Illinois to Missouri

Posted by MrsFogg
Another early start today to go see Abraham Lincoln’s house where he lived in Springfield Illinois while practising as a successful lawyer before he became president.

The house is free to access which was a surprise. You have a 20 min guided tour. Now we have to factor in here that Abe Lincoln remains one of the most famous presidents the USA has ever had. His achievements both pre presidency and during term are simply amazing, so of course Americans see him in the same light as royalty. Cue the hundreds of questions from the other tour members. “So how much furniture in this room is original?” “Can I touch it”, “So how much in this room…” and on the questions went. Nice to see, very well presented and great since I have been reading all about Abraham Lincoln in a biography of his life.

So once the tour was do e, guess what? Yup, more rain, and off we went down Route 66 to cross into Missouri.

What a long trek in rain, wind and the rare glimpse of sun. I have to say that my bike gear is fab. Plastic over trousers are my new best friend, as is a cozy Merino wool snood.

Mr Fogg was impressive. Navigating six scary lanes of busy traffic around large metropolis St Louis, coping with high winds and blinding rain, several hours of bike travel and we finally arrived at a little haven in Cuba, MO.

Now for that jacuzzi……

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Doodling in Cuba

Posted by MrFogg

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Caught on Camera for the second time this trip, Mrs Fogg with marker pen In hand writing graffiti in Cuba Missouri, no doubt in preparation for the Cadillac ranch in Texas.

Today saw another rain soaked day covering 203 miles from Springfield Illinois to here and an opportunity to see the worlds largest rocking chair.

Tonight however at the Wagon Wheel Motel on 66 we will be enjoying the luxury of a personal jacuzzi to aid the weary travellers.

Hello Wabbit – For Mrs Fink

Posted by MrFogg

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Touring Route66 on Day 3 from Springfield to Cuba Missouri we happened along the home of one Mr Abe (Mrs Fogg will tell you more later) and then again in the pouring rain (boo). This afternoon we happened upon Henry’s Rabbit Ranch and met the wonderful Rich Henry, such a wonderful and friendly guy. He takes in wescue wabbits including the uber huge and friendly “Big Red” (sadly departed)..

Outside are VW Wabbits (US version of the Golf) turned upside down Cadillac Ranch stylee.

Such a cool place with such a nice friendly guy.

Now where is that pesky wabbit.

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What’s for Dinner?

Posted by MrsFogg
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Dinner at Route 66 Hotel sounded good. See the menu.

What came??

Lump of pork, mashed potatoes covered in white gravy with black bits in (body?) and a cup of sweet corn.

Trades description Act exist in the US? Clearly not.

Mad as hatters we’ve come back for breakfast. Eggs on toast. Wonder what will come out?

Next stop President Lincolns House.

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Route 66 Hotel

Posted by MrsFogg
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So this is the well known Route 66 Hotel. It is a landmark for two reasons. First, it was the very first ever Holiday Inn and secondly, when it ceased to be a Holiday Inn when Route 66 declined it became the Route 66 Hotel and the new owners turned it into a bit of a museum.

Memorabilia of Route 66, old licence plates, bits of cars, old Harley bikes and much more clutter line the hotel corridors. It’s quirky but tired and def past its best. Still, clean sheets, soft towels and a comfy bed for around £50 is a good deal for us hardened biker types ( tee hee).

I’ll not mention the dinner tho…..in Yersterdays Restaurant on site. Very apt name though.

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Springfield Doh!

Posted by MrFogg

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Here we are at Springfield Illinois, 185 miles from Joliet after traversing one of the longest stretches of Route66. The last 30mile stretch was on the I55 covering 30 miles of wind buffeting riding.

On the way we passed through Atlanta home of one of the 3 Giants around the area, before eventually stopping at the Route66 Hotel and Conference Centre full of 66 memorabilia

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Tomorrow Cuba Missouri

Pontiac

Posted by MrsFogg
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Still squelching from our drubbing as we passed directly under the storm front that’s sat on Illinois and Oklahoma we arrived in Pontiac,IL.

Wonderful Route 66 town it has the feel of an old style mom and pop kind of place.

Even better, as we arrived the skies cleared and wonderful hot sun has broken up the dark clouds.

We found a small cafe called Lydia’s Cup (odd name) and are now sat here with as much clothing removed as we legally can be in the sun to dry our bits( quite literally drying our bits)

We have proves quite the novelty so far. English nutters who drive through the rain and who leave shoes outside the cafe!!

We’ve even met a local shop owner who on finding we are English has gone off to find the major to introduce us to.

I love small town America

Drying out from here.

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Joliet and Wilmington

Posted by MrFogg

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What a varied day, up and put to the Route66 Welcome centre on US 53, where we met John (shown in the picture with us), this was the guy who guided Billy Connolly on his Route66 tour, So out on the 66 to Wilmington to see the Giant and that’s when it went down hill outside Gardner where the heavens open to an almighty 20 mile bath. When we stopped at Dwight I was able to tip 2 cups of water out of each boot and poor Mrs Fogg found water in places that she hasn’t seen for years!

So eventually it started to dry as we stopped at the Odell petrol station on 66.

And then onto Pontiac…..