Charlotte, out of so many other great posts you have made, this post is the crowning glory. Thats just my opinion, but damn, this was just simply brilliant. One of my top 3 personal favorite authors of all time, John Steinbeck, would be proud. Thanks for sharing. - Jim
Thanking you so very much Jim! I really appreciate you taking the time to read it and I am so thrilled that you enjoy it so much. That touches my heart and gives me confidence in my work. I wish Steinbeck was here today so I could talk to him! One of my favorite authors.
Thank you Charlotte. Funerals are usually solemn and emotional but this was also the celebration of a life of a lovely mother who had had five children. They played Robin’s song Mother of Love that brought tears to the eyes because of the lyrics and his incredible voice. It was very special. Xxx
It took me until 2008 to do the western end of Route 66 and I did pretty much all of it but the very western most of it until 2013. All of it was a great tine though. Hopefully I will get another crack at a portion of it in the next year or so. Great article.
Most of my travels I stayed on main Interstates, but occasionally detoured off to parts of the 66, when you can find them. So much of it is gone paced over with new roads or just decommissioned so they aren’t kept up.
I hope you enjoy your next trip! Thank you for reading my article this morning and commenting! Have an amazing weekend! 💜 💫
Thank you Julie, im so glad you liked it. It’s much longer than I expected. Lol! I love Steinbeck’s observations and how he puts them so brilliantly into words. I couldn’t write about Route 66 without his contribution. Have a wonderful weekend!💖✨🤗
No, I never met him. But the neighbors were interesting. I used to play long games of chess with their son and they had both a monkey and a parrot. The monkey would escape at times and the stories around that, were highly entertaining for me. Less so for my grandparents as at one point, Siwa entered their bathroom and tore it apart. But for me at 6, the story was quite funny.
How delightful! That must have been a fun part of your childhood! I have a friend who had a monkey and his magic show years ago and I remember it tore up a bathroom when it escaped one time. Monkeys can be monkeys! 🙈 And a parrot too! They can be quite entertaining and occasionally destructive too. Playing chess at six? I tutor a little girl about three times a week. Part of my job is playing educational games with her. I bought her a chest sit for kids between about the ages of three and above. It teaches them all the moves of chess. She just turned five and she enjoys playing it.
What an enchanting journey you've painted with your words! Traveling through the iconic Route 66, embedded with so much history and personal memories, truly brings a vivid picture of Americana to life. Your narrative beautifully blends the nostalgia of the past with the dynamic nature of your travels. I'm particularly moved by how the essence of these places and experiences seep into the soul. It's inspiring to hear how deeply you connect with the path and its stories, from the pulse of the trucks to the melodies of the trains and the spirit of the people you meet along the way.
I can't wait to hear more about your adventures and insights, especially your experiences at Casino Rama! How do you find the energy for such an exhilarating pace, and what keeps you grounded through all the ups and downs of life on the road?
“ from the pulse of the trucks to the melodies of the trains and the spirit of the people you meet along the way.”
I found the energy for this high pays lifestyle by enjoying the drives to get there. Listening to music along the way and just enjoying my peace of mind. Our trips were often very quick because I could not wait to get home to a regular life. Even for just a few weeks. Knowing my roots has always kept me home by. Growing up with kids whose parents arrived here in California and knowing how hard they worked kept and keeps me humbled. Thank you so much for reading my post and commenting. I’m absolutely thrilled you liked it. Have a beautiful day! ✨🤗💖
I’ve been fascinated with Route 66 since the moment I read “Grapes of Wrath” as a teen! I have traveled pieces of the route, and I even lived for a short time on the part of the route between Victorville and Barstow in Silver Lakes.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Your trip has been on my bucket list for nearly 40 years, and you’ve reignited my desire to travel this road!
It’s amazing what a book will do for your desires. I remember the first time I had this experience it was when I was a kid about in third grade and my mother bought us a collection of classics for summer reading. I picked up Heidi first. And ever since I read it that summer I wanted to go to Switzerland. My dream finally came true in my mid 20s!
If you live between Barstow in Victorville you live pretty much right on the road. That’s a great place to visit because Barstow has several good stops along the old stretch. Thank you for reading and commenting on my post and I hope you enjoy a fabulous week!💖✨💖
Thanks for sharing, I have seen Route 66 on t-shirts as I am not American but in your article, you took me through a deep cultural significance, as it provided a path of hope for people escaping the hardships of the Great Depression. Thanks, Charlotte.
