Brendan's 18,992nd day

Miles on Route 66 today:  232
Miles on route 66 to date: 530

Today then was Brendan's day. Fair enough ... it's his birthday. Happy birthday Brendan - good to be sharing the day with you. The postman was efficient. Cards arrived at about 04:00 and had Brendan laughing to himself as he opened them a few hours later. It was like post day in the Gaeltacht: more money arrived from home just in the nick of time. We have every confidence he will get rid of that by tomorrow. After all we are now installed next door to PFI: see side bar for details!

Anyway, Hertz said the car we wanted would be ready at 10:00. As it was only 08:45 we struck out in search of breakfast. That worked well and after bagels and coffee we then headed off to the Arch to see what the gateway was all about. That was fascinating: a very small train: like a capsule for 5 people each whizzes you to the top. Cecilia would not make it - its a very 'cozy' enclosed space. The view were stunning though. Hopefully we will get the video up soon.

Next back to the hotel to pick up the car. Not the one we ordered. But a GM Arcadia - after 232 miles in pouring rain let me tell you ... an excellent car! We could find no fault. Even has reversing camera in the rear view mirror! The iPod plugs in. The cooler box fits in the back. Everyone has separate seats. Has lots of cup holders - even makes up for the cheap ice box Seamus cheated me into buying ... I lost a bet on that.

Then on the Ted Drewers Frozen custard. I suspect the Spot tell a talk of a circular tour. Jill got cranky about there being competition in the car and would not talk to us until after we got to Drewer's. John had to sweet talk her into conversation but she's back in the gang now and chatting away every turn. Mind you poor spot in now literally stuck in a corner but seems to be ok with that. Drewers is a hatch service only and no seats: who would have thought. Plus it started to rain. No negative vibes on this trip though!

Next stop Route 66 State Park: closed as the Department of Transportation won't fund the bridge so they shut it down last year. Fortunately the Interpretative Centre is on this side so we had a pleasant tour around and the guide was very helpful and friendly. First stickers, pins and postcards bought.

On then to the Jesse James museum. Closed! Toy museum. Closed. Took photos though!

The rain came down heavier.

Then Walmart for our ice box. Lovely one for $20. Somehow , I still can't figure out how, we ended up with teh $10 dollar special. Just wait till we wnat a cool drink in the desert!

Then on to the Wagon Wheel Hotel for lunch.Fine rooms, lovely landlords. Stopped doing lunches at 19:30. No sorry, correct that - stopped doing lunches in 1930. So a bit late then. However the Hick BBQ next door looked after us in style. Great  - onwards.

The rain had formed a small lake around the car. Very  impressive.

Back in the car and motor on. Nice scenery en route. Like an Irish back road on a quiet day. The lightning lit it up wonderfully. The fountains of water from the major puddles cascaded across the road. The car shuddered but never flinched: intelligent four wheel drive system you know. Mind you we did slow down further for the rivers that flowed across the road at times: not concerned just naturally conservative!

Paused at the Munger Moss Motel and contemplated stopping for the day. 18:00 and a many miles yet to do. Took some photos but then pressed on. Got to Springfield just as the rain stopped. In Best Western next to PFI. Tomorrow PFI!