again. Can anyone help me find out which roads have been > > featured in the magazine? Is there a list or index??? Many > > thanks. > > > > > > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor > > --------------------~--> > > Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. > > Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! > > http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/bgxwlB/TM > > ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---~-> > > > > > > > Visit our homepage at: http://www.mockturtlepress.com > > > > To subscribe to AMERICAN ROAD magazine, PHONE TOLL-FREE > > 1-877-285-5434 WITH YOUR ORDER TODAY! > > Or send payment to: Mock Turtle Press, PO Box 3168, Lynnwood, WA > > 98046-3168 > > SUBSCRIPTION RATES: > > 1 year (4 issues) for $15.95 > > (save $3.85 off the newsstand price!) > > 2 years (8 issues) for $27.95 > > (save $11.65 off the newsstand price!) > > > > > > For questions about the list, contact: > > AMERICAN_ROAD-owner@yahoogroups.com > > > > To SUBSCRIBE to this group, send an email to: > > AMERICAN_ROAD-subscribe@y... POST a message via e-mail, > > send it to: AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rudyard Welborn Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 A big thank you to all of those who have contributed to bringing the Stanley Cour-tel signs back to a place where present and future travelers along Route 66 can see and enjoy them! We are making small steps toward our goal and continue to hope for the support of Route 66 roadies everywhere in bringing the Stanley signs back to where they belong...Friends of the Mother Road will have a table at the International Route 66 Festival in Tulsa where contributions can be made...in addition, please feel free to send your tax deductable contributions, payable to Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. (put "Stanley Sign" on the memo line of your check so it will be earmarked for that purpose) to 3947 Russell, St. Louis, MO 63110...Thanks to those who have contributed and to those who hopefully will! Thank you, Kip Welborn, Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rudyard Welborn Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 I saw it and it was fantastic, especially the stuff about Howard Johnsons and the science of tendersweet clams! Thu and Fri nite it is U.S.1 on the History Channel, from Maine to Flay, all you can handle! Tsingtao, kip ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alex Burr" <hester_nec@yahoo.com> To: <AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 9:33 PM Subject: [AMERICAN_ROAD] Highway Hangouts: Eat and Run > I'm watching, on the History Channel, a great nostalgia piece. > "Highway Hangouts: Eat and Run". > It's a trip back in time - the history of the roadside diners, > drive-ins and other moments and places out of time. > > Checking the TV Guide (for your area you can go on-line to > www.tvguide.com and click on listings) I found that this show airs > again, twice - Tuesday, the 15th, at 12AM (I assume these times are > east coast, so check your local listings) and Sunday, the 20th, at a > more manageble 1PM. > > It's 2 hours of great time traveling. > > Hudsonly, > Alex B > > > > Visit our homepage at: http://www.mockturtlepress.com > > To subscribe to AMERICAN ROAD magazine, PHONE TOLL-FREE 1-877-285-5434 WITH YOUR ORDER TODAY! > Or send payment to: Mock Turtle Press, PO Box 3168, Lynnwood, WA 98046-3168 > SUBSCRIPTION RATES: > 1 year (4 issues) for $15.95 > (save $3.85 off the newsstand price!) > 2 years (8 issues) for $27.95 > (save $11.65 off the newsstand price!) > > > For questions about the list, contact: AMERICAN_ROAD-owner@yahoogroups.com > > To SUBSCRIBE to this group, send an email to: AMERICAN_ROAD-subscribe@yahoogroups.com > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this group, send an email to: > AMERICAN_ROAD-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > To POST a message via e-mail, send it to: AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest airfrogusmc Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 The first real 66 road trip that I took was the summer of 1992. The only good books that I could find at the time were the Snyder guide and the Micheal Wallis book. Both great books but not a lot of instruction on how to find the old road. The historic signage was almost non-existant and when it was present it was usually never posted on the more obscure alignments. The alignments that I was more interested in. The real test of the Snyder book came in Oklahoma. You know, on the old sandy section west of El Reno. I turned off the pavement and onto the unimproved road over the objections of my x wife. "You're going to get us lost. You're always getting us lost. Take me back to Oklahoma City and I'll catch a plane home." Well, you know. After studying the maps that Tom included I figured that we'd be alright as long as they hadn't pulled up the old railroad tracks. Man