USA ROUTE 66 - 2013

We spent a few days in New York City, exploring the Big Apple while staying at the New Yorker Hotel on 34th and 8th Avenue. Right next door was Tick Tock’s Diner, a classic spot with great food.

One night, we found a fantastic place to eat—Jack Doyle's Bar & Restaurant at 240 West 35th Street—and had an unforgettable evening.

Our adventures included a bus tour around NYC, a boat ride around Manhattan on the Hudson River, and a subway trip out to Coney Island in Brooklyn. We also visited Ground Zero and spent a relaxing afternoon in Central Park.

It was the perfect way to kick off our trip.

On the plane and on our way.
We’ve just arrived in Los Angeles.

We’re waiting for our connecting flight to NYC.

We’ve just arrived in New York City. Leigh is relaxing in the lobby of The New Yorker Hotel.

We got in late, so we checked into the hotel and then headed next door to Tick Tock’s for dinner and a few beers.
This is the view from our room, looking out at the Empire State Building.

At the corner of 34th and 7th Avenue, just one block down from where we stayed. The New Yorker Hotel looms in the background.
Leigh drew the short straw—he got the floor for three nights.

Just around the corner from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, and a few blocks from 42nd Street (Times Square).

The next day, we took the subway to Union Square and then to Coney Island, Brooklyn. We spent the day down on the boardwalk. While there, we spotted a sign advertising a hot dog-eating contest. The women’s record is 450 hot dogs, and the men’s record is an astonishing 609—I have no idea how long it took them to eat that many!

We took the subway to Coney Island.
Strolling along the boardwalk at Brighton Beach, Manhattan.
Walking from Brighton Beach to Manhattan Beach along the boardwalk.

Part of the amusement park at Coney Island.
The big Ferris wheel behind Tom’s, Coney Island.
We had no idea what this ride did—it was closed.
This is the spot where the 1979 movie The Warriors was filmed.

Leigh finally got to play in the sand after finding his bucket and shovel set.
Brighton Beach, Coney Island—the pier was closed for maintenance.

This shop lives up to its name—pure sugar! The dentists on Coney Island must be doing well.
Hot dog eating contest records: 450 dogs for the women’s record and 690 for the men’s. No idea how long it took to eat that many!
And as the sign says, Ruby’s Bar and Grill on the boardwalk, Coney Island.

I’ll never hear the end of this shirt—I paid $20 for it on the boardwalk, but just around the corner it was selling for $10. Leigh and Graz never missed a chance to remind me how much I paid every time someone else bought a shirt.

Next, we headed down to Central Park to explore, stopping by The Dakota Apartments at West Central Park & 72nd Street—where John Lennon lived and was tragically shot, right outside his building.
You can take a horse and carriage ride around Central Park to see it in style.
Here’s the entrance on Central Park West.

The Dakota Apartments at West Central Park & 72nd Street, New York—where John Lennon lived and was tragically shot, right outside his apartment.
Somehow, Leigh and Graz managed to sneak into the photo again.

We headed back to get ready for dinner at Jack Doyle’s, a great Irish pub we found using Yelp. We enjoyed plenty of Budweisers along with a delicious meal. On the way home, I somehow fell into the rubbish that was scattered all along the NYC streets (I’m pretty sure I was pushed). After that, we stopped by Tick Tock’s for a few more beers.

Here’s Leigh getting ready to go out—it took him ages to do his hair.
I gave him the thumbs up because, honestly, his hair looked great.

Jack Doyle’s on 35th Street, New York.
Apparently, it has the longest bar in New York City—and the food is great too.

The three amigos at Jack Doyle’s—we all had a great night.
Leaving Jack’s, it was time for a selfie.
This is the spot where someone pushed me into the rubbish. They say I dove in, but somehow, I don’t remember that part.

On the way back, we decided to stop for one last drink at Tick Tock’s.

Funny story from that night: a guy was arguing with his girlfriend at the table right beside us. She wanted absolutely nothing to do with him, and they were having a full-on argument while we waited for our food and drinks. We noticed he had some shots and a few plates of food on the table. Thinking “he won’t miss it,” Graz went ahead and drank his shots, and bit by bit, we helped ourselves to his food.

Still arguing, the guy turned to grab a drink—and to his surprise, his shot glass was empty. He looked around, under the table, on his seat next to him—no luck. He went right back to his argument, still clueless that we were sneaking his bacon and chips. He kept checking under the table and around his seat, but couldn’t find a thing.The poor guy.

There were two ladies at another table watching us, laughing along too. After we were full of food and beer, we decided to call it a night.

(I guess you had to be there!)

The next day, we took a hop-on, hop-off bus tour around NYC. We visited the Empire State Building, Broadway, Park Avenue, Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero, and passed by the new World Trade Center buildings. We got off at Battery Park to walk around and take in the sights.

Somehow, someone behind me wasn’t very nice.

No sooner had we boarded the bus than the rain started pouring down—but they handed out ponchos to keep us dry.

Right: The Empire State Building..