Thank you Tinashe! I really appreciate your curiosity about route 66 being you’ve seen the 66 signage as logos on t shirts! I agree with you, the most significant meaning of Route 66 is applied to those seeking a pathway to a new and better life. Have a beautiful day and Blessings yo you! 🤗✨💖
Thank you! Yes it seems to be the route of cars lol. A lot of them and different kinds. Like the movie cars as you suggested! Thank you for your support. Blessings to you!💜🤗✨
Fun to read. I grew up in CA and lived in Sedona and then Durango, so some of those places are familiar…Gallup, Winslow (stayed in a hotel by the train tracks once on my way to Tucson). In first grade I lived at my grandparents house in Burbank. Their next door neighbor worked for Frank Sinatra… Thanks Charlotte! And the images are cool!
Thank you it sounds like you’ve lived some exciting times in the American SouthwestTerra! Did you ever get to meet Frank Sinatra when you were a child? I bet your grandparents had some wonderful conversations with their neighbor. Sending you much love and gratitude for your support! Blessings to you!💖✨💖
Incredible article! I really enjoyed riding along on this trip with you! I have traveled across the country a few times, and while the interstate is preferable for speed and quick travel, I feel you are losing something of really seeing and experiencing the journey. I lived near Route 66 in Missouri once, and I always remember feeling a little bit sad at how the community that had relied on the traffic from Route 66 for income had almost been starved and forgotten. And I really loved your Steinbeck tie in, that was brilliant! Thank you so much!
Thank you Jenn, I wasn’t aware of all its history when I began writing this article. There’s more to research, and it’s a fascinating subject. Do you know about the movie theater on route 66 near Joplin? I always wanted to stop and see a movie. 🍿
Is it a drive in one? I seem to remember a drive in one, but we never stopped. We were always in a huge hurry crossing the states and didn’t stop much. I made the trip at 36 weeks pregnant once, we were definitely in a hurry that time!
That is so cool. I have never been to a drive in theatre, but I think I’d like it. We very likely drove by that one, it’s been a long time, though and my memory is fuzzy. I hope you get the chance to stop if you ever drive by again!
It is cool! There are several in operation in California. There is one in Barstow as a matter of fact and over in San Luis Obispo on the coast where I used to live there’s still a drive-in theater but which is open. I used to go when we lived over there about 15 years ago.
That is so neat. I have been through Barstow, I remember thinking it seemed forlorn and abandoned. But we were just trying to stop for gas. I used to live in Monterey Bay, so we’d drive down the coast by San Luis Obispo on our was to Santa Barbara. I never knew there was a drive in there!
Monterey is do pretty. I lived there for a short time when I was a child. The entire coast is gorgeous. And yes it’s right off the 101 freeway in San Luis Obispo. There is definitely a melancholy feeling stopping in Barstow. I stayed there in a motel for about three weeks while my husband was working on a film out in the desert. There’s a giant dry lake bed nearby which is used in many films and TV shows.
I didn't know Steinbeck's connection w/ it, thanks. Originally from the midwest I traveled it to and from CA a few times over the years. Always loved it. Just because.
Although the route is no longer called 66 and it’s covered up with new paved interstates and unfortunately the interstate does not stay the same throughout the route changing names as you travel. But it follows the route exactly and you can get off in many places to enjoy a short authentic drive of the past. There is a area near Barstow which you can drive on for quite a while. Peggy sues diner is located on this road.
Thank you so much for commenting and have an amazing day!💖💖💖
Thanks for the tour, Charlotte! Of the dozens of cross-country RV trips we’ve taken, my favorites were I-40, along the old 66, visiting towns along the way. Although to be honest, I never thought Oklahoma City was oh so pretty.
Someday I really would like to take an RV trip across the United States. Take about two or three months and just travel. Most of my travels were so quick. A lot of quick trips. Flagstaff is oh so pretty! 🤗
Pretty much travel the way I did! Quick trips back-and-forth between the East Coast and West Coast. We made a little bit in our van and when we change drivers that’s where we would sleep. It was my bedroom away from home. Lol!
Charlotte, out of so many other great posts you have made, this post is the crowning glory. Thats just my opinion, but damn, this was just simply brilliant. One of my top 3 personal favorite authors of all time, John Steinbeck, would be proud. Thanks for sharing. - Jim
Thanking you so very much Jim! I really appreciate you taking the time to read it and I am so thrilled that you enjoy it so much. That touches my heart and gives me confidence in my work. I wish Steinbeck was here today so I could talk to him! One of my favorite authors.
Have an amazing day and stay beautiful! 💖🤗💖
Thank you Charlotte. Funerals are usually solemn and emotional but this was also the celebration of a life of a lovely mother who had had five children. They played Robin’s song Mother of Love that brought tears to the eyes because of the lyrics and his incredible voice. It was very special. Xxx
Great Article!!
