Day 6 - 10-Four Big Buddy

Paul Mullan
Sep 25, 2017
2 min read

Staying fluid on Route 66 is not just about staying hydrated on what has been Missouri's hottest day this summer! It's been about rolling with the punches and making alterations to the schedule where necessary to accommodate changes along the way. First change was delaying our departure so the team could take in the Interactive Titanic display that had been closed last night to a Girl Scouts private function... and it did not disappoint.

Back in Springfield we took in a compulsory stop at the Bass Pro shop surprising everyone who couldn't understand why we'd allowed the two hour stop at America's Hunting & Fishing on steroids!

At Gay Parita, George and Barbara recalled the stories of her father Gary Turner who was considered an ambassador of the Mother Road.

There was a new addition to the displays that George has been bringing back to life through his own enthusiasm.

Through Spencer we imagined what gassing up would have been half a century ago and pressed on to Red Oak II.

Lowell Davis is an eccentric artist and sculptor who dedicated his life to preserving much of the old town (Red Oak) he grew up in by shifting it to the corn fields on the farm he owned and he was only too eager to tell us about it.

At 80 he has a wit belying his years and is sharp as a tack and easily swallowed up another hour of our fifth day on the road with true stories that from any other lips may have been fictitious.

Lowell's sculptures, drawings and paintings can be found right across the region.

The Route 66 Drive Inn theatre is the only remaining theatre on the old road and it's been a regular stop on our tour. Sadly last weekend was the last time for this season with low numbers but Nathan has promised it again next year.

Jane from the Joplin Stang Gang swung into action and suggested we meet in Joplin for the annual Truck show.... WOW! Over 400 rigs of all shapes and sizes descended on the CBD for the evening after a convoy into town and an evening of entertainment for the locals... and all for a good cause - the Special Olympics.

It was special way to wrap up the day!