In early September, Samantha and I trekked westward to Oakland, California for the wedding of one of Sam's best friends. Not only were we attending, but Sam was in charge of the reception...which meant hauling a rented SUV full of décor to the Pacific coast. It was a long journey, but very worthwhile. We were … Continue reading West Coast Wander – Part One
At the beginning of 2020, the first half of my year had several excursions on the books. I was going to Springfield, Missouri for a Route 66 conference in March, we were taking Mom to Disney World in April (her first time back since 1998), and I planned to finally see Wyoming as part of … Continue reading A Worthwhile Journey
A few months ago, I realized I had a week of vacation I had to take this year and Samantha didn't have matching time available. I wanted to take a long road trip but I didn't feel like spending that week alone. So, I called my mother. "Where have you always wanted to go?" I … Continue reading Going West with Mom (Part 1)
Last weekend, I took a trip west to the Texas Panhandle. It was finally time for Texas Welcomes the World, the 2018 International Route 66 Festival! It had been a long time since I'd seen many of my roadie friends and I was excited to attend my first "official" International Route 66 Festival. I arrived in … Continue reading Texas Welcomes the World
This weekend, I drove out to Shamrock Texas for the International Route 66 Festival, "Texas Welcomes the World." I'll have a lot to say about my time here later, but today I want to share with you a little place just on the Okie side of the border in Texola. By the time the Post … Continue reading An Oasis in Texola
You can't control inspiration. You can seek it studiously, you can create circumstances that foster it, you can dig through tedium until you find it...but, after all is said and done, it'll come when it pleases. Convenience has nothing to do with it. On Wednesday, the bulb of inspiration clicked on in my brain and … Continue reading Making Time
When I have a road trip planned, it's easier to wake up early. Granted, I don't usually leave at 5:00 AM, but on Sunday that is what I did. I was attending a quarterly Oklahoma Route 66 Association meeting in Weatherford that afternoon and wanted to spend the morning exploring southwestern Oklahoma. Since that was … Continue reading Comanche Territory & Frontier Towns
“One cannot be pessimistic about the West. This is the native home of hope. When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. Then it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery.” … Continue reading Tucumcari Tonite
Although I had no reason to get up early on Saturday, my internal alarm made sure I was wide awake at 6:00 AM. The Hotel Indigo in Dallas was pretty comfortable, but I haven't been sleeping well lately. I ended up just laying there for a while, wondering what I should do with my extra … Continue reading Summertime Signhunting
Friday morning, I got up early as usual. However, instead of heading into the office, I headed south on Highway 75 towards Dallas. I had tickets for a concert in the heart of Big D and I had an entire day to wander south, through Oklahoma and North Texas. There were plenty of places marked on my … Continue reading Okie Backroads & The Horror Master
Rhys' Pieces 