it was HOT. we were in a Jeep Wranler with no airconditioner and I had the top off. The dust was everywhere and kinda sticking to our sweaty skin. I found Calumet and then Geary but the real test was to find the old bridge north of Bridgeport. As we all know the bridge is long gone but I didn't know that at the time. So after several hours, a bit of backtracking and lots of "you have no idea of ewere we are do ya" I came to the twin railroad bridges that cross the river. The old maps show the 66 bridge to be ESE of the railroad bridge. I found what looked to be footings for something but I wasn't convinced that I had foung the old bridge. Just down the road a bit there was an old farmer under the hood of an old pick-up. The truck and the farmer were in the driveway of what I thought was his home. I stopped, walked up and introduced myself. He said his name was Critchfield. He looked to be at least 70. After the usual small talk I asked if the spot by the railroad bridge was the sight of a highway bridge over the river. He seem to light up and said that there was a toll bridge there at one time and he thought that it had burned down in the 1930s. Then after they built the big bridge farther south there was no longer a need to rebuild the bridge there. I guess with a little luck and good maps you can find the the old road but my point is without Mr Critchfields confromation I'm not sure if I would have been 100% positive that I had found the old road and bridge. Thats why I'm so glad that there are better reference books now. It makes things a lot less frustrating by confirming that you are indeed on the right road. Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest airfrogusmc Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Forgot to thank you guys (Jim and Pat)in my last long, rambling, typo filled post for the info. THANKS GUYS.... Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest roadmaven@aol.com Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Allen, That's an excellent story. And I can't agree with you more. The work Jim Ross, Jerry McClanahan, Tom Snyder, Bob Moore, John Weiss, Skip Curtis and many others have done to document the history of Route 66 is invaluable. If it weren't for the work done by these folks, 66 wouldn't have come as far as it has in its revival...and even help inspire a new breed of "road geeks" like myself. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest airfrogusmc Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Pat, I agree with you. Sure wish that these maps and books were available or that I knew about them in 92. If they were tho I wonder if I would have spent the 20 min. or so with the old farmer near Geary. I know now to take the time and talk to people even if I don't need directions or confirmation. But I think it took that expereince to teach me that lesson. Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ken Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Greetings All, Last Call: It's that time of year again. I am going to be doing some website updates soon to my site. I am making a call to all fellow roadies who have a roadie website to see if anyone wants to do some reciprocal website linking together of our sites. Please view the Two Lane Highway links page at: <http://www.postmarkart.com/links.htm> You will see that all the links are in various related categories. If anyone would like to exchange links, please send me a NEW PRIVATE email with ONLY the following information: 1. Links Category that you'd like to be listed in. 2. Your website title. 3. 2-3 Sentence website description. 4. Your website URL address. When I receive your linking request, I will then send you my website linking info to add to your site. NOTE - For those who already have existing links on the links page: If anyone who is already listed on my links page might have changed they're website URL, contact info, or any other changes, please send me a PRIVATE email stating what those changes and updates are. Dead sites, links, or outdated info may cause your link to be removed from my links page. My webmistress's time is very precious and only makes updates once or twice a year, so please do not delay in sending me any and all pertinent info needed to make updates and changes. I thank all of you for your time and patience with my request! God Bless the Circle of Support for America's Two Lane Highways! Ken Turmel <http://www.postmarkart.com> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shellee Graham Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Hey kids, Just to let you know that I listed 4 original photographs taken on Route 66 on eBay this morning. If you care to check them out -- here it is: This is the Blue Swallow Motel photo -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...;ssPageName=ADM E:B:LC:US:1 Then click on "View seller's other items" Thanks for looking. Shellee G. in St. Looey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brownwho63 Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 This is an account of our recent cruise. 