My travels through Oklahoma, Route 66, and beyond
My favorite part about Route 66 culture is meeting the people that make it what it is. Business owners, local residents, fellow travelers. Being involved with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association gives me many opportunities to connect with folks whose life history has been intertwined with the road; these histories (much like the ones I … Continue reading A Flamingo & the Desert
Route 66 has completely overtaken my life. That's not a complaint; it's just a fact. Ever since the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association stepped down last fall I've been pulling double-duty. Most of the time it's fine; sometimes it's overwhelming. But it's all getting done and things are continuing to move forward. … Continue reading Limitations
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)
In the summer of 2018, I was put in touch with a man named Robert Brooks. Robert is a successful spinal surgeon in the Tulsa area...but I didn't need surgery. I did have a great desire to speak with him about history. Robert had a connection to an eastern landmark on Tulsa Route 66 that … Continue reading The Brookshire Motel
The weekend weather was as beautiful as a picture postcard. High near 80, low in the upper sixties...puffy white clouds, if any at all. A light breeze came from the ocean and gave everything a slightly salty tang. Monday morning, though, a storm system came to the coast & lasted all day. The top floor … Continue reading Rainy Days and Wild Nights
“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
Another day off, another road trip! Although I went to sleep last night contemplating a trip to Springfield, MO to see a friend of mine it didn't come together. I had to get the oil changed in the Mustang and by the time I was ready to leave town the long drive felt discouraging. Instead, … Continue reading Abridged Memory
A lot of folks know that Tulsa is famous for being the Oil Capital of the World at one time, but we're also the home of Route 66. It runs through the heart of the city and the father of the road, Cyrus Avery, lived most of his life here. Our downtown is full of beautiful … Continue reading Route 66 in Tulsa
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
It's interesting to think that there was a time when certain words didn't exist. 'Motel' is a good example of a word that was invented relatively recently. Motel is a shortened version of 'Motor Hotel'; automobiles have only been around a little over 100 years. In between the traditional hotel and the modern motel, however, is … Continue reading Re-lighting the Boots
Rhys' Pieces 