It seems that everyday day brings a change of plans to our very loose itinerary. We started the day with breakfast at the Pontiac Family Restaurant. Mike got a "Pontiac Family Restaurant" pen for Father's Day; oops, until then I had forgotten that it was even Sunday - proof that a trip like this is all about where you are not what day of the it is. This is a trip of counting miles and memories not days.
Illinois really is The Land of the Giants - the giant statues that were once known as the Muffler Men are icons as well known as the giant of a man that was this state's most famous citizen. Finding the last of The Giants proved to be an adventure in Springfield; once again, Mike's GPS saved the day!
After finding the Lauderbach Giant, it was time for dinner. Since the Cozy Dog was closed, it was on to St. Louis and Ted Drewe's. We knew that this Route 66 icon was famous for concrete, frozen custard so think it won't fall out of the cup when turned upside-down (at least that is what they advertise). A warm summer night, a famous ice cream stand; I expected a line, but nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting for us at Ted Drewe's. I would not be surprised if there where 300 or more people there. Classic cars were cruising, children were laughing while mother's tried to hang on to their hand's, couples were sitting on benches and the grassy areas, and everyone was enjoying a milkshake or concrete. I had a Hawaiian concrete - the thick frozen treat filled with bananas, coconut, and macadamia nuts. Mike had an Apple Pie Concrete so good I find it hard to describe - imagine thick, creamy frozen custard filled with spicy, warm apple pie and topped with whipped cream!
Leaving St. Louis was much easier than we anticipated and since we were making such good time, we decided that we would be able to make it to the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba. Our other option for rest was the Budget Inn in St. Clair. Nighttime on Route 66 between St. Louis and Cuba was filled with small towns and enough neon to keep us awake. The Wagon Wheel turned out to be an excellent choice and was worth the extra 45 minutes of weary travel. If you ever get the chance to travel Route 66 or just take a visit to Cuba, Missouri; I would highly recommend a night here - neon, a gift shop, a friendly clerk, pillow top beds, a flat-screen tv, and an uber-clean room!
But, now it is morning and the town of Cuba and breakfast are calling. Again, I don't know what awaits us in the next town or around the next turn; but then it is Route 66 - ever-changing, never-changing!!!
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