We’re heading down 34th Street toward the Empire State Building.
Later, we explored Broadway in Lower Manhattan.

We got off the bus at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, walked past the new One World Trade Center buildings, and then visited Ground Zero.

One World Trade Center—formerly known as the Freedom Tower—is in Lower Manhattan and stands as the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, with 104 stories.

Ground Zero—the site of the former World Trade Center towers, now home to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Leigh, Graz, and I at Ground Zero.
Graz and I at Ground Zero.

Graz and I had a bit of fun with the New York cops—both officers had a fantastic sense of humor.

The "9/11 Tribute Bike" built by Orange County Choppers (OCC).

This custom motorcycle was designed and built to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It was unveiled at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site in New York City and later displayed at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

We then caught the bus down to Wall Street in the Financial District and got off at Battery Park for a walk around.
We stopped by the Charging Bull—also known as the Wall Street Bull—where legend has it you're meant to rub its nose, horns, and testicles for good luck.
(Someone really needs to move their finger before taking the photo next time!)

We got off the bus and walked down to the Hudson River—it took about an hour—and then boarded The Pride of the Hudson River cruise around New York City. The cruise took us past the Statue of Liberty, under the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge, and up to the Queensboro Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Queens—a mostly residential area, similar to Brooklyn.
We had a great view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges from the river, both of which lead into downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge, Queensboro Bridge.

Manhattan Bridge Williamsburg Bridge.

We cruised past Pier 17, which felt a lot like Darling Harbour in Sydney—full of restaurants, shops, and a lively atmosphere.
From the boat, we had an amazing view of the New York City skyline, with One World Trade Center standing tall in the background.

Another great view of the Financial District from the Hudson River.
We passed by the Upper East Side, with its dense housing developments lining the waterfront.
As we cruised through Midtown East, we could see the Empire State Building rising in the background.
The boat went as far as the Queensboro Bridge before turning back.

We then cruised over to the Statue of Liberty for some photos before heading back to the pier to finish the cruise.

We got back on the bus and rode past Pier 17, Little Italy, and the Village area, heading up through Midtown and back to 42nd Street. We got off again and spent some time walking around the area.
Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel, stopping along the way to do some shopping at the Harley-Davidson store and Macy’s on 34th Street.
We also passed through Times Square, down at 42nd and 7th Avenue—buzzing with lights, crowds, and energy.

Above and Below: The hustle and bustle of Times Square—always buzzing with energy, flashing lights, and no shortage of interesting people.

New York City Car Parks: Space is limited, so they build up—not out. A true urban solution to a classic problem.

We had an early night, as we had an early flight the next morning.
It was time to leave the Big Apple—our next stop: Niagara Falls, flying into Buffalo in upstate New York.
A classic big yellow NYC taxi came to pick us up and take us to JFK International Airport, where we boarded our flight to Buffalo Niagara.

On our way to the international airport—it’s just about a one-hour flight.
Waiting for our flight to Buffalo now… looks like I only managed about two hours of sleep.

We all had a great time in NYC—I just wish we’d had a few more days to explore and take it all in.

Niagara Falls New York State

Niagara Falls sits right on the border between the USA and Canada, featuring two main waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and American Falls—including Bridal Veil Falls—on the U.S. side.
We spent the day exploring the area and enjoyed an expensive lunch, but it was well worth it—this place is truly amazing.

Goat Island is a small island in the Niagara River, situated between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Just off its west shoreline lie the Three Sisters Islands.
We took a taxi to the falls, and Tony, our driver, dropped us off at Goat Island. He suggested we walk around to the Three Sisters Islands and follow the path all the way around to Horseshoe Falls.

At Goat Island, we crossed the bridge to the Three Sisters Islands, with a stunning view of Horseshoe Falls ahead.
Standing on one of the Three Sisters Islands, we looked upstream along the powerful flow of the Niagara River.

We’re standing on the east edge of Horseshoe Falls, with Canada visible in the background.
Looking back at the falls, you can see the Maid of the Mist boat making its way toward the cascading water.

We walked down to Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls.
Time for photos—the three amigos at Bridal Veil Falls!
You can get right up to the edge of Bridal Veil Falls, with the American Falls creating a stunning backdrop.

We walked around the other side of the American Falls, heading toward the observation deck. From there, we looked down onto the Maid of the Mist walkway below.

We looked down at the falls from Niagara State Park before heading out for an expensive lunch. Afterward, we walked to the Rainbow Bridge observation deck to take in our last views of the falls.
The two old guys definitely needed a well-deserved rest after walking most of the day—but I had to wake them up, or they might have missed their flight to Chicago!

Some photos of the falls at night, beautifully illuminated by colorful lights.

Chicago Illinois

Chicago — The City Where the Mother Road Begins Its Epic Journey.

We arrived in Chicago late and checked in at the Inn of Chicago on East Ohio Street, where we stayed for four nights. It’s in a great location—within walking distance to Rush Street, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago Harbour.

