2003 Motor Tour CWO

Expectations are always high when the Illinois Route 66 Motor Tour week arrives. This year even more was expected because of the great effort given by the 2003 Motor Tour committee. Board members from shore to shore of our beloved highway have shared the word that the 2003 Tour would be better than ever, and it was! Thanks are due to all who worked so hard to make the 2003 Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour occur.

In Bunker Hill, Friday morning found the sky gray and overcast as we backed the Mustang out of the garage. Judy and I discussed whether to leave the top down, but decided it was too cool. So up came the top and off we went on another years Motor Tour.

Phil Wilson’s new Illinois Route 66 map book that was introduced at last years “Festival 66” had been updated. Arrangements were make to pick up some new books as we headed north. Phil & Wendy live in Cantrall, just off of Route 19. Just last year Phil learned that Route 19 was used as a construction bypass of Route 66 while the double nickel was built between Williamson and Springfield. As we stopped and picked up the new books it started to sprinkle. It would rain on us for the next eight hours.

Word was out that Ernie and Frances Edwards would be receiving guests this morning at an open house for their Pig Hip museum. We arrived about 9:30 AM in time to meet the State Journal Register Chief Photographer, Bill Hagen, who was burning ones and zeros with his digital camera. Ernie and Frances were greeting everyone with a big smile and Ernie was hugging all the ladies. Their stepdaughter, Sandy Cook of Lincoln assisted with the greetings. By 10:00, Patty Kuhn, Sue Waldmire and family, Tom Teague, Thressia Underwood, a Springfield TV crew and others were bumping into each other. Outside a chilly rain fell in a steady drizzle. Inside was as warm and cozy as Ernie and Frances’ smiles. They have amassed a dining room full of memorabilia detailing the history of the Pig Hip and the surrounding countryside. Their museum is a credit to the “Mother Road” and their years of serving the unique “Pig Hip” sandwich.

As with other “old” Ford ragtops, the drophead connection to the windshield frame leaked. We planned for it and took along several large towels to catch the drips. We stopped at the Chenoa Shell and recharged the fuel tank. On returning to the double nickel I almost crashed the Mustang. The Chenoa exit overpass is under construction and reduced to a single lane. I thought there was plenty of room to merge, but at the last minute decided to “Chicken out”. I was lucky the lady coming up the overpass was watching out for me. At the last moment, I braked and drove into one of the rubber barrels with the right front bumper and fender and slid into the driving lane. The lady in a Honda stopped and let me continue. My face was red as our car. She was charitable and didn’t give me any finger gestures or wave her fist at me. We continued on and she passed us by. At the next rest stop we stopped to adjust our shorts and check for damage on the fender. We found our shorts and the fender in undamaged condition. For the next hour or so we had big smiles to give to the passing traffic.

We arrived at the Willowbrook Fairfield Inn about 2:00 PM. Lunch was overdue. While looking for a local Steak House, we stumbled onto a wonderful Italian restaurant in Burr Ridge. I tell Judy, it’s better to be lucky than smart. It was empty when we arrived. “Balducci’s Fine Italian Dining” was ours alone. Of course the service was tops when you’re the only couple present. We recommend highly, that you visit Balducci’s and savor the menu. It was a highlight of the tour for us. I had the Chicken Portabella while Judy had Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo. Magnificento!! Now the unlucky part, the street in front of Balducci’s was under construction. Because it was one lane, one way, we traveled about five miles getting back to the motel. A brief nap made that better.

At 6::00 it was over to J.C.’s Pub. Jeff & Annette LaFollett, Johnny & Kathy Miller, Marty Blitzstein, Cathie Stevanovich, and Lou Vargo were selling Motor Tour shirts and registering roadies. It wasn’t raining, but the atmosphere was as wet as a baby’s bottom in a wet diaper. The humidity was about 99.8 percent. Marty Bilecki, Bill Gwodz, Duke Cartwright, Lynn Bagdon, Rose Vargo and Jeff Geisler were offering advice and information to anyone who would accept it. And it was very good. Carl Johnson stopped by and we looked at Phil Wilson’s new map book. Carl had met with Phil Wilson and Patty Kuhn earlier and they shared info on some newly discovered alignments. Phil’s book is the most up to date resource for finding Route 66 in Illinois.

Lynn Bagdon & Barb Nicholsen had a table saved for about 10 of us, so we went inside for dinner. I had the Lasagna, it was wonderful. Good food, good friends, good roads and good karma. Fortunately for the Motor Tour roadies it held off raining until we had stowed the Ezy-up shelter and loaded all the shirts and Registration papers at 9:00. For Judy and me it was back to the Motel. On the way a Car Wash was spotted and the Mustang received a much needed cleaning and a chamois. Good Job. The rain was almost over.

