Let's Hit The Road:
Route 66 The Mother Road
Well the day finally came. We were all packed up, Goatfolks was shiny and full of gas and we headed out. Our first day was spent not on Route 66, but actually getting there. Our anticipation was high and we couldn't wait to see our first glimpse of the Mother Road. We decided to pick up 66 just outside of Chicago instead of battling the traffic in the city, since we were arriving there early in the morning.
ILLINOIS:
This was our first glimpse of 66. We were all pretty excited that first morning when we saw that sign. Scott poses to the left and Goatfolks poses to the right. We liked to take pictures of Goatfolks along the way just to prove that it actually made it. We had a lot of people thinking it wouldn't get out of NY.
Our first stop on 66 was the Launching Pad Diner in Wilmington, Illinois. The diner is famous on 66 for the Gemini Giant, the big guy next to Goatfolks holding the rocket. He is one of many giant fiberglass men scattered across the US. He is in very good shape and definitely an eye catcher. We arrived a little early, so we played frisbee in the parking lot until they opened.
Just a close up shot of the Gemini Giant and his rocket. Not sure where the idea originated for the giant guy, but it certainly has made the launching pad diner a landmark on 66. When the diner finally opened, we couldn't wait for a great breakfast. We soon found out though that the diner is not a breakfast place, so we settled for some tasty hamburgers and fries as breakfast instead.
This is a shot from the inside of the diner. All around the seating area was a really nice mural dedicated to Route 66. This shot features two classic cars, and on the other wall was a map of 66 with different roadside stops highlighted.
Our next stop was the Dixie Truckers Home in McLean, Illinois. It is a huge truck stop featuring a gift shop, restaurant and a nice Route 66 museum. Pie is the specialty on the menu so make sure and try a slice. The museum is interesting and has some nice early photos of 66. The Dixie Truckers Home has been a landmark on 66 since 1928.
This is just a shot of the nice neon sign at the Dixie Truckers Home.
