April 20th-- Rt 66 Meeting-- Meeting of the Great Rivers-- Bird Vengeance and Monster Tacos

On April 20th, we weren't too happy to find that the $100 we paid to stay at the Hilton did not come with their fabulous breakfast buffet because we were on a group discount. Otherwise, it costs about $13. We weren't going to pay it. When we got back to the room, we found that John and Missy had left early and had given us their coupons, so we got to eat anyway.

Took the superslab, I-55, to Hamel, Illinois, about twenty miles out of St. Louis. We would have driven 66, but were running behind time. Attended the Rt. 66 Association of Illinois at Scotty's, an old Rt. 66 tavern and inn that used to be called Tourist Haven. We were surprised to see Ernie Edwards (the Old Coot of 66) and wife Fran there as he is not getting around as easily as in the past. There are 970 members in the organization.


RUNNING ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI

We then drove over to Alton, Illinois, right on the Mississippi and dropped south to Hartford and saw where the Missouri River flows into the Mississippi right near the Lewis and Clark encampment museum. Got gas for the most I've ever paid, $3,66. Saw they are building a tower out by the highway, which is the start of the Scenic Byway. We were disappointed that a big levee ran between the highway and river although lots of bicyclers were riding along the top ot it.

At Alton, we stopped and played NTN at Tony's, a famous Italian restaurant dating back to the 1950s. We also saw the famous Piasa Bird painted on the cliffside at a park outside town. From here on, this was mighty great river driving. There was a clear view of the river off to the left and cliffs to the right. A bike trail ran along the whole route.

Plus, I think every motorcyclist in the area was out and driving along this route. At Grafton, we saw where the Illinois River flows into the Mississippi and lots of neat bars and restaurants we'll have to visit if we can afford the gas to get back. Walked around the lodge and hotel at the Pere Marquette State Park, but thought the $125 a night was too much, so drove to Litchfield.


BIRD VENGEANCE AND MONSTER TACOS

Cruising back on some great country roads, some bird, or birds, really let loose on us as we drove under a wire. There had to be at least 12 big splotches on the windshield. And as you know, you can't simply turn on the windshield wipers to get that stuff off. Stopped at a station in Jerseyville and used their squeegie and after a lot of effort, got it off. "Birdie, Birdie in the Sky, Why'd You That..."

We checked into the Super 8 at Litchfield and drove over to Jack-in-the-Box for Liz's favorite meal, the Monster Tacos. At 99 cents a good deal these days and greasy to the extreme as ever. I don't usually like to stop at chain stores on trips, but this is the closest Jack to home, so a definite stop any time through town.

On the Road Again. --RoadDog