Saturday morning at sunrise was cloudy, cool and dry, but the car cover was damp. We removed the cover & wiped the Mustang with a dry towel. It was off to 2003 Hall of Fame "Lou Mitchell"’s for coffee and donut holes. Traffic was light and the sun broke through the clouds at about 6:30. Johnny Miller, Jeff Geisler and Jeff Meyer were directing traffic on Jackson Ave. We pulled into the # 2 slot and parked. John & Janice Murphy, Marty & Jeri Bilecki, Dave & Kay Jostes, Frank & Roxanne Lozich, and many, many others were checking out Lou Mitchell’s and visiting. Another treat this year was the arrival of the Santa Fe Chief, a replica of a Santa Fe Chief Locomotive built on a 1ate 40’s Dodge truck chassis. People would be startled when the air horn was sounded. Others would grab their camera and burn some film. Over 60 cars were assembled and awaiting President Jeff’s call to begin the Tour and cruise at 7:30 AM sharp.

Jeff Geisler led the flow of colorful machines east on the floor of the canyons of Jackson Ave. to Michigan Ave. then doubled them back to Adams, and then on to Ogden Ave. and through the towns of Cicero and Berwyn. Lyons & McCook disappeared in the rear view mirror as we toured down Joliet Road. Continuing down through the towns of Hodgkin’s, Countryside and Indian Head Park, then we powered out on to the double nickel for about five miles. At exit 269 we exited onto Joliet Road again and cruised to the White Fence Farm. The Hastert family and White Fence Farm was a 1998 Hall of Fame inductee.

Over a hundred magic carpets awaited our arrival at the farm. Two lines of clean, polished, bright and shiny vehicles were lined up along the north side of the parking area. Durelle and Marilyn Pritchett were directing the traffic as we arrived from downtown. We immediately formed a third line inside the other two. It appeared that more than 200 vehicles were present. The first vehicle to catch our attention and the many others present, was the restored 51 Ford State Police cruiser. Sgt. Dave Jung, Sgt. Larry Ball and Sgt. Chic Depper had brought it from Collinsville to lead the 2003 Motor Tour back south. The black and white cruiser was the bell of this day’s ball. Dave Jung was the pilot and was dressed in his Trooper dress uniform. Dave would be retiring with 38 years service at the end of June.

Wagon master Jeff Geisler was checking on road conditions ahead and was concerned about a diesel fuel spill rumored to be blocking our Route 66 somewhere south of the farm. Dave, Chic and Larry got on their State Police radio and determined there was indeed a spill, but it was located in the North bound lane and not causing any blockage South bound. Our association's registration crew was busy handing out Motor Tour passports, goody bags and signing up late arrivals. By now the sun was shining brightly through a cloudy sky. Lots of jackets softened some of the early morning crispness.

President Jeff again addressed the waiting crowd with wishes for a safe and fun weekend. The black and white restored 51 Ford State Police cruiser fired to life on all cylinders. When Sgt. Jung had the cruiser restored he was careful to have 50’s type glass pack mufflers installed. Following behind him this morning we listened to the sweet sound of the flathead V-8’s cackle when Sgt. Dave got off the gas.

Jeff Geisler directed traffic as we pulled out of the White Fence Farm and powered down our beloved Route 66. We passed the spill area and noted that a sedan had hit a Semi-tractor and knocked one of the saddle tanks off, resulting in the spill. We next arrived at the newly finished “Historic Joliet Route 66 Welcome Center”. The 51 Ford Police Cruiser and several other classics were placed in the horseshoe drive right in front of the center. Jeff Geisler directed incoming traffic to parking nearby. Everyone was delighted with the displays and newly decorated “Welcome Center”. Route 66 roadies have another Icon to brag about on our “Mother Road”.

Traveling through Elwood, Judy noticed the abundance of Garage and Yard sale signs. Did you ever notice that distractions have a way of tempting you when you can’t stop? Now the tour would find traffic a bit congested entering Wilmington and continuing a little past the Polka Dot Drive-In. We waved at roadies as we passed the Launching Pad “Giant”. Turning right on Kankakee St. we stopped at the Mill Town Market for a passport stamp. A quick tour inside resulted in finding a two gallon stone ware crock missing its wire handles. It was a bargain at $10.00, so it was added to our collection.

Outside we noticed the historic Railroad Depot up the street. The Santa Fee Chief was parked nearly on the old tracks and was drawing an admiring crowd. This was an opportunity to go inside the Chief and learn of its history. The Chief has a limited amount of seats by design. Two tables, one on either side sit over the rear tire humps and each conceals a spare tire. The late 40’s Dodge Chief had been rescued from a weed patch several years ago and updated with a 460 Ford engine and C-6 transmission. She’s a sweetie and attracts the attention she deserves.

No self respecting roady would pass up a chance to be looked upon by Marilyn or Elvis as they make their pit stop at the Braidwood 2002 Hall of Fame "Polka Dot Drive-In". It’s a pleasure to wait in line for such a chance. A cold frosty and thick malt replenishes the energy and it’s off to the Hall of Fame “Rivera Roadhouse”. By now the sky was nearly cloudless and the temp near perfect. A stiff breeze moved the freshly cleaned Illinois air across the open country side. It’s amazing how wonderful the air is after a cool spring rain.