On our first night, we wandered the streets looking for somewhere to eat and came across a cozy Greek café. The meal was fantastic and a great start to our time in the city.

The next day was spent exploring Chicago. We walked down to Lake Michigan and visited Navy Pier, where we went for an exhilarating jet boat ride on The Sea Dog. We also set out to find the Sears Tower (yes, we know it’s now called the Willis Tower), but somehow had no luck locating it!

That evening, we had dinner on lively Rush Street and then strolled through the city to take in Chicago by night—always a beautiful experience.

The following day, we picked up the RV and stocked it up, ready to kick off our road trip down the iconic Route 66.

We made the most of our time in Chicago—both by day and night. The rooftop of the hotel offered incredible views of the city skyline, perfect for soaking it all in.

This is the night view from the hotel’s rooftop.
And here’s the daytime view—just as impressive in a different light.

One night, we went out for dinner at Dao Thai Restaurant and Noodle Palace, just down the road from our hotel. I’d really been craving Thai food, but unfortunately, the meal was a letdown—definitely not what I was hoping for. Still, despite the disappointing food, we managed to have a good night.

(And judging by the photo we took later… it looks like the devil got us—those eyes were scary!)

The next morning, we were up early and had a big breakfast before grabbing a taxi to Des Plaines, where Cruise America is located, to sort out our RV for the Route 66 trip. Since it was the weekend, we had a few hiccups—mainly with the one-way rental, which turned out to be more complicated than expected. And being Aussies, I think they weren’t quite sure whether to trust us (kidding… sort of!).

Plan B: we jumped in another taxi and headed to the airport to see if we could rent a car instead. Unfortunately, that option was way out of our budget. So, Plan C was to buy a car. We started googling nearby car yards and found one just outside of Des Plaines—back into another taxi we went.

At the car yard, we found what seemed like the perfect van. It was rusty, had no brakes, but hey—it had mag wheels and a good engine… or so we thought. And all for just $2,500. Whoo hoo! Route 66, here we come!

While we stood there debating whether or not to take the plunge, I got a call from Cruise America—good news! They confirmed the RV was available and ready for pickup first thing Monday morning.

Leigh, in the meantime, was keeping the car salesman entertained. He played it like a pro—walked into the office, grabbed the guy’s card, had a friendly chat, and told him we’d call Monday. (The poor guy was probably sure we were coming back to buy it.)

The van we nearly bought. (A real beauty… if you squinted hard enough.)

I took the call from Cruise America, and just like that, it was sorted—we had the RV, ready to pick up first thing Monday morning.

With that sorted, we could finally relax and enjoy the rest of our time in Chicago without any more vehicle drama. Time to soak up the city before hitting the road on Route 66!

We caught the bullet train back to the city, making a few stops along the way. One of the highlights was passing Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, there was nothing on at the stadium, so we didn’t hang around too long and continued on our way back into the city.

The day had clearly taken its toll on Graz—he crashed hard and was soon snoring away during his afternoon siesta, while Leigh and I were busy planning our next move. (Doesn’t he look way too comfortable?)

We spent the next day exploring more of Chicago on foot. We started off at Lake Michigan and followed the Lakefront Trail, taking in the beautiful views and stopping to look back at the city skyline from the waterfront. There’s even a small beach along the trail—a nice surprise right in the heart of the city.

We made our way down to Navy Pier again, soaking in the atmosphere, and then set off in search of the Sears Tower (yes, we know it's called Willis Tower now—but it’ll always be the Sears to us). After all that walking, we took a well-earned break at Gloria Jean’s for an iced coffee.

That evening, we had dinner down on Rush Street—always a lively spot—before calling it an early night to recharge for the next day’s adventures.

We walked around to Navy Pier, pausing along the Lakefront Trail to take in the stunning view of the Chicago skyline behind us.

We spent most of the morning down at Navy Pier, enjoying breakfast and taking in the sights. I couldn’t help but laugh at Graz—he saved half of his breakfast to eat for lunch later. No way was he going to let a good Subway sandwich go to waste!

Leigh was very generous and treated us to a jet boat ride on The Sea Dog down on Lake Michigan—and it was absolutely worth it. (Thanks, Leigh!)

Time for another selfie aboard The Sea Dog.
Here’s a shot looking back at Navy Pier from the jet boat—such a great perspective!

We left Navy Pier to visit the Sears Tower, with the Trump International Hotel and the Shakespeare Theater visible against the city skyline.

We followed the Chicago River as it wound its way into the heart of the city, making our way toward the impressive Trump International Tower and Hotel, the tall building that dominated the skyline in the distance. The city’s mix of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture created a stunning backdrop as we navigated the busy streets.

Our plan was to visit the famous Sears Tower, but finding it proved more challenging than expected. We took a few wrong turns and ended up wandering around unfamiliar parts of downtown. Frustrated, we finally decided to give up the search for the moment. Later on, we learned that the Sears Tower had been renamed the Willis Tower, which explained some of our confusion. It was hard to believe we had missed the tallest building in Chicago, especially since it’s such an iconic landmark. Despite the detour, the experience gave us a chance to explore the city more freely and appreciate the vibrant urban landscape in a way we might not have otherwise.

