Amazing Airstream Adventure Day Seven

After the servicemen at Airstream finished their last twists if screws and tightening of chains, we hit the road headed for Amish Country in Indiana. I researched an abandoned Amish Historic Farm that also has tours, great family style food, and evening community theater. With map in hand and the trusty GPS, we sat out. My co-pilot decided to listen to the GPS voice of doom which quickly had us going in squares across the Amish countryside viewing farms and fields.  We stopped along a gravel road in front of a barn and flagged down an oncoming car. We explained our dilema and the sweet lady motioned for us to follow her and she would direct us out.  Several miles later, she led us to the major highway, parked her car and explained the rest of the directions. She was one her way to her mother's funeral and would take us the rest of the way if she could. My heart sunk. We followed her directions only to find out that she didn't listen to the campground we were wanting the directions to and we found ourselves over an hour from where we were suppose to be. 

Finally, Denise consulted the map and we made our way to the Pla-more campground just down the street from Amish Acres in Nappamee. We missed the tours, buggy ride but still had time for dinner and the theater. At least we were able to see some authentic Amish farms while we were lost. 

Amazing Airstream Adventure Day Six

October 1st, was the scheduled and long awaited day: the Airstream Factory. Abella was waiting for me to arrive and the service technicians were scheduled to install all of the Ikea racks I brought with me as well as install the towing system on Beast. 

We drove into Jackson Center and walked into the service department only after we took a peek inside Abella. 

The entire day was spent at the service department. Finally atound 6 PM, we towed Abella to the Terraport for the evening. Mike, Kevin, Bob and Jon still weren't satisfied and were not comfortable letting two ladies travel more than halfway across the US until they made everything perfect,  so we were schedule for a few more items to be addressed the next morning. 

Amazing Airstream Adventure Day Five

Early Monday morning, fueled with Starbucks coffee and Panera bakery, we begin our long trip to Sidney, Ohio. Following our crazy plan of 13 states in 13 days, Kentucky is added to out list. Mind you, Kentucky is out of our way and it proves to be more out of the way than we planned but the Beast was pointed in that direction. 

Leaving Missouri and passing through Hillbilly country, we couldn't leave without visiting some Trading Posts, buying fireworks, crossing over bridges into new states, visiting giant rocking chairs, dodging raindrops and laughing at our stupidity as we go. 

Good Night Day Five. Tomorrow is Airstream Day!

The Amazing Airstream Adventure Day Four

After arriving in Amarillo after dark on Friday, the first order if business was to get Beast packed up and backtrack to the Cadillac Ranch for some sunrise shots. I had passed by Cadillac Ranch last year pulling a uhaul trailer while moving Kris to Houston and I

4wasn't gonna miss this stop again. It had rained the night before, so it was amazed that I didn't end up "bottom-first" in the muddy field. (That would give me another memory though). Denise stayed inside the warm car and I ventured out into the muddy field for just the right angle for the best shot. 

Driving with our Route 66 map and point of interest book, we set out looking for the Big Cross in Groom Texas. We definately couldn't miss seeing it from the highway. The cross stands 190 feet high 1,250 tons and welcoming more than ten million people a year as they pass by. Around the base of the cross are bronze sculpture depicting the life of Christ,(stations of the cross) a mound with the three crosses representing Calvary and an empty tomb. 

 

Traveling along Hiway 40, we found a themed rest stop east if Amarillo. The rest stop is complete with a tornado shelter and memorabilia from the Historic Route 66 era. 

The city of Shamrock, Texas, with the help of a private donor, has restored the Conoco Phillips station and U Drop Inn Cafe. This cafe is featured in the Disney film "Cars". 

Shamrock Texas is also the home of the tallest water tower. 

Crossing into Oklahoma 

Route 66 museums were plentiful but we were on a timeline and couldn't stop at all of them. This one in Elk City was the stop we made. 

With much daylight left and our destination of Springfield, Missouri ahead if us, we traveled on. Lucille's on the Will Rogers Highway is still standing. The family owners of Lucille's have a new restaurant in Hydro, Oklahoma  where you can order a great burger and fries like in the yesteryear. 

Ever heard of the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okalhoma? Built in the early 1970's by Hugh Davis  as an anniversary gift for wife Zelta. The Blue Whale and it's pond became a favored swimming hole for both locals and travelers along Route 66.

*Note: I'm standing on the tail in this photo. Can you see me?

Turnpikes, exact change, and raindrops kept our day far from boring. We kept inching out way north to Springfield. With the goal of 13 states in 13 days, we forged ahead. 

Finally we reached Missouri. I knew that crossing one road would land us in Kansas, so we turned left on the exit and added another state to out list. 

Traveling east on Route 66, we crossed back into Missouri for the second time. (10 miles out of our way) 

Our host couple in Springfield were wondering what took us so long. They asked to see out photos of the trip and they soon figured out why.