(previous installments of this series here) Friday morning, we slept in. Of course, sleeping in for me (and Michael as well) meant waking up around 8:00 instead of 7:00. I took my time getting ready, puttering around my hotel room with mediocre coffee and a few of our remaining thumbprint cookies. Looking out the window … Continue reading On the Road with Michael – Columbia to St Louis
(other installments of this series here) When I set out to take this trip, I knew I would be updating my blog as we went. I didn't expect to update it every day -- but, as I should have known, our adventures have given me plenty to write about. Although we had no direct book-related … Continue reading On the Road with Michael – KC to Columbia
When I went to the Tulsa Historical Society in May to hear author/historian Michael Wallis talk about his new book ("The Best Land Under Heaven: The Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny") I expected to enjoy the presentation, which I did. I expected to visit with my friends and walk out with a … Continue reading On the Road with Michael – Tulsa to KC
Friday morning, I woke early. 5:00 AM early, in fact. I had a decision to make. Should I drive straight home, or should I map a full day of driving? I had a few locations saved that I could detour to see, including a theatre in Poplar Bluff that's been on my list for YEARS. It would … Continue reading The Poplar Vote
The last two days in Columbia, Missouri have been work days. That being said, I made sure to maximize my time when I'm not in the office, and as I hoped I've been able to visit some of the small towns around here and experience a bit more of Columbia itself. Here are some highlights! … Continue reading Showing Myself the Show-Me State
I started a new role at my workplace last week. It was the first time in a long time that I'd moved to a different office and worked with a completely new group of people; as such, they didn't know anything about me. I talked to my new coworkers about my professional history and personal life, … Continue reading My Route 66 Awakening
It's really nice to hit the road after a period of time without much travel, especially when I have my favorite co-pilot in the passenger seat. Samantha and I set out for Springfield, Missouri early Saturday morning to attend the annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. The gathering itself was enough to make the trip, … Continue reading 2016 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Out in the Missouri countryside, about 20 miles southeast of Lebanon, sits a bridge. A fellow traveler mentioned it to me a year ago, but I hadn't been in the area with time on my hands until recently. It sits on Tulsa Road, too, which made me doubly excited to make the trip to see it. After … Continue reading Lambeth Bridge
On Saturday, I woke early. By early, I mean 6:00 AM. Now, on a work day I have to drag myself out of bed after several snoozes and throw myself together before going into the office. When I'm traveling the route, though, I get up early completely of my own accord. It was a good … Continue reading Gathering Moss
What a trip! This past weekend, I drove to central Missouri to take part in the second 'Save the Gasconade Bridge' rally near Lebanon. The gaggle of roadies that descended on the Ozarks from across the country also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Munger Moss Motel / 45th Anniversary of ownership by Bob and … Continue reading Ozark Stonework & Forgotten Places
Rhys' Pieces 