We were down on Rush Street to get dinner. I took this picture for a friend who used to live in Rosebud—hey Rose!

We woke up early, eager to get the day started, and made our way to West Egg, just around the corner from where we were staying. We treated ourselves to a big, hearty breakfast that was nothing short of a feast—pancakes stacked high, eggs cooked just right, crispy bacon, and fresh coffee. Somehow, despite the generous portions, we managed to get it all down, fueled up and ready for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, we headed back to pack our bags and make sure everything was organized for the trip. Once packed, we caught a taxi to Cruise America to pick up the RV that would be our home on wheels for the next part of our journey. There was a mix of excitement and a little nervousness as we stepped up to the vehicle, but mostly pure anticipation for what lay ahead.

And just like that, the three amigos—well, maybe more like the three stooges—were finally on the road. With the RV loaded and the open highway ahead of us, our long-awaited road trip officially began. The sense of freedom, the promise of new sights, and the joy of traveling together made the moment unforgettable. The adventure was truly underway!

Trying to navigate our way out of Chicago—everyone’s on the wrong side of the road over here! Snapped a few pics inside the RV along the way.

We made a necessary stop at Walmart to stock up the RV with food, drinks, and all the essentials we’d need for the next leg of our journey. As we wandered through the aisles, I spotted a bright pink sleeping bag that immediately caught my eye. I really liked it—it was cheerful and cozy-looking, perfect for the road trip. Just as I reached out to grab it, Graz swooped in and snatched it away. Apparently, he really wanted it for himself. (Seriously, was anyone even paying attention to what I was doing?)

Graz has been absolutely over the moon with his new pink sleeping bag ever since. At first, though, he was missing a pillow, which seemed to bother him a bit. But once we found a matching pillow to complete his setup, he was all set and ready for some serious comfort on the road. The only problem now? Something tells me that with all his enthusiasm and that bright pink sleeping bag, we’re probably never going to get a good night’s sleep again! It’s safe to say this little addition has definitely brought some extra fun—and a bit of chaos—to our camping nights.

We traveled a total of 484.4 kilometers through Illinois, starting our journey from the bustling city of Chicago. Our first stop was Joliet, but instead of a quick visit, we found ourselves lost for about an hour trying to navigate the streets—definitely a sign that this trip was going to be full of unexpected adventures! Once we finally got our bearings, we continued on and stopped in Dwight for a quick bite to eat, enjoying a moment to stretch our legs and refuel.

From there, we passed through Pontiac, a town known for its rich Route 66 history and murals, and then on to Bloomington, soaking in the small-town charm along the way. We made a brief stop in Lincoln to take care of some RV maintenance and ensure everything was in order before nightfall. It was important to get everything set up early so we could travel safely the next day.

After rolling through Springfield—the state capital with its own unique attractions—we finally pulled into Edwardsville as evening approached. We settled in for the night at the Red Barn Rendezvous RV Park, a quiet spot where we could relax and recharge after a long day on the road. Despite the challenges and detours, it was a satisfying day filled with new sights and experiences, setting the tone perfectly for the rest of our Route 66 adventure.

redbarnrendezvousrv.com

Joliet Illinois

Joliet was the first town we stopped in—but only because we managed to get lost for about an hour trying to find our way. And to clear things up, I wasn’t the navigator this time—it was Leigh sitting in the passenger seat, map in hand, trying her best to guide us. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, those back roads have a mind of their own!

Fortunately, while wandering around trying to figure things out, we came across a friendly couple who noticed our confusion. They kindly offered to take a few photos of us, which was a nice gesture after the frustrating detour. They also shared some helpful local tips about places to see along Route 66 and gave us clear directions to get back on track. Their warmth and kindness turned what could have been a stressful moment into a pleasant experience, reminding us that the journey is just as much about the people you meet as the places you visit.

We stopped at this little ice cream café, and just as I walked up to the window, the guy shut it and walked away—left me standing there like an idiot. (No comments on that, please!)

Right across the road was Dick’s Towing, next to the old petrol pump.

“The couple we met kindly took this photo of us at the old petrol pump.”

We drove on, stopping at Dwight for lunch, then passing through Pontiac and Bloomington. We paused again at a rest spot to set up the RV before finally stopping for the night around 10 p.m. in Edwardsville at the Red Baron Rendezvous RV Park.
http://www.redbarnrendezvousrv.com

Edwardville Illinois

"Waking up at the Red Baron Rendezvous RV Park… not exactly a postcard view."
"Red Baron Rendezvous RV Park — not quite the sunrise we were hoping for."

"Leigh double-checked that we’d unplugged the RV from power and water, and then we hit the road, leaving the Red Baron Rendezvous RV Park behind.

Missouri Illinois

We drove into Missouri, covering 454 km of Route 66 through the state. Along the way, we passed through towns like St. Louis, Cuba, Fanning, Lebanon, Devil’s Elbow, Cimarron, and Joplin. Our first stop was the famous St. Louis Arch, where we also walked down to the Mississippi River waterfront. We dropped into the visitor center to pick up some information and maps.