2004 Michigan Cruise Day 1 We pulled out of our driveway at 7:15 AM and battled the traffic around I-270 before crossing the "new" Chain of Rocks Bridge around 8:00. In the interest of making the best possible time we used I-55 (referred to as being an "ugly road" by our cruise group) for our trip north. The initial plan was to spend the night in Dwight, IL and frequent some of our favorite haunts but using the ugly road exclusively put us into Dwight at 11:00, much too early to pull off the road for the day. We continued to Joliet and took another ugly road, I-80, (I will never use this road again) east to I-94 into Michigan City, IN. It was mid-afternoon and time to park the car. We checked into the Hampton Inn and had a nice room with a walk-out patio under a shade tree where we enjoyed a few brews before the sky opened up with a real frog strangler that flooded the patio and forced us back inside. Buffalo Wild Wings, a very cool bar and grille, was located next to the Hampton and we devoured some awesome hot wings and another brew. Still raining so it was TV for the rest of the evening. Day 2 On the road again at 8:00 after having the Hampton continental breakfast. Cruised I-94 to route 12 and on through Niles, MI. We continued to cruise east on M-60 and received a phone call from Bob as we entered Cassopolis. After passing through Jones, MI we drove a series of back roads and finally met our group consisting of Bob, Peggy, Jane, and Leah near Three Rivers at a Latvian lodge named Atbalsis, or Echo. English is a second language there but everyone speaks it perfectly and we felt very much at home. Jane and her family have vacationed at the lodge for several years and have asked us to join them on several occasions but this was the first time that we did. The lodge's main building is an older two-story home and had everything that we needed for a comfortable stay. Jane made her famous stuffed green peppers for dinner and then we congregated outside for one of our favorite events, a campfire. We were joined by Sandra, a Latvian from Chicago, and we all told stories for the rest of the evening. Great fun! Day 3 Up early due to the tremendous thunderstorm and cruised to the Happy Landing Restaurant for a newspaper. Read the paper on the deck while enjoying coffee. The rest of the group arose later and we had a "make-do" breakfast from whatever we brought or from what was left over in the fridge. We joined Peggy and Bob at the "island" later that day and the girls thoroughly enjoyed sunbathing on the dock. Bob and I sat in the shade and guarded the beer coolers. Cruised into Three Rivers and bought some stuff for dinner including smoked Polish sausage that was excellent from the grill, along with burgers and steamed asparagus. The early storm had soaked the firewood so we opted to sit around the TV and watch our beloved Rams demolish the Skins. More conversation before calling it a day. Day 4 This was "movin' on day" but, of course, everyone got a late start. We nuked and devoured the rest of Jane's stuffed peppers before heading our separate ways. Leah opted to drive straight through to St. Louis, Peggy and Bob did some antique shopping in Three Rivers and got no farther south than the South Bend area. Jane cruised to Bloomington, IL and spent the night there before cruisin' back home on `66. We had no particular time frame and no plans so we took M- 60W to 40N to 43W and stopped at the beach in South Haven. What a beautiful beach and lake! Took the boardwalk out to the lighthouse, hung out there for a while, and began the search for beachfront lodging. Didn't find anything so we cruised north on the Blue Star highway to Holland and checked out a couple of Mom 'n Pops but they just didn't "feel right." We began to run out of daylight and wanted to begin our daily happy hour so we settled for Holland's Econo Lodge with dinner later at the next-door Boston Market. Day 5 We decided to continue our trek north so after finally finding the Blue Star highway again we headed out again. The Blue Star highway is a wonderful two-laner, has beautiful scenery, and the feel of our other favorite blue highways. We drove to the beach in Grand Haven and discovered both a state park and a county park adjacent to each other. This was just too good to pass up! The beach wasn't crowded due to the clouds so we took our ever-present portable chairs to the water's edge and plopped down to enjoy the new experience. Lake Michigan reminded me of the Pacific Ocean without the seaweed, surf, and frigid water. The intrepid Mary Sue rolled up her jeans and waded out. Imagine her surprise to discovered seventy-degree water! I, of course, remained on the beach with my windbreaker. Now we really wanted to locate some beachfront lodging! A local on the beach recommended the Holiday Inn "on the bay" and said it's the only waterfront lodging