Thank you so much Adam, have a magical day! ✨💖✨
K
L?
hahaha i have no clue what i was trying to do or say there, Charlotte . . . i chalk it up to my advanced age.
I thought maybe you were quoting him off a bit starting with the letter K!🤣
i don't think so . . . i think it was a keyboard cramp
I’ve had those pesky cramps! 😏
It took me until 2008 to do the western end of Route 66 and I did pretty much all of it but the very western most of it until 2013. All of it was a great tine though. Hopefully I will get another crack at a portion of it in the next year or so. Great article.
Most of my travels I stayed on main Interstates, but occasionally detoured off to parts of the 66, when you can find them. So much of it is gone paced over with new roads or just decommissioned so they aren’t kept up.
I hope you enjoy your next trip! Thank you for reading my article this morning and commenting! Have an amazing weekend! 💜 💫
A great piece. I love Steinbeck too. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Julie, im so glad you liked it. It’s much longer than I expected. Lol! I love Steinbeck’s observations and how he puts them so brilliantly into words. I couldn’t write about Route 66 without his contribution. Have a wonderful weekend!💖✨🤗
No, I never met him. But the neighbors were interesting. I used to play long games of chess with their son and they had both a monkey and a parrot. The monkey would escape at times and the stories around that, were highly entertaining for me. Less so for my grandparents as at one point, Siwa entered their bathroom and tore it apart. But for me at 6, the story was quite funny.
How delightful! That must have been a fun part of your childhood! I have a friend who had a monkey and his magic show years ago and I remember it tore up a bathroom when it escaped one time. Monkeys can be monkeys! 🙈 And a parrot too! They can be quite entertaining and occasionally destructive too. Playing chess at six? I tutor a little girl about three times a week. Part of my job is playing educational games with her. I bought her a chest sit for kids between about the ages of three and above. It teaches them all the moves of chess. She just turned five and she enjoys playing it.
No. I haven’t been to Calico. Should I add to my places to go?
Ruby the van has indeed spent a night in a gravelly lot near Peggy Sue’s! 😉
If you were out that way near Barstow, it would be a blast! It’s just a hop and skip away from Peggy Sue’s!
https://parks.sbcounty.gov/park/calico-ghost-town-regional-park/
What an enchanting journey you've painted with your words! Traveling through the iconic Route 66, embedded with so much history and personal memories, truly brings a vivid picture of Americana to life. Your narrative beautifully blends the nostalgia of the past with the dynamic nature of your travels. I'm particularly moved by how the essence of these places and experiences seep into the soul. It's inspiring to hear how deeply you connect with the path and its stories, from the pulse of the trucks to the melodies of the trains and the spirit of the people you meet along the way.
I can't wait to hear more about your adventures and insights, especially your experiences at Casino Rama! How do you find the energy for such an exhilarating pace, and what keeps you grounded through all the ups and downs of life on the road?
“ from the pulse of the trucks to the melodies of the trains and the spirit of the people you meet along the way.”
I found the energy for this high pays lifestyle by enjoying the drives to get there. Listening to music along the way and just enjoying my peace of mind. Our trips were often very quick because I could not wait to get home to a regular life. Even for just a few weeks. Knowing my roots has always kept me home by. Growing up with kids whose parents arrived here in California and knowing how hard they worked kept and keeps me humbled. Thank you so much for reading my post and commenting. I’m absolutely thrilled you liked it. Have a beautiful day! ✨🤗💖
I’ve been fascinated with Route 66 since the moment I read “Grapes of Wrath” as a teen! I have traveled pieces of the route, and I even lived for a short time on the part of the route between Victorville and Barstow in Silver Lakes.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Your trip has been on my bucket list for nearly 40 years, and you’ve reignited my desire to travel this road!
It’s amazing what a book will do for your desires. I remember the first time I had this experience it was when I was a kid about in third grade and my mother bought us a collection of classics for summer reading. I picked up Heidi first. And ever since I read it that summer I wanted to go to Switzerland. My dream finally came true in my mid 20s!
If you live between Barstow in Victorville you live pretty much right on the road. That’s a great place to visit because Barstow has several good stops along the old stretch. Thank you for reading and commenting on my post and I hope you enjoy a fabulous week!💖✨💖
You have a fabulous week, too!
Thanks for sharing, I have seen Route 66 on t-shirts as I am not American but in your article, you took me through a deep cultural significance, as it provided a path of hope for people escaping the hardships of the Great Depression. Thanks, Charlotte.