More info: Route 66 State Park

We reached Cuba and stopped at Shelley’s Café for lunch. After that, we drove down to Fanning to see the world’s largest rocking chair at the Fanning 66 Outpost.

More info: Fanning 66 Outpost

We continued our drive through Devil’s Elbow, one of the more historic stretches of the Mother Road. In the afternoon, we stopped in Lebanon, wandered around town, did a bit of shopping, and browsed a local car yard—cars are incredibly cheap here in the USA. As evening approached, we searched for somewhere to stay and ended up at the NRO (Niangua River Oasis) RV Park. We parked the RV, lit a fire, and relaxed with a few beers under the stars.

More info: NRO Canoe Rental & Campground

We hit the road again and stopped in Cimarron to explore the massive Picker’s antique mall. From there, we continued on to Joplin, where we had lunch at Cooper’s 66 Café. We also took some time to visit the Will Rogers Memorial.

St Louis Missouri

Rusty, one of the friendly folks at the RV park, gave us detailed directions to the St. Louis Riverfront, by the mighty Mississippi River and the iconic Gateway Arch. Following his guidance, we made our way through the bustling streets toward the Missouri border, excitement building as we got closer.

As we approached the riverfront, the view of the Arch came into full focus—towering majestically against the skyline and shimmering in the sunlight. The area around the river was alive with activity, from boats cruising the water to people enjoying the parks and walkways. Standing there, taking in the impressive monument and the vast Mississippi River flowing beside it, we felt the weight of history and the spirit of adventure that Route 66 embodies. It was a memorable moment, capturing the blend of natural beauty, urban energy, and iconic American landmarks.

Leigh went down for a little paddle in the Mississippi River (though I think he might’ve needed more than just a paddle!).
We also walked down to check out the Spirit of Peoria riverboat cruises along the Mississippi.

Looking north up the Mississippi River, you can see the Eads Bridge in the foreground, with the Martin Luther King Bridge just behind it.
To the south is the MacArthur Rail Bridge. A long barge was making its way along the river—just one of many that travel up and down the Mississippi all day, every day.

We began our walk up to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park to get some photos of the Gateway Arch. Standing at 192 metres, the Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States and the second tallest freestanding monument in the world, just behind the Eiffel Tower.

More facts: Gateway Arch History

On our way to the Arch, we had to climb what felt like a thousand stairs to reach it.
Whoever took the photo up there definitely managed to catch my better side!

We began our walk back to the RV, passing through Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park.

“We are looking back at the Arch, with the Eads and Martin Luther Bridges visible in the background.”

Just outside of St. Louis, we stopped at the State Park Missouri Route 66 Visitors Center. We took a good look around, bought some maps, and gathered plenty of useful information about Route 66.
We also had to stop for fuel—if I remember correctly, it cost around $200 to fill up. It took the two of us a while to figure out how to operate the petrol pump.

Phillips 66 gasoline began in 1917, and its iconic shield logo was created to reflect its connection to the famous Route 66 highway.
Inside the visitors center, there was a small museum showcasing some of Route 66’s history.
We spotted a cool Harley-Davidson Route 66 bike and a couple of vintage signs.

Cuba Missouri

Using one of the maps we had picked up along the way, we discovered a great spot to stop for a meal in the small town of Cuba—Shelly’s Cafe. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with Shelly herself greeting us like old friends. The food was excellent—comforting and hearty, exactly what we needed after a morning of driving.

The cafe had a cozy, down-to-earth charm, filled with locals and travelers alike, all sharing stories and enjoying good company. During our visit, we decided to pass along some of the pots and pans from our RV that we no longer needed. Shelly was incredibly grateful, saying they would be a big help for her kitchen. It felt good to give back a little and connect with someone along the route. Shelly’s Cafe was more than just a meal stop—it was a memorable part of our journey through Route 66.

Shelly’s Cafe — look who made it into the photo again!
This is the entrance to the very friendly Shelly’s Cafe. Inside, there’s a wall map showing exactly where we are on Route 66, just like many other cafes and diners along the way.

Most cafes along Route 66 have a map on the wall, and at Shelly’s Cafe, there’s one showing exactly where we are on the route.

What a decision—what should we eat? Whatever we ended up choosing, I’m sure Leigh had dessert.

We’re back on the road, sharing the driving. Next stop: Fanning, home of the world’s biggest rocking chair.
Graz is keeping an eye on us from the back of the RV—though I think one of his eyes was on the beer.

Fanning Missouri

Fanning, also known as The Outpost, was just a short drive down the road from Cuba, so we decided to stop and take a closer look. The small town caught our interest partly because we remembered seeing it featured on Billy Connolly’s Route 66 tour show on TV. It was cool to stand in the same spot he had visited and imagine the stories behind the place.

