Finally, back on the Mother Road part 1

After relaxing at the Boots Court it was time to head down to Joplin. As I left the courts, I made a right onto a pre-1940s alignment of the Double Six.

Navigating between Carthage and Carterville, MO

After several miles of nature, I reached Webb City and thought about getting some stuff cleaned. Unfortunately, they were closed.

Moments later, it was time to hit Joplin where I encountered a former Greyhound depot along the Jefferson Highway, and a Salvation Army from decades ago.

After reaching 501 S. Main St I opened the door and encountered a few roadie friends at the artist and author expo: road map expert Mike Ward, king of the American Southwest, Jim Hinckley, and Madison County, Illinois expert Cheryl Eichar Jett. From agreeing it is not wise to purchase 30 1986 Georgia maps to the long commute down I-44 into Joplin, the environment was jovial and relaxing. As I walked around a bit Bob "Croc" Lyle who owns an art gallery in Amarillo, TX stopped by to say hello, and then began making his way to the festivities in Galena, Kansas, which was the next destination. Swish The doors opened and it was time to get the truck. The humidity in Joplin was close to 70%, and the 7 block walk back to the truck felt like a journey into the Sticky Abyss. The engines roared and a trip down W. 7th St cooled the body, and ignited the spirit. 10 minutes later, I made a right, and the clouds began to caress the Mother Road.

Inch by inch, water kept dropping. Inch by inch, the truck got closer to the 66 block party. The area was packed. Trucks and cars of all sizes decorated the local landscape. Fortunately, I made a quick left across from the old mines of Galena and Maybelline found a home for the evening. Keys jingle. The door slams. The rain begins augmenting its pace, and my stomach reminds me it is time to give it some attention. First comes first however. MATER from the hit movie CARS. I took it in stride.

Next was satisfying the bottomless pit, and what better place to grab a bite than at the Kan-O-Tex Service Station, also known as Cars on the Route (formerly Four Women on the Route).

Doors open and shut like a briefcase, as people move in and out like members of a Ford assembly line. Luckily, I found a seat at the counter. A young man with dark shoulder length hair and a 5 o'clock shadow approached. "What would you like?" he asks as sweat pours down his left cheek. "How about a Dr. Pepper and a burger with tater tots." Minutes later, the Dr. Pepper arrived in a cup where the straw stuck out like Pinocchio's nose. The burger and tots satisfied the appetite, and it was time to explore. From classic automobiles to intriguing facets of Galena past and present, I had a great time.

(Chevy Apache)

The Road Crew, based out of Nashville, TN and is a favorite among 66ers made an appearance.

From covering Don Williams "Tulsa Time" to Rockabilly legend Carl Perkins' "Honey Don't" the men, women, and children were bopping their feet, twirling their hips, and enjoying the entertainment. Unfortunately, at this juncture I began to get tired, so I made my way back to the truck. Not before, however, paying my respects to the miners of yesteryear and the men who operated the Katy (aka Missouri, Kansas and Texas) and Frisco railroads.

I drove back into Joplin before hopping on I-44 and made the trip back to the Boots Court where I enjoyed a Gatorade night cap with Michael Scruggs. Scrap Scrap he brought two lawn chairs and we began to share our love for the open road. From railroads to devastating tornadoes that shook the region, it was a relaxing way to end a Friday night. "When you hit Miami (Oklahoma) give me a call, I'll show you around."