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.
