2019 Route 66 Trip to Lebanon-- Part 6: A Gully Washer, a Cut and a Wagon

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Trying to decide whether  to stay in Lebanon one more day or go to Cuba because of the threat of storms all day.  Went to the office and had coffee and talked with Ramona and Jess McEntire.  This is one of my favorite things to do every morning we stay at the Munger-Moss.  Always a good conversation and usually with other Route 66 folks.  While there, we had one of the worst downpours I've ever seen.

At the Munger-Moss, the office is at the lowest point on the property and it wasn't long before we were manning the sandbag brigade by the two doors as water was starting to come in.

Decided to go to Cuba and drove Route 66 to St. Robert.   It rained, drizzled and cleared up the whole way.  Stopped at Chester's in St. Robert, on the north side of I-44.  If you like fried chicken, this is definitely a place you want to go.  Delicious.  Then we did Highway Z, the four lane highway through Hooker Cut, as I said, my favorite Route 66 place.

In Cuba, we had to wait for another downpour before getting a room at the Wagon Wheel Motel.  Frisco's is closed on Mondays. but Rock Fair, just off 66 wasn't and we had a good time with the locals there as well as at the East Office Pub, near the Wagon Wheel.

--RoadRain

2019 Route 66 to Lebanon-- Part 2: Hooker Cut, Elbow Inn and Munger-Moss Motel

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

We took I-55 to I-270 to Missouri and a traditional stop at the welcome center at the border.  Then 270 to I-44 to Sullivan and stop for lunch of those great tacos at Jack-In-the-Box, or Jack's as they're now called.  We really like those tacos.

Then Route 66 to Fanning Outpost, home of the giant rocker west of Cuba and gourmet popcorn.  I-44 around Rolla.  Then a drive by John's Modern Cabins and the Trail of Tears.

Of course, my favorite place on Route 66, Hooker Cut and a stop for a beer at the Elbow Inn and Devil's Elbow, Missouri.

Checked into the Munger-Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri , and talked with Ramona.  We will sure be missing Bob this year as he died a few months ago.  We found that our usual liquor store was gone as was Senor Pepper's.  But the VFW was still there and we had a great time three.

--RoadDog

OK, All You Cub Fans, A Lot of Folks Out Here in Western Mo. and Eastern Ok., Could Care

As sad as you might be about the Cubs in all likelihood being eliminated tonight because of that horrific lack of hitting and sorry excuse for relief pitching, despite all the money they're paying to Davis, we have discovered one big truth out here on Route 66.

As far as the Cubs are concerned, there are many, many people here in eastern Oklahoma and western Missouri, who don't give a rat about the Cubs.

So sorry you gung-ho Cubbie fans.

Some Folks Just Don't Care.  --RoadDog

A Munger-Moss Motel Route 66 Trip-- Part 2: Save the Gasconade Bridge Rally

APRIL 23, SATURDAY

This was a busy day for us.  I kicked it off with a trip to Hardee's for breakfast and brought back biscuits and gravy for Liz.

We drove out to the Gasconade Bride, 14 miles east of Lebanon, for the Save the Bridge Rally.  There were several hundred people there, and, of course, a fair number of classic cars.  The bridge was closed back in 2014 as it is unsafe for vehicular traffic anymore.

It is a classic bridge, one where you really know you're crossing a bridge, not one of those with the huge concrete blocks which just don't say bridge to me.

Walked across the bridge and could really see why they closed it.  They had food and vendors.  I rejoined the Missouri Route 66 Association.

--RoadDog

A Munger-Moss Motel Route 66 Trip-- Part 1: Illinois and Missouri

We left this past Thursday, April 21st for the 500 mile drive to Lebanon, Missouri, for the 70th anniversary of the Munger-Moss Motel on Route 66.  Not only has the motel been serving 66ers since 1946, but owners Bob and Ramona Lehman have had the place for 45 years (1971).  That alone is quite a feat.

We have been coming to the motel since our second trip on 66, back in 2003

The first day was spent driving in Illinois with stops at Dwight for the Route 66 90th Birthday celebration, Dixie Truck Stop, George Ranks, The Cozy Dog and stayed at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center and their Filling Station Bar.

The second day, April 22,  was another driving one with a stop at Jack's (Jack-in-the-Box) in Litchfield for our taco fix, then getting lost in St. Louis.  Then lunch at another Jack's in Sullivan, Missouri.  (We don't have Jack's by us and have a big desire for their tacos.)

We took a ride along Hooker Cut, my favorite stretch of Route 66, and a stop at The Devil's Elbow Inn and the Munger-Moss Motel.  Talked some with Ramona  and then went to Senor Pepper's on Missouri-5 and Applebees.

