Hi ya'all! We're 2/3 of the way to Missouri. We should get there tomorrow evening. I saw this rusty old meter cover in a parking lot at Joe and Aggie's Cafe and liked what it said. Joe and Aggie's was sort of, kind of, had some little something to do with the Pixar animated movie, Cars, as did several other things we see everytime we make this drive. You see, most of the drive from our house in SoCal to my Dad's in Missouri is along Route 66. You can read about the Route 66 attractions and how they were used in the movie here. You won't see Joe and Aggie's in this particular article, but we happened to eat there just after the movie crew did one year on their scout for background images. That year we took great lengths to see many of its older attractions before they disappeared. I'm so glad we did that because many more are gone every year we drive the Route.
If you ever make the drive, you will see many dinosaurs in Arizona and New Mexico. Most are friendly and affectionate as my Lauren discovered. (You didn't know you just wandered in for vacation pictures - poor things. The last ones are the best but I'm going in order here.)
Some are very big though.
We didn't stay in a Wigwam this time because they are a bit cramped. We have stayed in them before though. You can read about this particular Wigwam Motel here It is one of the last remaining Wigwam Motels in the world. This year we stayed next door and snuck over to take some pix.
The kids have made this drive so many times they've got it wired. They are fun to travel with and we have no "he's touching me" or "she's on my side" issues anymore. We play lots of trivia games, listen to music, listen to Kent sing at the top of his lungs, and be silly.
We have stopped a few times at one of the few places it is legal and welcomed to leave grafitti - the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo. It is, technically, a large interactive installation art work by Stanley Marsh III. You can read about Amarillo's Cadillac Ranch on the Roadside America website here. Basically, there are 8 Cacillacs buried nose in, sticking out of the ground, in the middle of a field, and covered with grafitti. (They can also be found in the Cars movie.)
Shawn leaving his mark. We just brought Sharpies, no spray paint.
Lauren looking all innocent.
Me and Lauren and Shawn sneaking in.
A close up of some of the grafitti. I plan to post more as texture layers on my flickr soon.
I had a picture with Kent in it but the rest of the people in the picture were not cooperating so I'll take one of him tomorrow. I promise he is here with us! I don't know when I'll get to post again, the next few days are going to be a bit busy. If I don't get back before the 4th, hope you have a great weekend with fireworks and picnics and watermelon and pie and bbq and fireflies and swimming and friends and family!
15 comments:
Wigwams?? Cadillacs you can graffitti on?? FUN!! who knew! xoSusan
What fun! And you look fabulous and relaxed. I'd love to drive that route again - it's been a good long while for me! :)
how fun to travel along with you and your family! keep the diary coming. so glad you are enjoying one another! nothing better than family. nothing.
Am LOV-ing this travel diary! The pics and the commentary are super. Sounds like you're having a great road trip! Hugs, Terri xoxo
Wowie !!!! What a trip ! I can just feel you and the kids soaking up this time in the memory banks as sweet, colorful and treasured memories of your life together ! So very cool !Your joy is tangible, lovely Marsha. Thanks for sharing it !
I just love Route 66, it is so full of stuff you'll see only in America. And I loved seeing your photo. I can finally put a face with all that wonderful art work. It looks like you are having a great time. Travel Safe.
I am so glad you are having a fabulous time! It shows on your smiling face:)
As you drive down I-40 on your way home give a wave at the Cherokee Trading post exit 108 in Oklahoma. That is my exit I don't live far from there. It will be great to know you have traveled by my rural path!
Have a fabulous 4th!
XXXOOO
Becky
Road trip!!! and on Route 66 no less! Getting your kicks. Those Cadillacs are on my "see one day" list! Looks like you and your family are lovin it:))
Cheers, Shelagh
I LOVE THE CADDYS! Can't wait to see what you do with the texture pics.
My granddaughter lives in Mo. A small town named Montgomery City. She will be here on the 29th.
It's so great that you drive across with your kids. Those are fond memories from when I was a kid. (lots of years ago, yeeks!)
Have a safe and wonderfun time.
beth
What a wonderful adventure! And what a gorgeous family. Thanks for sharing pics, you lovely, lovely girl! Have a safe trip and have fun!
looks like you are having a fun trip. when you were in amarillo, you were just 1.5 hrs away from where i was in clovis, new mexico.
Aah road trips!!! Glad you are having fun and no fights in the back seat. When I was a kid I always wanted to stay at the Wigwam Motel. My father was to cheap. So we just drove by.
Be safe on your adventure.
1ST. I hope your dad is doing well. 2nd.. thanks for the photo freebies! love em!
And...I love your road trip!
I'm not big on long car rides, so I get to enjoy yours!
I love the "WigWam" hotel. I think that might have been where Oprah & Gail stayed during there infamous road trip and Oprah got a case of claustrophobia (no windows) and had to leave!
I'm enjoying my 3 day weekend, and tried to do some art today, but I drew nothing but a blank... it's just one of those days I suppose.
Hope you enjoy your vacation and happy 4th!
~MaryEllen~
Wow I really enjoyed reading this, and I'm definitely impressed with Wigwams and the Cadillacs. I would love to see them someday.
Hope you are there and all settled and not having to hard a time. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. Wow those cars how fun!!!
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