As usual, our sense of direction wasn’t perfect—we got lost again navigating the back roads around the area. It was a little frustrating, but also part of the adventure, and we knew it definitely wouldn’t be the last time we’d lose our way on this trip. Getting a little turned around just gave us more time to explore and discover hidden gems along the way.

We went inside the Outpost, a small museum filled with old Route 66 memorabilia, including a few vintage petrol pumps.

I really should have bought that flag—what a great picture it would have made!

We snapped a few photos at the world’s largest rocking chair.

I had to take a picture of this—some clever redneck hillbilly definitely thought a little too hard on this one. (I love it.) He was probably sitting on his verandah, drinking moonshine, thinking, “How can I cut the grass and get some exercise at the same time?”
Around the side was Danny’s Gas Hole.

Lebanon Missouri

After leaving the previous town, we drove on to Lebanon and made a stop downtown for a refreshing iced coffee and to ask for some directions. While wandering around, we noticed a 2013 Mustang sitting in a car sales yard, priced at $33,000—definitely a hefty price. Nearby, a 2000 Harley caught our eye, going for just $3,700, which seemed like a real bargain compared to the car.

With our curiosity satisfied, we stocked up on more food and drinks for the road ahead before looking for a place to spend the night. Our first stop was at an RV park that felt off—the grounds were quiet, no one came out to greet us, and it seemed almost abandoned. Not wanting to settle for that, we decided to push on a bit further.

Eventually, we arrived at the Niangua River Oasis (NRO) RV Park, nestled alongside the peaceful Niangua River. We parked the RV in a nice spot, gathered some firewood, and got a fire going to warm up the cool evening. We cooked up some bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, enjoying the simple comfort of a homemade meal after a long day on the road. To top it off, we relaxed by the fire, washing the food down with a few cold beers, soaking in the calm, quiet atmosphere of the NRO campsite. It was the perfect end to the day.

The Harley—I think I could have gotten it down to $3,000, ride away. (But who snuck into the photo again?)

We got the fire going—it was about 30 degrees, but we just had to light a fire. That’s what camping’s all about.

Enjoying a few beers by the fire.

It was a damn good night. Leigh turned in for the night—time to get some sleep and get ready for the next day.

I got up early and started cooking up a storm—bacon and eggs with a fresh coffee.

Devils Elbow Missouri

Devil’s Elbow, Missouri, gets its name from a particularly sharp and treacherous bend in the Big Piney River that has challenged travelers along Route 66 for decades. Back in the late ’80s, this area was more than just a tricky curve—it was a charming resort community where visitors could stay in cozy cabins and enjoy canoeing on the scenic Piney River. The peaceful surroundings and outdoor activities made it a popular getaway spot, especially during the warmer months.

Driving through Devil’s Elbow requires extra caution because of the winding roads and limited visibility around the bend. It was Graham’s turn behind the wheel as we navigated this stretch of Route 66, which is known for its mix of beauty and danger. The experience was a reminder of how the old Mother Road challenges travelers with both its history and its landscape. Despite the risks, the drive offered stunning views of the river and the surrounding forest, making it a memorable part of our journey.

Part of the Old Mother Road.
We stopped for a little look around and took some pictures of us on the Old Mother Road.

Cimmaron Missouri

We stopped at an antique mall in Cimarron, hoping to find some unique treasures. However, once inside, it quickly felt more like a junkyard than a carefully curated collection. The aisles were cluttered with all sorts of items piled high—old tools, worn-out furniture, rusty signs, and a mishmash of forgotten memorabilia. Despite the chaos, there was something fascinating about the place, as if every item had its own story waiting to be discovered. While it wasn’t the most polished or organized spot, for those who enjoy hunting through hidden corners and unexpected finds, Cimarron’s antique mall offered a glimpse into the past, even if it was a little rough around the edges.

An American Picker would have a field day here—this guy had everything.
You can find anything you want, even a signed guitar by Glen Campbell and Andy Williams. If I read it correctly, buying the guitar also comes with two of Glen Campbell’s kids and a couple of ticket stubs from his Goodbye Tour. (How old are his kids now?)

Leigh made a good friend here. This guy didn’t say much, but if Leigh grew a beard, they’d be twins.

We left Cimarron empty-handed and headed toward Springfield, but there wasn’t much to see, so we continued on to Joplin, Missouri. There, we found a nice little café on the busy Main Street—Cooper’s 66 Café, located at the corner of Main Street and 2nd Ave.
After a great meal, we walked to the Will Rogers Highway Museum, named after the famous Hollywood actor Will Rogers. It was interesting to learn that Route 66 was also known as the Will Rogers Highway.

Joplin Missouri

Joplin was our last stop in Missouri before we crossed into Kansas. It’s a small, sleepy town that felt almost deserted during lunchtime, with only about four cars scattered along Main Street. We parked the van and took a stroll down the quiet street, searching for a place to eat. After a bit of wandering, we finally found Cooper’s 66 Diner, a classic spot that looked inviting with its retro Route 66 vibe. The food was hearty and satisfying, just what we needed after a morning on the road.