Great to Be Back On the Old Road.  --RoadDog

Back On the Mother Road-- Part 5: To Edwardsville and Back

JUNE 13, 2014 ( As in Friday the 13th)

After those Monster Tacos for lunch in Sullivan, back on Route 66 to I-44.  Sorry to see the Red Mill still closed (a place we've never gotten a chance to eat at).  Got on I-44 when we ran out of 66 and took it to I-270 which we followed to Edwardsville, Illinois.

You don't want to take I-270 during rush hour, which we did.  Just when you think you're out of the jam, there pops up another.  Crossed into Illinois and then encountered stoplight after stoplight going into Edwardsville on Route 66.

Signed up for the Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour at the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival, enjoyed a band and fought off gnats under a tent while talking with some 66ers from St. Louis.  Also got to go to the old Stagger In Again.  We've been wanting to go there for a long time..  Listened to a duo play there.  Definitely a place we'll visit again.

Some Mo' Route 66.  --RoadDog


WHY TEACHERS TURN GRAY EARLY  (Selected test answers):  Q:  In which battle did Napoleon die?  A: His last one.

Back On the Mother Road Again-- Part 4: Back to St. Louis

JUNE 13TH, 2014

Went to Faye's on Elm Street, the old Route 66.  Nothing fancy, but good breakfasts and plenty of locals.  I was sure disappointed to see that the old Bell Restaurant had been torn down as that was a good place to eat as well.

Said our goodbyes to Ramona and Bob and got off by noon for a pleasurable ride along Route 66 and this time stopped at the Trading Post in Rolla and went out by the sad John's Modern Cabins and Vernelle's.

Stopped again in Sullivan for You-Know Whats.  --RoadDog

Back On the Mother Road Again-- Part 2: Really on 66

June 11th, 2014

Yesterday, we spent the driving near Route 66 along the interstates.  But, today, we finally got ourselves "on the road."

After those delicious tacos (now they have the infamous Monster Tacos back) at Jack in the Box (now called Jack's), we got on Route 66 and other than a few lost episodes, stayed on it all the way to Lebanon.

We stopped for a bit at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba and talked with some other 66ers, then went to the Fanning Outpost farther west and looked around.  I bought an old Illinois road map that still had 66 on it.

Threatened to rain all day, but didn't.

We stopped at the new BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings) in Rolla and later the BW3 in St. Robert's to play NTN, which now gives us a total of 968 different NTN sites that we have visited.

Stopped at Mr. C's, east of Lebanon and then were greeted by Romana at the Munger-Moss Motel when we checked in.

Drove around Lebanon and ate at Dickey's Barbecue Pit and went to Skylite Bowling.

Good to Be On Route 66 Again.  --RoadDog

Munger-Moss Bound

Time for a little venture out on Route 66 in Illinois and Missouri.

Shaking off all that super cold global warming stuff.

Saturday and Sunday, it is the Route 66 Association of Illinois' 2014 Motor Tour.

Can't Wait, But First, Water the Plants.  --RoadDog

Sad News From Oklahoma

Sad to find out about yesterday's tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.  I was in the Burger King in McHenry, Illinois, when I first saw and heard about it on the TV.  It looked terrible even then and just got worse.

We went through Moore back in 2004, when we took a sidetrip off Route 66 to Norman, Oklahoma, to see Oklahoma University and play NTN.  We even played NTN at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Moore.

A couple years ago, we went through Joplin, Missouri several months after it was struck by that horrible tornado.  Even though a lot os cleanup had been done, it still resembled a war zone.  What struck us the most was that some areas would be obliterated while right next to it there was little or no damage.

The strangest thing were the leaves on the trees which appeared to grow right off the trunks what with the limbs being taken off by the horrendous winds.

Wishing for the Best of a Bad Situation. 

The Fratellos ' "Chelsea Dagger"

And, speaking of music, WXRT is playing "Chelsea Dagger" by the Fratellos at this moment, 7:32 AM.  I just played it last night at the Fox Lake Legion.  I'd never heard the song before until the Blackhawks made that great run to the Stanley Cup in 2010.  This was the song they played after every goal.

I went looking for the album, well, CD, and couldn't find it anywhere.  However, right before they won the Cup, we did find it in a used record/CD store in Columbia, Missouri, and played it all the way to the Lake of the Ozarks where we were nearly the only ones cheering the Hawks on to that final win, but we were heard, believe me.

Played it almost all the next day (the rest of the album is great as well).  It was a magic time for Chicago fans.

