2023 WB Day 7 - A Big Day… & Night!

Bass Pro is a shop in Springfield... and this first store is the granddaddy of them all.

Two hours inside this 500,000 sq ft monstrosity hardly scratches the surface but we tried.

The 66 Car Museum on the west side of town is one of the best in the game.

Owned by businessman and inventor Guy Mace, it houses his private collection of the most spectacular cars covering an incredibly broad range of styles and types.

Out on the road old motels...

and the remains of an even older gas station linger in the grass.

The weather closed in approaching Gay Parita

but that never stopped George from bringing a bright light to Gary Turner's story at Sinclair Garage.

But the rain came in spades.

We dashed down to Spencer Station across the pony truss bridge where Ed was waiting with more passion for the old road,

while Steph slipped out from behind the counter....

long enough to produce the best lemon cupcakes this side of the Mississippi.

And that bit of concrete is one of the oldest of just five sections remaining in 2400 miles.

It was wet back on the road....

Red Oak II was wet too...

but Rose was there to welcome us all and tell us first hand about her husband and best friend Lowell Davis.

He was the artist and sculpture who put this crazy little community on the map and we're so lucky she is the person who will continue his legacy.

That legacy is evident en route to Carthage, Lowell's 'Crap Duster' on display with others scattered along the roadway.

Boots is super cool, the only adobe style motel left on the entire route and completely restored to the highest standard.

The day ended well, the best Mexican for dinner and a double header at the only drive-in cinema on the route.

Host and owner Nathan McDonald always makes our group feel very special so sharing some of our fun with him was fitting.

Transformers and Top Gun finished off a big and rewarding day on the road. One week down, a couple to go!