After lunch, we continued our exploration by walking up to the Will Rogers Highway Museum. The museum offered an interesting glimpse into the history of Route 66 and the man it was named after—Will Rogers, the famous actor and humorist. Although the museum was small, it was packed with memorabilia, photos, and stories that helped bring the heritage of this iconic highway to life. Despite Joplin’s quiet streets, the town carries a strong connection to the spirit of Route 66.
Main Street, Joplin—such a busy place in its own quiet way!

We spotted some great art of Joplin and Route 66 as we walked around town.
Like in every town we pass through, there are murals celebrating the local history.

At Cooper’s 66 Diner on Main and 2nd Avenue in Joplin, the interior is, of course, themed around Route 66.

We stopped at the Will Rogers Highway Museum, but there wasn’t much to see.
We took a few shots inside—some old cars and vintage business names like Kendall Motor Oils, Atlas Tires, and Texaco fuel. It wasn’t the best museum, with not much inside.

Kansas

Kansas may have the shortest stretch of Route 66 of any state—just 12.8 miles—but this small section packs a lot of history and charm. The old Mother Road winds through the town of Galena, where you can see remnants of its heyday. From there, it crosses the iconic Rainbow Arch Bridge at Riverton, a beautiful example of early 20th-century engineering and a beloved local landmark. Continuing on, Route 66 passes into Baxter Springs before cutting through the lower eastern corner of the state.

Along this stretch, you’ll find some lovely old buildings that tell stories of a bygone era—classic diners, motels, and shops, many with vintage signage still clinging to the facades. However, there’s also a bittersweet feeling, as many of these structures appear abandoned or neglected, reminders of how the route’s significance has faded over time. Despite this, the character of Kansas’s Route 66 section remains undeniable, offering travelers a glimpse into the past and a peaceful, less crowded experience compared to other parts of the highway.

Along the side of the highway, we spotted a massive fireworks shop—its colorful displays and towering stacks of fireworks kits catching our attention from a distance.

Galena, Riverton and Baxter Springs, Kansas

The charming old buildings in Galena played a big part in inspiring the community of Radiator Springs in the Pixar movie Cars. With their vintage storefronts, weathered signs, and classic small-town architecture, these structures capture the spirit of a bygone era along Route 66. Walking through Galena feels like stepping back in time, with the buildings telling stories of bustling days when travelers and locals gathered in these shops and cafes. The town’s unique character and nostalgic atmosphere perfectly embody the heart of Radiator Springs, making it a fitting real-life muse for the beloved animated community in the film.

The Route 66 logo is on the streets of Galena's Main Street. Like Radiator Springs, the road looks like it could use some work.

Through town and over the Rainbow Arch Bridge.

A beautiful old pickup truck on the side of the road.

Turning left with Route 66, which is now also Main Street, you will continue to pass interesting old buildings. Many appear abandoned.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 602.9 km’s of Route 66 in Oklahoma. The nation's longest drivable stretch of Route 66 that cuts through Oklahoma, Tulsa, El Reno, Hydro, Clinton and other authentic home towns along the Mother Road where we met friendly people and we soon found unique shops, diners and a small museum. We had to find a place to stay for the night; we stop in Tulsa, at the Warrior RV Park.

http://www.tulsawarriorrv.com/

We then drove into El Reno; we had a look at the Cherokee Trading Post. We stopped at Hydro, which was a very small and quiet town most businesses were closed. We stopped at Clinton for lunch, I think that the town was dead, really, nothing moved in Clinton, so we drove just outside of town and we stopped at the Route 66 Museum.

Tulsa Oklahoma

We drove on to Tulsa, Oklahoma, there was not much on Route 66 between Kansas and Tulsa.

We stop here at the Warriors RV park late afternoon, staying for the night.

Once we got organized in the RV park, we sat around and had a few beers.

We walked across the highway to get Pizza for dinner; our stocks were a little low in the RV.

The next morning we stopped at a truck stop to fill up, AGAIN, also stock up on a few things.

I thought I would try my luck on the Oklahoma lottery. I will let you know later if I win.

El Reno Oklahoma

Most of the towns have a big water tank, displaying the name of the town on them.El Reno to my surprise has a mural on the town building.

On the side of the road a couple of old business closed down.

Squawk and Skoot? I have no idea what this place is, and we couldn’t find out, it was closed and no one around to ask.

Just outside of El Reno, we stopped at the Cherokee Trading Post and Cherokee restaurant.

We all had a go at taming the bull; I think Leigh has got it by the balls, and Graz was at the wrong end.

An Indian mural, and original Tee Pee.

Notice who is in the picture again? Hiding in the Tee Pee.

Graz with the Indian totem Pole.

We had a little fun with the Chief.

Hydro Oklahoma

Leaving the Cherokee Trading post, we had our fun. We drove on to Hydro, Hydro was a sleepy town; I got 3 of my favorite pictures here in Hydro. The picture of Graz and Leigh waiting to get into the Hydro bar, which wasn’t an early opener, Graz waits for a haircut, unfortunately its operating hours were 2 pm to 4 pm., and Leigh is waiting at the Soda Fountain grill, also closed.