We later joined the Illinois Route 66 Tour and after the Saturday Hall of Fame Induction and dinner, I sang it at the karaoke show in the lounge.  Now, I knew I would have no problem with the "Duh, duhda, duh, duudah, duh" part, but knew the rest would be bad. It was.  That guys sings real fast and I don't read so fast.

Didn't Stop Me None.  --RoadDog

Going Back to the Cold: More Good Eatin'-- Curvin' It-- Home

JANUARY 21ST-- SATURDAY

Woke up to the cold here in northern Mississippi and the long pants and sweatshirt I was hoping to put on in St. Louis came on early. Drove I-55 to Memphis, crossed into Arkansas and then did the foot of Missouri north to Sikeston.

Bypassed Lambert's and went to Dexter BBQ, which I had heard about and written about in my RoadLog. Every bit as good as I'd heard. And definitely you need to try their wine and cheese dressing. Some of the best ever.

Through St. Louis by the Arch and into Illinois. Had to stop for our taco fix at the Jack in the Box in Litchfield, a must stop even though we weren't real hungry. Checked into the TraveLodge in Springfield and then went on to the Curve Inn for drinks and partying. Real "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights."


JANUARY 22ND-- SUNDAY

Stopped at the Bonanza Sirloin Pit in Lincoln where their rolls are too good to be thrown, hear that Lambert's!!? And their pass around rolls and chocolate chip cookies are something else.

Foggy and icy driving most all of today. Not much fun.

But got home at 5 pm after 19 days on the road.

Good to Be Home. --RoadDog

Two Days on the Road

JANUARY 4th

Drove Route 66 from Dwight to Springfield. Found the sign at Ernie Edwards' Pig Hip Restaurant was down in Broadwell. Got our Cozy Dog Fix in Springfield. Happy to find out that George Ranks bar, on Route 66, is once again open. Played NTN at Third Base Bar and had drinks at the Curve Inn and Southside Pub, both on Route 66.


JANUARY 5th

Big mileage day, 586 miles, all I-55. Had our Jack-in-the-Box taco fix in Litchfield. Lost about thirty minutes because of accident south of St. Louis. Ate at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston. Mo., ducking them throwed rolls.

Cheapest gas of trip south of there, $3.10. Lots of traffic around Memphis. Drove to Canton, Mississippi, where we spent the night.

Hope to Make Mobile by Tonight. --RoadDog

Mizzou-Rah Trip 2011-- Part 4: On the Route 66 Motor Tour

9-10-11, as in September 10, 2011, just one of those dates in the new century.

As usual, running behind the main bunch of cars. Caught up with main group at the great museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where we got our first dose of Civil War with Fort Blair and the battle.

Then to Eisler Brothers in Riverton, then to 4WOTR, Tow Mater and Big Red in Galena. Officer Dean threatened a ticket to me for my U-Turn on Main Street. Dadburn Barney Fife.

Into Missouri. No damage along Route 66 alignment in Joplin. Much improved 66 signage along Joplin-Carthage stretch. Boots Motel and Civil War museum in Carthage.

Gay Parita and Halltown Mercantile. Tire Place in Springfield. Lunch at the Steak 'n Shake in Springfield, retaining the architecture of the early places.

Museum in Marshfield (not where Laura Wilder lived). Munger Moss in Lebanon. Bob Gale, the sign, roadie gabfest, the new guy.

Not a Bad First Day and Many New Places. --RoadDog

Mizzou-Rah Trip 2011-- Part 3: Poor Joplin

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th

Taking some roads never before traveled this morning.

Took Mo-5 south to US-60 and then west to Springfield. We had to stop at Lambert's right off of US-65. Throwed Rolls and all those pass-arounds. Hard to beat the food and fun.

Back on 65 and played NTN at two new places, Hooters and Old Chicago, both on Springfield's south side.

We got onto I-44 and took it to Joplin where we drove around the part damaged by May's tornado. Most has been cleaned up, but gosh. Striking and sad all the same.

Got onto US-66 into Kansas where we met Lulu, Barb, Brenda and Dean Walker at Van's steakhouse. Then, into Oklahoma and to Miami where we registered for the Missouri Rt. 66 Motor Tour and got a room at America's Best Value Inn and enjoyed Boomer's Bar on the premises.

Quite a Day. --RoadDog

Mizzou-Rah Trip 2011-- Part 2: New Places on the Route

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th

Coffee in the Munger Moss Lobby, talking with Ramona Lehman, owner of the place for 40 years now. Seeing folks off. Couple from Cincinnati leave for Santa Monica. Family from Spain need medical attention for son. Ramona gets them an immediate appointment with her doctor. Route 66 at its finest.