in Grand Haven. However, immediately across the street from the beach we discovered a two-story inn complete with balcony and a vacancy sign in the window. The location was perfect but the rooms left a little something to be desired in our opinions so we cruised to the Holiday. Registered and checked in at $180 per but were happy with our room. Third story with balcony overlooking the pool, outdoor bar, two marinas, and the bay. Cool! Cruised back to the beach again and hung out there for a while before retreating to our balcony for happy hour. A very pleasant evening. Day 6 Up early again and headed back south on the Blue Star. Bought some fresh MI peaches that were delicious. Explored downtown Saugatuck, an extremely quaint village and famous tourist trap. Like other downtown areas that we had seen (South Haven and Holland) Saugatuck has been restored and reminded us of historical downtown St. Charles, MO. Mary Sue bought a sweatshirt and then we visited the Sand Bar Saloon, a very cool place offering Chicago-style hotdogs. Jane had told us earlier that she loves those things and always stops at Nancy's (diner, restaurant, drive-in?) in New Buffalo for same. Mary Sue ordered the Vienna sausage Chicago dog and was elated with the flavor. I took a couple of bites and loved it as well. The bartender told we "foreigners" that the fixins' are what qualifies a sausage to be a Chicago dog. As I recall, it contained green relish, hot peppers, onions, tomatoes, dill pickles with mustard added if desired. We bought the Brite Green Relish ingredient and will try some here at home as soon as we pick up the Vienna sausage or some suitable alternative. Yum! We then cruised on down to St. Joseph, MI and were not surprised to find another cool downtown area. There is even an Elks Lodge overlooking the lake so, of course, we had to stop in and see it. The bartender suggested that we backtrack north and check out a lodge called Sandcastles but neither of us felt like going back. Instead, we registered and checked into a "pricey" Holiday Inn suite with a huge balcony on the second story that overlooks Lake Michigan. We bought a family bucket of chicken (one of my personal favorites but one that seems to perturb my doctor) and had an early dinner on the balcony. Sunset was beautiful beyond description! Day 7 A more determined homeward cruise was the order of the day so it was I-94W to Michigan City, IN. That was as much ugly roading as we could tolerate so we exited onto IN-421S and cruised down to Route 114 before heading back west thirty miles to IN-41. The latter is a four-laner but practically deserted and very pleasant. It branches off into the boondocks at some point and we continued south on IN-63 into Terre Haute. Back on familiar turf, we picked up old U.S. 40 into Marshall, IL and elected to spend the rest of the day and night there before returning to the Gateway City. We registered and checked into the Relax Inn, another new experience, and were delighted with our second-story room with a balcony overlooking the pines in the yard. The Relax is an older motel in the process of being rehabbed and is a very cool place to stay. We sat on the balcony for a while before heading downtown to check out one of our familiar saloons, The Corner Bar. It was happy hour and the joint was jumpin'. More friendly folks and lots of conversation with the gal tending bar. We ordered a pizza for dinner, expecting some microwave frisbee, and were completely surprised and delighted with a totally homemade pie. The crust was light, the veggie toppings were fresh and tasty, and the sauce was excellent. We ate that thing like mad dogs in a meat house! I shot some pool with the locals as I'm often compelled to do in a saloon and managed to give the "kids" a lesson or two. Never underestimate old guys at the pool table. Fifty years of experience counts for something. Back to the Relax Inn for TV. Day 8 Time to head back home on old and old, old U.S. 40 so we got an early start because we enjoy that particular highway so much. The trip included: (1) Discovery of a new covered bridge on the old alignment in Clark Center. It has been erected since our last trip a year or so ago. The toll sign listed fees of one-cent for walkers, two-cents for horse and rider, ten-cents for horse and buggy, one-cent for swine, etc. Blue highways are always in a constant state of change. (2) Purchase of twenty (yes, twenty) pounds of fresh garden tomatoes from a farm wagon just east of Keptown. Purchase price was $.60 per pound and they taste just as good as they look. (3) A cruise through downtown Altamont where we discovered a Coral Court-type building that currently functions as a library. The building is quite old and initially was a general store, then ladies' dress shop before becoming the book place. The light and dark yellow bricks along with the glass block side windows certainly look familiar. Amazingly enough, we have previously driven past the building