It’s interesting that today’s post number 670 is at the start of my 67th year, after making Route 66 the theme of my 66th. If you go back to Post #235, I first started writing about historic Route 66 on or about my birthday, and posed in front of the start/finish sign at the Santa Monica Pier several months later (See Post #302). Today I took similar pictures of the start/finish signs in Chicago, marking the end of a memorable year of travel. A few months ago we even stopped at the Route 66 museum in Litchfield, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis. There are apparently 10 such sights along the long and winding road:
- Berwyn Route 66 Museum
- California Route 66 Museum
- Chandler Route 66 Interpretive Center
- Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum
- Litchfield Museum
- National Route 66 Museum
- New Mexico Route 66 Museum
- Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
- Route 66 Mother Road Museum
- Route 66 State Park Visitors Center
I will probably never get to all of them, or travel what’s left of the entire route, but I’ve enjoyed some of the highlights, and will continue the journey, despite my age. I would probably put these stops on my “Pail List,” rather than the Bucket List. (See Post #279) The question remains – is Chicago the beginning or the end of the road!
Now that I’ve stood at both ends and/or ends, I have a lot to look back on, as well as year 67 that continues ahead. Last night, we had dinner at Shaw’s Crab House, while tonight it will hot dogs at the ballpark. While my wife did some shopping yesterday evening, I went to the Chicago Sports Museum, but found myself in the middle of a private wedding reception (oops). Instead, I went to Harry Caray’s and had a martini. We’ve also enjoyed the artwork up and down the Magnificent Mile, including the 25th anniversary display of Chicago Wolves hockey masks, and what my wife fondly refers to as the “Puparazzi.” These are decorated dogs reminiscent of the cow art that once dominated Chicago sidewalks. These dog statues, K9s for Cops,” “stalk” you like photographers as you walk up and down Michigan Avenue.
We have one more night in Chicago before we drive to Indiana for some family time. We’ll spend some time at Millennium Park, despite today’s cooler temperatures before we head to the ballpark. I’ll wear one Cubs sock and one Sox sock to split my allegiance, but will be cheering for the Cubs, since the White Sox season is essentially over. The Brewers are bearing down on Cubs Playoff hopes, so the North Sider’s need a victory tonight coupled with a Brewers loss (their 67th).
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