This trip was something my Dad has wanted to do for years.
It is a trip I will never want to forget. Oh how wonderful and pretty it was. Exploring God's creation was worth doing. Our Goal was to start in Chicago, IL and end in LA, California. We did it, we made it to the end of the trail.
We three, (my Dad, Ioana and I) started out on Friday/ Saturday midnight after our volleyball game at the church. As we drove through the night we reached Chicago at 4:30 in the morning. Our Friends the Bournes were not able to join us that same night because Mrs. Bourne had to work till Saturday night. So, they left Sunday early morning and caught up with us at our friends house the Costilla's in IL.
Here is us heading out for our 11 day journey. My, my hair looks interesting or I must just be tired. Sitting in the passenger seat was tiring as I was the navigator using our TomTom.
This was a boring place because we messed up with the sunrise timing and the water fountain never turned on. It was cold as we sat for about an hour hoping the water would come on so Dad could get the one photo he was wanting for so long. This is what we got though. At least we have a photo of something. The lighting is beautiful:-).
City lights of Chicago about 5 am.
This is Lou Mitchell's Restaurant. It is the start of Route 66. It has been around since 1923. It is a tradition for every woman that walks in to receive Milk Duds. My was it a lovely breakfast. Ioana and I ordered sausage and gravy over homemade biscuits. I don't remember what Dad got but I'm sure it was yummy.
This is White Fence Farm. They are famous for their chicken. When we arrived there they were closed. I wish we could have tried their chicken.
This was a memorial site for all those that served their country.
Our friends since Germany, the Costialls. Bro. Costilla is still serving in the Air Force and is planning on retiring next may of 2013. We stayed with them Saturday night through Sunday night. It was a blessing to meet with them again. We got to go to their church. I had a great time there and a great experience helping with their church's bus ministry.
Go Air Force!!! That's right as I said earlier, my family has known them since Germany. We knew them from our church, Eiffel Baptist Church in Germany. Bro. Costilla was in Germany for three years while my Dad was there for sixteen years.
Me getting off of the bus after rounding up children for church.
The worlds largest Catsup bottle. This is when the Bournes caught up with us. They met up with us at the Costialla's house. It was time for their church choir practice and Ioana, Emily, and I tagged along with the Costilla family while Dad, Bro. Bourne, and Mrs. Bourne went to go visit the largest catsup bottle. I saw it when we were driving in to town on the way to our friends house so I didn't want to see it again. Two happy men as you can see.
After Sunday evening service, we played a card game. They are laughing at my Dad because he was not doing too well coming up with words. The game was called, Quidler.
The two playing with their gadgets in the middle of a game.
Missouri. Yeah, we are in the second out of eight states.
This cave was fascinating. Wow! God's creation! See the height of this with us standing in front of it.
You will notice Ioana and Emily aren't in the pictures. That is because they were too lazy to get out of the car and move their legs to enjoy this. They sure missed a beautiful view .
A nice 66 sign on the road.
This is an oldie and a beauty.
Who can pass up this sign? This is one of my favorite shows.
Ok, we are not drinking, beer it is Orange and Root Beer sodas that they sold during the Route 66 era and only sell them on the Route now. They were so good because they still make them with the real cane sugar and not the corn syrup junk that is put in to the pops now. Man I was so spoiled with it, that when I came back and drank the soda, that is made today, I had a hard time drinking it.
We were so happy to see some Bison during our vacation.
These were in Missouri.
My this was my dream right here. I love the prairie, wild west view. These trains were absolutely beautiful. My father's dad worked on the railroads years ago. Beautiful!
My Dad trying to get in to the picture but was too slow. You can see him trying to run fast to get in to the picture. It was funny as it took three tries for the pose:-).
Finally, he made it.
Look, I actually bought a souvenir for someone and not myself:-).
Boy I sure don't trust this person behind the wheel. But the car looks mighty neat. It's a good thing she's just posing and not driving it because she would wreck it before she gets out of the barn.
MORE COMING SOON!!!!!