but for reasons unknown never paid any attention to it. (4) A cruise through downtown St. Elmo and a stop at the Chevy dealer to check out a new SSR, the retro Chevy truck with retractable metal roof. What a beautiful toy! The vehicle is a 5.3 liter small-block V8 with rear drive and is a throwback to the fifties. This particular truck was covered with a new Chevy color that was between a light and a dark purple. Mary Sue sat in the truck and I thought we would have to buy it in order to get her to leave, as she has wanted to have one of her own ever since they were created. Normally, I would have no problem with this little gift for her but the SSR costs nearly the same as a new Vette. (5) A cruise through downtown Pocahontas, hometown of Gretchen Wilson, hot new country singer whose album, "I'm Here for the Party" and hit single "Redneck Woman," is burning up the charts. We were in search of Big O's Bar where Gretchen worked as a bartender at age fifteen and were quite surprised to learn that the saloon was actually located in Pierron, a nearby village on IL-43. We had lunch in Pierron at the West Side Inn, a very nice saloon and eatery owned and operated by Jennifer who told us that she went to school with Gretchen and that they are still close friends. Jennifer's web site is http://www.jennswestsideinn.com.. Small world, huh? Jennifer told us that Big O's bar had changed hands a few times and was the one just across the street named Tommy's Sidetracker. Naturally, we had to explore the place. The barmaid gave us a brief history about how Gretchen used to sing there (as well as at the West Side Inn) on weekends. Mary Sue took a photo of me pointing to the old bullet indentations in the steel door, a reminder of what Big O's honky-tonk used to be like. Otherwise, we found the place to be okay. We missed meeting Gretchen by about a week, as she had been there with the Sixty Minutes TV show guys after her concert in St. Louis. Sigh..... We picked up U.S. 40 again a couple of miles down the road and headed for home. Our new Monte Carlo performed beautifully. It's a supercharged 3.8 liter, 240 h.p. V6 with front drive, auto overdrive, and every bell and whistle known to modern man. It not only looks, runs, and handles great but the rear seats fold down, making a massive trunk area that enabled us to take everything but the kitchen stove and fridge with us. And this hot little bow tie averaged 27.5 m.p.g. for the 1000-plus trip miles! That might not sound like much to roller skate-car drivers but for this much Chevy it's sensational. We obviously love this car. Pulled into our driveway around 3:00 and, once again, wished the cruise could have gone on forever....Bliss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Alex Burr Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Great report, Bliss - as I've said before I love these road reports. I only have one salient comment - I sure hope the new Monte Carlo's are more comfortable than the older ones. The '86 I had rode like a truck - maybe it had a stiffer suspension to go along with the engine it had in it - and the drivers seat was slanted back to a point where it was most uncomfortable on long trips. However, the upside is the thing would cruise all day long at 80 with no problem (except for the darn Illionis state cop who took exception to 81 in a 65 zone on 'HIS' highway one time!!!) SIGH Anyway the '86 Monte is history and we find our replacement 1992 Buick Le Sabre with everything except maid service (working on it) to be much more comfortable - and even with a V-6 it will cruise comfortably at 75 all day long. Happy traveling, guys. Hudsonly, Alex B --- brownwho63 <wefly66@earthlink.net> wrote: > This is an account of our recent cruise. > > > > 2004 Michigan Cruise > > Day 1 > > We pulled out of our driveway at 7:15 AM and battled > the traffic > around I-270 before crossing the "new" Chain of > Rocks Bridge > around > 8:00. In the interest of making the best possible > time we used I-55 > (referred to as being an "ugly road" by our cruise > group) for > our > trip north. The initial plan was to spend the night > in Dwight, IL > and frequent some of our favorite haunts but using > the ugly road > exclusively put us into Dwight at 11:00, much too > early to pull off > the road for the day. We continued to Joliet and > took another ugly > road, I-80, (I will never use this road again) east > to I-94 into > Michigan City, IN. It was mid-afternoon and time to > park the car. > We checked into the Hampton Inn and had a nice room > with a walk-out > patio under a shade tree where we enjoyed a few > brews before the sky > opened up with a real frog strangler that flooded > the patio and > forced us back inside. Buffalo Wild Wings, a very > cool bar and > grille, was located next to the Hampton and we > devoured some awesome > hot wings and another brew. Still raining so it was > TV for the rest > of the evening. > > Day 2 > > On the road again at 8:00 