Visit Lebanon Rt. 66 Museum.

Visit American Coffee Company in the old Wrink's building.

Go to the new Mr. C's Route Stop east of town, makers of those great 66 Route Beer and other wonderful soft drinks. Tried their new Black Cherry drink.

Ate at the new Cave Restaurant farther east. A real different kind of place. When they say cave, they mean it. Lots of Fort Leonard Wood soldiers there with families in honor of their basic training graduation today. Judging by these young men and women, the country is in good hands.

Route 66 back to Lebanon. Drinks out by the pool and drinks at Starlite Bowling Alley across the street from the MM. Packers win a close one. Brett who? Is he still "retired?"

Friday On the Road: Throwed Rolls and the O-ther Mi-am-uh.

Quick Update: Munger Moss Motel

Sitting out by then pool here at 11 pm with a bunch of roadies with that great sign and a full moon.

Two of the 4WOTR (Four Women on the Road) from Galena, Kansas, are with us. They're the ones with the original Tow Mater from the "Cars" movie and their recent addition "Big Red" the fire truck (although this one is not the one that inspired the character, but looks the same).

Also, Lulu, Brenda and two new "roadies" from Speedway, Indiana, driving an old truck are out there.

A Pleasant Way to Spend the Night. --RoadDog

Going on a Route 66 Motor Tour

Leaving today for a ride on Missouri's Route 66 and a lot of roads we haven't been on before.

Taking Il-47 south to Dwight, Il. and then will run Route 66 to Pontiac where we'll go west on Il-116 and then get on US-136. Maybe in Peoria, we'll catch a glimpse of the World War II ship LST-325.

We'll take US-136 through Keokuk, Iowa, and into Missouri as far as Princeton where we'll get on US-65 south to US-54, then east to Lake of the Ozarks then Mo-5 to Lebanon and spend a night or two at the Munger-Moss Motel.

Then Mo-5 south to US-60 and west. Hope to eat at Lambert's. Then 60 into Oklahoma where we'll meet up with the Missouri Motor Tour in Miami, or do you say Miami? The KuKu burgers are calling.

Anyway, those are the plans right now.

You Never Know on a Road Trip. --RoadDog


UNIVERSAL TRUTHS: I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent an ass from cutting in the front.

A 66 We Will Go-- Part 3

The Third Day on the Road, June 10th.

Enjoyed the "Tourist Traps" at what they call the Bagnall Dam Strip, right by the dam. We then drove across the dam to an overlook, back across it where we saw it from ground level. Impressive structure that created the Lake of the Ozarks back in the 30s.

We had those great Made-Rites and were then on the road to Lebanon. They are working on a four-lane road to connect the Lake of the Ozarks with I-44, which is much needed.

Got to Lebanon and stopped at the old Wrink's Market building east of town and had a couple drinks in the bar. It is now Britt's Route 66 Grill. Checked into the Munger-Moss Motel, sat out by the pool, and then had an excellent dinner at Britt's.

I will be going into greater detail on my RoadDog's Roadlog Blog.

A Good Day on the Road. --RoadDog


I Wonder: Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Not Jumping on the Bandwagon, But...-- Part 6

When we stopped at the Shawnee Bluff Motel in Lake Ozark, Missouri, we just checked to see if they had a room available. Then, we went into a nearby bar (about 200 yards away) to make sure they could get the Hawks-Flyers game and would put it on. They could and would, so went back and checked in.

Enjoyed the wonderful view of the lake for awhile, then went out NTNing. First stop was Chicago Brothers which was about nine miles away. We figured with a name like that, they might attract some Blackhawk fans, and they did, but it was way too far away to party and then drive. Fortunately, the game hadn't started yet.

Then drove to the new JJ Twiggs near the Bagnall Dam. Twiggs started near us in the towns of Wauconda and Lake Zurich, Illinois, so we figured they too might have some fans. It turns out they have two bars in the building. The one with NTN didn't have the hockey game on and when we got them to turn it, they wouldn't turn up the volume.

We found the second, and smaller bar, and they had it on all TVs with volume up and some fans, so watched the first two periods there. Had a great time and went through two pitchers.

Then drove back to Road Boaters, the bar near the motel and watched the 3rd period and overtime victory. We were the only two people watching the game, but they really heard us as well as the "Chelsea Dagger" song.

So, Blackhawk Fever Did Come to the Lake of the Ozarks!! --RoadDog


I Wonder: If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?