Lessons and Lore along the Mother Road

As John Steinbeck said in his 1939 book, The Grapes of Wrath,,, "they come into 66 from the tributary side roads, from the wagon tracks and the rutted country roads. 66 is the mother road, the road of flight." Though the reasons have evolved from when families took flight back in the late 30's as a result of both natural and manmade calamities (i.e. the dustbowl and depression), people from all over the world continue to traverse this winding road also known as The Main Street of America because of it's rich history and continued unspoken promise as the “road to opportunity." If you've made a trip across the western states, whether you knew it consciously or not, you probably traveled more than a few miles on Route 66, albeit, the Mother Road.  These days, its been paved over and given a face lift by the various interstate highways that now cover the original concrete and brick traversing 2,448 miles.

For us, it's become a symbol representing our Next Grand Adventure, a representation of the discoveries that are just around the bend, off the main drag and full of colorful people and non-franchised sites and scenes.

As we have made our way back and forth across this grand country, we've now slowed down the pace of racing from one destination to another and have found great satisfaction in pulling off the interstate to explore some of the remnants of revived symbols of America's glory days after World War II.  We've even made it a point to stay in the scattered and unique hotels and motels along Route 66 that represented those days before the internet and cell phones, when one had to stop and place some coins in a pay phone when calling home. 

Austin Whithal, a travel hobbyist, said it well; "Route 66 is the essence of Americana: The Mother Road as America’s Main Street, embodies the core small-town values of America, with its Mom-and-Pop stores, its vintage service stations, motels, and diners. It is also a representation of freedom, a roaming, mobile, and automobile-oriented society, where new horizons for personal growth and experiences can always be found."

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Photo legend

Cover: Lunch at Lucille's Roadhouse on Route 66 OK - Phyl had an excellent taco salad and Jer opted for the unlimited homemade soups (all three are highly recommended).   

2) Fillin' up at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton OK - one of the best of many along the Mother Road.

3) Spent a night at Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon MO, built in 1946 - a classic old school road side respite.

4) Who still gives out room keys? - The Wagon Wheel in Cuba MO - the longest running motel along Route 66 - and right next to Missouri Hick- great BBQ! 

5) Phyl reliving some old memories next to a classic VW Bus at the Route 66 Museum - don't ask!