Thank you Tinashe! I really appreciate your curiosity about route 66 being you’ve seen the 66 signage as logos on t shirts! I agree with you, the most significant meaning of Route 66 is applied to those seeking a pathway to a new and better life. Have a beautiful day and Blessings yo you! 🤗✨💖
Amazing piece, thank you.
I love especially your real pics, the AI is a distraction for me in this piece.
I’m happy you like them Klaus, thank you! 🥰
It reminds me of the movie Cars. I also liked the part about the Indian trail and the history behind it.
Thank you! Yes it seems to be the route of cars lol. A lot of them and different kinds. Like the movie cars as you suggested! Thank you for your support. Blessings to you!💜🤗✨
Fun to read. I grew up in CA and lived in Sedona and then Durango, so some of those places are familiar…Gallup, Winslow (stayed in a hotel by the train tracks once on my way to Tucson). In first grade I lived at my grandparents house in Burbank. Their next door neighbor worked for Frank Sinatra… Thanks Charlotte! And the images are cool!
Thank you it sounds like you’ve lived some exciting times in the American SouthwestTerra! Did you ever get to meet Frank Sinatra when you were a child? I bet your grandparents had some wonderful conversations with their neighbor. Sending you much love and gratitude for your support! Blessings to you!💖✨💖
Incredible article! I really enjoyed riding along on this trip with you! I have traveled across the country a few times, and while the interstate is preferable for speed and quick travel, I feel you are losing something of really seeing and experiencing the journey. I lived near Route 66 in Missouri once, and I always remember feeling a little bit sad at how the community that had relied on the traffic from Route 66 for income had almost been starved and forgotten. And I really loved your Steinbeck tie in, that was brilliant! Thank you so much!
Thank you Jenn, I wasn’t aware of all its history when I began writing this article. There’s more to research, and it’s a fascinating subject. Do you know about the movie theater on route 66 near Joplin? I always wanted to stop and see a movie. 🍿
Is it a drive in one? I seem to remember a drive in one, but we never stopped. We were always in a huge hurry crossing the states and didn’t stop much. I made the trip at 36 weeks pregnant once, we were definitely in a hurry that time!
That is so cool. I have never been to a drive in theatre, but I think I’d like it. We very likely drove by that one, it’s been a long time, though and my memory is fuzzy. I hope you get the chance to stop if you ever drive by again!
It is cool! There are several in operation in California. There is one in Barstow as a matter of fact and over in San Luis Obispo on the coast where I used to live there’s still a drive-in theater but which is open. I used to go when we lived over there about 15 years ago.
That is so neat. I have been through Barstow, I remember thinking it seemed forlorn and abandoned. But we were just trying to stop for gas. I used to live in Monterey Bay, so we’d drive down the coast by San Luis Obispo on our was to Santa Barbara. I never knew there was a drive in there!
Monterey is do pretty. I lived there for a short time when I was a child. The entire coast is gorgeous. And yes it’s right off the 101 freeway in San Luis Obispo. There is definitely a melancholy feeling stopping in Barstow. I stayed there in a motel for about three weeks while my husband was working on a film out in the desert. There’s a giant dry lake bed nearby which is used in many films and TV shows.
Yes it’s a drive-in and it’s open I think on weekends. Here is their website
http://66drivein.com/
What a splendid piece. Thank you so much for sharing such interesting experiences…..
Thank you my sweet friend Richard! I appreciate your support! Have a magical weekend. ✨💖✨
I didn't know Steinbeck's connection w/ it, thanks. Originally from the midwest I traveled it to and from CA a few times over the years. Always loved it. Just because.
Although the route is no longer called 66 and it’s covered up with new paved interstates and unfortunately the interstate does not stay the same throughout the route changing names as you travel. But it follows the route exactly and you can get off in many places to enjoy a short authentic drive of the past. There is a area near Barstow which you can drive on for quite a while. Peggy sues diner is located on this road.
Thank you so much for commenting and have an amazing day!💖💖💖
Thanks for the tour, Charlotte! Of the dozens of cross-country RV trips we’ve taken, my favorites were I-40, along the old 66, visiting towns along the way. Although to be honest, I never thought Oklahoma City was oh so pretty.
Someday I really would like to take an RV trip across the United States. Take about two or three months and just travel. Most of my travels were so quick. A lot of quick trips. Flagstaff is oh so pretty! 🤗
Most of my RV trips were quick; living on one coast and working on the other, but still fun, and I got to sleep in my own bed every night!
Pretty much travel the way I did! Quick trips back-and-forth between the East Coast and West Coast. We made a little bit in our van and when we change drivers that’s where we would sleep. It was my bedroom away from home. Lol!