after having the Hampton > continental > breakfast. Cruised I-94 to route 12 and on through > Niles, MI. We > continued to cruise east on M-60 and received a > phone call from Bob > as we entered Cassopolis. After passing through > Jones, MI we drove a > series of back roads and finally met our group > consisting of Bob, > Peggy, Jane, and Leah near Three Rivers at a Latvian > lodge named > Atbalsis, or Echo. English is a second language > there but everyone > speaks it perfectly and we felt very much at home. > Jane and her > family have vacationed at the lodge for several > years and have asked > us to join them on several occasions but this was > the first time that > we did. The lodge's main building is an older > two-story home and > had > everything that we needed for a comfortable stay. > Jane made her > famous stuffed green peppers for dinner and then we > congregated > outside for one of our favorite events, a campfire. > We were joined > by Sandra, a Latvian from Chicago, and we all told > stories for the > rest of the evening. Great fun! > > Day 3 > > Up early due to the tremendous thunderstorm and > cruised to the Happy > Landing Restaurant for a newspaper. Read the paper > on the deck while > enjoying coffee. The rest of the group arose later > and we had > a "make-do" breakfast from whatever we brought or > from what > was left > over in the fridge. We joined Peggy and Bob at the > "island" > later > that day and the girls thoroughly enjoyed sunbathing > on the dock. > Bob and I sat in the shade and guarded the beer > coolers. Cruised > into Three Rivers and bought some stuff for dinner > including smoked > Polish sausage that was excellent from the grill, > along with burgers > and steamed asparagus. The early storm had soaked > the firewood so we > opted to sit around the TV and watch our beloved > Rams demolish the > Skins. More conversation before calling it a day. > > Day 4 > > This was "movin' on day" but, of course, everyone > got a > late start. > We nuked and devoured the rest of Jane's stuffed > peppers before > heading our separate ways. Leah opted to drive > straight through to > St. Louis, Peggy and Bob did some antique shopping > in Three Rivers > and got no farther south than the South Bend area. > Jane cruised to > Bloomington, IL and spent the night there before > cruisin' back > home > on `66. We had no particular time frame and no > plans so we took > M- > 60W to 40N to 43W and stopped at the beach in South > Haven. What a > beautiful beach and lake! Took the boardwalk out to > the lighthouse, > hung out there for a while, and began the search for > beachfront > lodging. Didn't find anything so we cruised north > on the Blue > Star > highway to Holland and checked out a couple of Mom > 'n Pops but > they > just didn't "feel right." We began to run out of > daylight and wanted > to begin our daily happy hour so we settled for > Holland's Econo > Lodge > with dinner later at the next-door Boston Market. > > Day 5 > > We decided to continue our trek north so after > finally finding the > Blue Star highway again we headed out again. The > Blue Star highway > is a wonderful two-laner, has beautiful scenery, and > the feel of our > other favorite blue highways. We drove to the beach > in Grand Haven > and discovered both a state park and a county park > adjacent to each > other. This was just too good to pass up! The > beach wasn't > crowded > due to the clouds so we took our ever-present > portable chairs to the > water's edge and plopped down to enjoy the new > experience. Lake > Michigan reminded me of the Pacific Ocean without > the seaweed, surf, > and frigid water. The intrepid Mary Sue rolled up > her jeans and > waded out. Imagine her surprise to discovered > seventy-degree water! > I, of course, remained on the beach with my > windbreaker. Now we > really wanted to locate some beachfront lodging! A > local on the > beach recommended the Holiday Inn "on the bay" and > said > it's the only > waterfront lodging in Grand Haven. However, > immediately across the > street from the beach we discovered a two-story inn > complete with > balcony and a vacancy sign in the window. The > location was perfect > but the rooms left a little something to be desired > in our opinions > so we cruised to the Holiday. Registered and > checked in at $180 per > but were happy with our room. Third story with > balcony overlooking > the pool, outdoor bar, two marinas, and the bay. > Cool! Cruised back > to the beach again and hung out there for a while > before retreating > to our balcony for happy hour. A very pleasant > evening. > > Day 6 > > Up early again and headed back south on the Blue > Star. Bought some > fresh MI peaches that were delicious. Explored > downtown === message truncated === _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Win 1 of 4,000 free domain names from Yahoo! Enter now. http://promotions.yahoo.com/goldrush Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brownwho63 Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Another beautiful cruisin' day not to be wasted! Fired up 'Lil Red, removed the roof panels, crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge, exited to the Canal Road, and checked out Debby's ice cream place and the adjoining Sun Motel. On through Mitchell -- traffic jam at '66 and 111 because of the new truck joint. Had to "detour" through the SIU- E campus to cruise through Edwardsville. Up the outer road through Livingston and checked out the downtown area for the first time ever. They have a cool saloon and restaurant and I'm thinking that we should have stopped. Drove to Benld and then took 138 east to Mt. Olive. Stopped at the Crossroads eatery at 138 and '66 because Jane said it was a cool place. Cool place but lunch was average at best. Probably won't stop there again because of that. Wanted real diner- type food but settled for slow service and boxed hamburger patties and fries from a bag. Cost -- $9.51. Does anyone except the East Office in Cuba, MO actually cut potatoes anymore? South on the 40's '66 alignment to Staunton past Henry's Rabbit Ranch and back through Edwardsville. South on 111 to 40/64 because of the roadwork on 270 and home again to St. Louis County. 'Lil Red threw a center cap somewhere along the way and I ordered a $32 replacement from Mid America in Effingham. Not a bad day, all things considered. Where to tomorrow? Cruisin', Bliss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Denny Gibson Posted April 10, 2004 Report Share Posted April 10, 2004 Sounds like a good day. I feel your pain on the "frozen fries". I've never been to the East Office but will put it on my list. My own candidates are the Rock, in Stroud, and the Golden Light, in Amarillo. It's been a few years but how about Johnny's Grill in Calumet ? -----Original Message----- From: brownwho63 [mailto:wefly66@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 5:54 PM To: AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com Subject: [AMERICAN_ROAD] Day Trip Another beautiful cruisin' day not to be wasted! Fired up 'Lil Red, removed the roof panels, crossed the Chain of Rocks Bridge, exited to the Canal Road, and checked out Debby's ice cream place and the adjoining Sun Motel. On through Mitchell -- traffic jam at '66 and 111 because of the new truck joint. Had to "detour" through the SIU- E campus to cruise through Edwardsville. Up the outer road through Livingston and checked out the downtown area for the first time ever. They have a cool saloon and restaurant and I'm thinking that we should have stopped. Drove to Benld and then took 138 east to Mt. Olive. Stopped at the Crossroads eatery at 138 and '66 because Jane said it was a cool place. Cool place but lunch was average at best. Probably won't stop there again because of that. Wanted real diner- type food but settled for slow service and boxed hamburger patties and fries from a bag. Cost -- $9.51. Does anyone except the East Office in Cuba, MO actually cut potatoes anymore? South on the 40's '66 alignment to Staunton past Henry's Rabbit Ranch and back through Edwardsville. South on 111 to 40/64 because of the roadwork on 270 and home again to St. Louis County. 'Lil Red threw a center cap somewhere along the way and I ordered a $32 replacement from Mid America in Effingham. Not a bad day, all things considered. Where to tomorrow? Cruisin', Bliss Visit our homepage at: http://www.mockturtlepress.com To subscribe to AMERICAN ROAD magazine, PHONE TOLL-FREE 1-877-285-5434 WITH YOUR ORDER TODAY! Or send payment to: Mock Turtle Press, PO Box 3168, Lynnwood, WA 98046-3168 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year (4 issues) for $15.95 (save $3.85 off the newsstand price!) 2 years (8 issues) for $27.95 (save $11.65 off the newsstand price!) For questions about the list, contact: AMERICAN_ROAD-owner@yahoogroups.com To SUBSCRIBE to this group, send an email to: AMERICAN_ROAD-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UNSUBSCRIBE from this group, send an email to: AMERICAN_ROAD-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com To POST a message via e-mail, send it to: AMERICAN_ROAD@yahoogroups.com Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chetnichols@aol.com Posted April 10, 2004 Report Share Posted April 10, 2004 Dear Jim, Hippo Birdie two yews, hippo birdie to yews, hippo birdie....oh you get the idea, Jim.... (rim shot)....and many more. Chet Nichols P.S. I just completed my 125 one-way trip up (going East) Route 66. Down is going West. And it was a great ride. Great weather....stopped at Del's for a breakfast burrito. My first was in 1966. Followed by many, many others during my days as a touring entertainer. Heck, I've driven 4 round trippers in the past 11 months. Thank God I don't lease a car. Drove the Oatman Road.....still beautiful and serene. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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