Starting of in Chicago, crossing the border between Illinois and Missouri, on our way to Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the tallest national monument in the United States. Quenching our thirst at biker bar Elbow Inn and taking the Devils Elbow Bridge over the Big Piney River. We met Mr. Gary Turner at his rebuilt old-fashioned gas station in Ashgrove.
From Galena, Kansas to the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. Ordered some meat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo. Past Cadillac Ranch, an artist’s tribute to the Cadillac. Waiting for breakfast at the Midpoint Cafe.
We made it halfway!
Cactus at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Cold beer in Grants after a tiring 350 miles / 563 km. Painted Desert at the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The telephone poles are the only reminder of the route 66 once running through the national park. Passing Wigwam Village #6 in Holbrook.
Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona from the song ‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles. Helicopter ride, Over the Grand Canyon! On our way back to the motel in Flagstaff. The Pine Breeze Inn was featured in the movie Easy Rider.
Route 66 signs in Seligman, Arizona. Old rusty cars at the General Store in Hackberry.
A fountain spectacle at the Belaggio in Las Vegas, Nevada. A detour past Hooverdam and on to Roy’s at Amboy, California. A great day and landscape to finish with. One last bend before we drove off to the end of Route 66 near the Santa Monica Pier.
© 2026 Ellen