Spring Trip-- Route 66-- Springfield-- Part 1

We just got back from a six day mini-trip before gas gets so expensive we can't afford to go anywhere anymore. We were gone April 18th to the 23rd.

DWIGHT--

Took Il-47 as usual to avoid the Chicago hassle. Once in Dwight, we had a great buffet at Smaterjax's on Rt. 66, but were sorry to see that they had taken down all that great car memorabilia, including a complete run of Illinois license plates from the early 1920s to the 80s. Now, that was impressive.

Impressed with how the 1930s gas station looks now as it was falling apart when we first started cruisin' the Mother Road in 2002. They really need to repaint the Rt 66 shields on the road as they are getting so worn and faded, it's hard to see them.

ODELL

Took 66 to the 1920s Standard station in Odell and went inside. Saw about ten different countries listed in the sign-in book. They have a new old washer/dryer machine that looked like none I'd ever seen.

PONTIAC

Visited the new phoo exhibition at the Rt 66 Association of Illinois' Museum. This guy can see a photo in a scene like no one else can. Well worth a stop. Also toured the new Pontiac War Museum which is located next door.

TO SPRINGFIELD

Took the superslab, I-55, around Bloomington-Normal as usual. Not much remains of the old road througn these towns.

FUNK'S GROVE

Stopped at Funk's Grove Maple Sirup (correctly spelled) to get some of the great maple candy, but they were already sold out. Bought a CowBop CD, a group that will travel Route 66 in May and try to make ends meet by impromptu performances. They do a western swing/jazz sort of thing.

Ran into a motorcyclist there from Bloomington, Indiana, who was on his first Route 66 trip. Warned him to be careful as this is VERY ADDICTIVE. He told us he was already hookjed after just being on it from Towanda.

Went past Tall Paul and the world's ugliest water tower in Atlanta. Ernie Edwards was not out and about at the Pig Hip restaurant.

Got a room at the Days Inn on the southeast side of Springfield and played NTN at Capital City Bar and Grill.