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
The second (and last) day of the Arizona Route 66 Fun Run took me through one of my favorite segments of the entire road: the Oatman Highway. The original alignment of Route 66 between Kingman, AZ and the California border takes drivers through the Black Mountains for 48 miles, reaching a height of 3,586 feet … Continue reading Galloping West for the Fun Run – Part 3
After driving over 1,000 miles in two days, it was time to drive some MORE - but my time on the road Saturday, April 30th was not spent trying to GET somewhere. It was time just GOING somewhere. After all, Route 66 is about the journey...not the destination. And the Fun Run is a multiple-day … Continue reading Galloping West for the Fun Run – Part 2
In 2015, I rented a car in Los Angeles and drove Route 66 from the Pacific Ocean to New Mexico and back. It was the first time I'd driven that westernmost section of the Mother Road; I hadn't been that far west since. "Hey, you should come out to the Kingman Fun Run!" suggested the … Continue reading Galloping West for the Fun Run – Part 1
When I travel, I love to stay at historic properties. You can learn a lot about a place if you get the chance to live its history, even if it's in an abbreviated way. In May, I was exploring Casper, Wyoming and hadn't quite found what I was looking for regarding accommodations. I expanded my … Continue reading The Hotel Higgins
For over a year, I've been telling myself that once I get vaccinated I'm going to take a nice long road trip. My 40th birthday came and went and now, finally, I've gotten to stretch my legs a little bit. I didn't decide on where I was going until two days before I left; it … Continue reading A Long Awaited Journey (Part One)
Sometimes I get stuck in thinking the only valid way to take a vacation is to plan an entire week of exploring places I've never been before. That's a lovely experience and something I enjoy greatly -- but I have to be reminded that a weekend trip, even to an area I've been to many … Continue reading OKC Weekend – Part I
In June of 2014, I discovered a hidden treasure alongside Route 66. I was driving home after a two-day trip; it was the first time I'd traveled Route 66 west of Oklahoma City. I only went as far as the Texas border, but it was enough to know I wanted to explore the rest of … Continue reading New Life for the Lincoln County Express
The vast majority of travelers that spend time on Historic Route 66 are familiar with the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars. The animated movie tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a race car that finds himself stuck in the small western Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. The town is the home of many colorful characters … Continue reading The Cars Story and Route 66
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
Rhys' Pieces 