Graz and Leigh, knocking on the door at the Hydro Bar, they were dying for a drink but had a long wait. It wasnt open.

So no luck at the bar, Leigh tried the Soda Fountain Grill, another long wait.

While Graz decided to get a haircut, once again a long wait, this town was asleep.

We walked to the Hydro Library to get some information, guess what? It was closed.

I think this shop and 1 other was open, this shop was all knick knacks.

We took a few pictures of Main Street Hydro, how busy is it?!

They park down the middle of the road on Main Street.

Another old gas station closed, and beside the gas station is a service centre closed also.

Clinton Oklahoma

We left Hydro and drove on to Clinton, which would be our last stop in Oklahoma. We arrived in Clinton around lunch time, so we found a side street to pull over to make some lunch and just sit around for a rest. After lunch we drove down the road just outside Clinton, as there wasn’t much there, we stopped at the Rout 66 Museum, Leigh waited outside whilst Graz and I went into the museum to have a good look around.

Lunch time in some back street in Clinton Oklahoma.

Leigh is relaxing outside in the shade.

Taking a break before moving on to the Route 66 museum.

After lunch we drove down to the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma. The museum’s galleries offered us a journey through the history of the nation’s main highway. Images and videos on the Mother Road. You can watch the 20 minute video on the history of the highway, touch the counter and sit in the booth of the 1950’s diner. The museum focuses on the Route 66 experience.

54 Dodge pickup, outside the museum.

The licence plate on the pickup.

A classic 57 Chevy in the front window.

Route 66 highway signs from each state on the wall in the museum.

Kombi love Machine

Some old cars, and a beautiful old juke box on display.

Old photo of men attending an acident on Route 66.

Old Oklahoma number plates.

Old Sinclair gasoline pump and air pump, from the early 1900’s, and a Mobil Oil sign.

The famous Phillips 66 petrol pump and sign.

A beautiful 1950’s diner booth, and a jukebox.

Texas

Shamrock Texas

Of course the water tower on the way into the town

The mural of Route 66.

Shamrock butchers and a old style water trough.

The famous Magnolia petrol station, it started in the early 20's in the USA.

Lawyer ofice, apparentley it was the 1st building to have electric lighting.

We came across a old Texan Fort museum, that not a dummy, its Leigh playing chess by himsel

A double dunny???? and a old cloths wringer.

The famous Towwr station and U-Drop inn cafe on the movie Cars.

If you look at the bottom right of the picture, Guess who it is? Yes Leigh.

Amarillo Texas

We arrived late at the KOA RV Park in Amarillo, we checked in did some laundry and tidied up a bit. Just a few sites away there was a group of guy sitting around with their trikes, as there was an annual trike convention on at the RV park that weekend, with many home made trikes, which would never be allowed on our roads here in Australia.

Hillbilly Bob, on his trike.
This is a Harley, Corvette trike, 327 engine.
One of the guys built this in his garage, it has a 389 ford engine in this trike.

One of the guys built this in his garage, it has a 389 ford engine in this trikewith many others here.

We decided to go to the Big texan steak House for dinner.

Anyone that stays in the KOA RV Park can get a free stretched Cadillac Limo, free of charge to and from the Big Texan Steak House, but you do have to tip the driver, which ended up costing us around $20 for the ride, but was well worth it.
The Cadillac stretched limo.

The drive to the steak house was smooth as silk, you couldn’t feel any bumps in the road.

It’s the 3 amigos picture time, with the Cadillac in front of the Big Texan Steak House,and it's famous 72 oz. Steak.

Graz couldn’t find his glasses, so he borrowed mine.
Don’t they look cute and happy, before they had a snooze in the park at Niagara falls, now they are sharing a seat.

The famous 72 oz. Steak.

The rules to get the steak for free.

The meal consists of: Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Potato, Salad, with Roll, Butter, and of course the 72 oz. Steak.
1. Entire meal must be completed in one hour. If any of the meal is not consumed (swallowed)…YOU LOSE!
2. Before the time starts, you will be allowed to cut into the steak, and take one bite. If the steak tastes good and is cooked to your satisfaction, we will start the time upon your acceptable approval. The time will not stop, and the contest is on, so make SURE before you say “yes.”
3. Once you have started you are not allowed to stand up, leave your table, or have anyone else TOUCH the meal.
4. You will be disqualified if anyone assists you in cutting, preparing or eating of your meal. This is YOUR contest.
5. You don’t have to eat the fat, but we will judge this.
6. Should you become ill, the contest is over… YOU LOSE! (Please use the container provided as necessary.)
7. You are required to pay the full amount up front; if you win, we will refund 100%.
8. You must sit at a table that we assign.
9. If you do not win the steak challenge, you are welcome to take the leftovers with you.
10. No consumption or sharing of the leftovers is allowed in the restaurant once the contest is over.
11. If you fail to complete the challenge, you must pay the full $72 dollars.