3 states in one day. Day 3 on Route 66

Day 3 on Route 66 Lebanon, MO to Tulsa OK 263 miles

A restful night at The Munger Moss Motel, thanks to Ramona and her hospitality

Another great day on the Mother Road, Americas' Mid-West is full of friendly happy people who all seem to enjoy a bit of bear lovin'. After another fantastic breakfast at the Elm Street Eatery in Lebanon my taxi driving buddies and me set off West deep into Missouri. In Paris Springs we had the pleasure of spending some time with Gary Turner at the Gay Parita Filling Station. Gary has lived on '66 a long time and had some wonderful stories to tell. His place is crammed full of route 66 stuff which he was happy to show us. Guarding over his garage full of treasures was Earle.Earle and me got on like a house on fire.

                             Earle and Fred in the Gay Parita garage of treasure.

Gary, Sara and Fred getting friendly in Garys' office

Andy and Sara posing for Garys' website gallery

Fleetline Taxis - Part of the Missouri scenery

Fred is part of the Mother Road

We spent 45 minutes chatting with Gary, he was a fascinating guy and we loved being with him.

Further along the road Route 66 dips into Kansas for a 14 mile stretch through Galena and Baxter Springs. Here we met Melba the Mouth and Lyle. Both are characters of the Mother Road and both made us all very welcome. Melbas' Diner in Galena has a very special truck parked out front, the whole area inspired a certain animated film.

Fred and Tow- Mator getting acquainted.

Oklahoma was our 3rd state of the day and our first rain storm of the trip. Sara kept a weather eye out for twisters but no such luck. The drive-thru sign outside Carthage stayed rooted down. 

Long straight roads running for 10's of miles led us all the way into Tulsa and our stopover at the Desert Hills Motel. We are sat in Tallys' Cafe, Tulsa eating and blogging. Great food. Early night for us all. Texas tomorrow.

Is this the way to Amarillo? I certainly hope so.

Day 2 on the Mother Road

Day 2 on route 66, Springfield IL to Lebanon MO, 233 miles.

Woke this morning in Springfield IL to another covering of snow, unlike the UK though, life goes on even with a couple of inches of snow, by the time we'd chomped our way through another huge breakfast of eggs, biscuits, ( a sort of muffin/crumpet),bacon, sausage gravy and bucket loads of coffee, the roads were cleared and we were able to set off. The old 66 follows alongside the interstate for a fair way along this stretch only veering away briefly to visit quaint little farming towns along the way. Diners, gift shops and other roadside distractions try to make you pull over and part with a few dollars.

Am I shrinking or is furniture getting bigger?

Not far out of Springfield we stumbled across a classic cars sales place, several huge barns were filled with every type of classic American car you could think off.     Model T's, studebakers, cadilacs, lincolns. All for sale, all rust free. 100s and 100s of fantasticly stunning cars. 

The long straight roads of Illinios made way for trees, hills and rivers as we made our way into Missouri. The majestic Mississippi River provides the state border and a visit to the now obsolete Chain of Rocks bridge across the river is a Route 66 must-see.

Mississippi Fred

Night 2 sees us resting at the Munger Moss Motel, Lebanon MO. A proper 1940s route 66 motel, run by Ramona and Fred. Cosy rooms and a parking bay for the car right outside.

Tomorrow Oklahoma,  Tulsa to be precise. And we're only 24 hours away. I think I know a song about that.