We passed through Godley and Braceville. Burma-Shave signs in Godley read: “Does your husband rant and rave, grumble, grunt and misbehave? Buy him some Burma-Shave”. This year we chose not to stop at the 1994 Hall of Fame "Rivera Roadhouse" and waved as we powered by. Sgt. Jung was leading us south. In Gardner we couldn’t resist taking Sgt. Jung to the Gardner Jail. The door was unlocked, but nearly rusted shut. We gave Sgt. Jung a tour of the inside. He was duly impressed. South of Gardner Route 66 follows the east frontage road of I-55. Entering Dwight for lunch we passed another set of Burma-Shave signs.

In Dwight we arrived near the middle of the tour. As we grabbed a narrow parking place in front of Dwight’s historic bank, John & Lenore Weiss hailed us. John told us to be sure and go inside the bank and check out it's interior architecture. I tell Judy, It’s better to be lucky than smart. As we jumped out of the Mustang, the bank president was just getting ready to lock the door. Instead he invited us to come in and leave some money. He really didn’t of course, but he wanted to show off the leaded glass ceiling and the beautiful woodwork that John was alerting us to. This historic bank was designed by famed Chicago Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. We ooohed and awhed at the grand artwork on opposite ends of the arched ceiling. What an experience, when near Dwight it’s a must see stop. Equally as beautiful is the Dwight Amtrak Depot located just across the wide main street..

Motor Tour roadies were at Dwight treated to a tasty lunch of beef or pork bar-b-que sandwiches, chips, cookies and a pop. Picnic tables shaded by the south carport of the main stone Depot building buzzed with roadie’s tales of their mornings travels. Norm Hunt stopped by to give a tip on a round 2 gallon oil can at the nearby collector market. At $17.50, he thought it would be a bargain. Judy and I walked through the antique and collector market and found that it was still unsold. Only thing different from Norm’s description was the price, $175.00. Just a small move in the decimal point. We passed on the oil can, but were excited to examine it. It was worth the price, but not on today’s hit parade.

Maybe we’re slipping, but today found us staying on the tour and not getting lost. Well it’s early, things may change. From Dwight to Odell we again followed Sgt. Jung and the immaculate 51 Ford State Police cruiser. It is music to a Ford enthusiast’s ear, to hear the purr of the old flathead V-8. South of Dwight we stopped to take a pic of the “Ghost farm” sitting just across the double nickel. This farm stead looks complete with barns and a windmill. Showing no signs of paint and with broken windows and failing roofs, it sits on a knoll and stands out against the blue Illinois sky.

The 2001 Hall of Fame "Standard Oil Station" at Odell was swarming with roadies as we pulled up front. This Association preservation project is a great source of pride to Hampton Inns, our group and the Odell community. It’s agreed by all, it’s one of the brightest jewels that sparkles along our “Mother Road”. John and Lenore Weiss were beaming with pride and showing our roadies its many distinctive features.

We chose not to stop at the Cayuga Meramec Caverns barn, although the parking area was almost full when we passed by. Just north of Pontiac, we noticed something fall from the 51 Ford State Police cruiser. One of the window mount American Flags broke off and sailed to the road side. We backed up our Mustang and retrieved it for the State Police crew. The afternoon sun was much warmer now, but we managed to find a shady parking place on the west side of the old Court-house at Pontiac. We passed on the tour.

Lou and Bud Vandiver hailed us and explained with regret that they had to leave the tour for a family commitment. They wished to give their banquet tickets to someone to use later that day. We thanked them for their generosity. Lou and Bud have been and continue to be an important part of our organization.

South of Pontiac we followed an old alignment we heard about. It was marked for the tour, but is unmarked by the IDOT. Chenoa, a prominent stop in 2002, was bypassed on the later alignment. Lexington’s “Memory Lane” was open again this year. Fran Turgeon and company greeted us with cold drinks and big smiles. This community preservation project has preserved over a mile of original pavement. Burma-Shave signs give the traveler some safety reminders. “Hardly a driver, who passed on, a hill at 75, is now alive. Burma-Shave. Thanks Lexington!

One of the most amazing and unique projects under way on our “Mother Road” is the Towanda High School Route 66 recognition display. Starting with Illinois, displays are being built on an unused lane at the Towanda intersection of old Route 66 and the P.J. Keller highway. The Illinois display is complete and Missouri was under construction the day of the tour. Teacher Fred Walk has inspired youngsters to research Route 66 history and interpret that history into displays for each of the eight states Route 66 traveled through.

Arriving at Normal, I didn’t believe my own directions to get into the Holiday Inn parking lot. After three tries we made it in. It must be old-timers creeping up on me. My complements to the Holiday Inn on having adequate hosts at check-in. As we unpacked the phone rang. It was the new Hall of Fame inductees, the Fassero family. We had talked to Art Fassero a week earlier and he and his wife Emma were undecided if they could attend the ceremony. His older brother, Anton aged 92, had been in a three car collision about a month earlier. He was still in the hospital, although making excellent progress. Art asked if I could receive their award for them. I suggested that maybe one of their children might like to represent the family. A couple of days later Art called to share that their daughter would come from Kansas City, MO and represent the family. Well, Marilee and Mike Collins, and Art and Emma had checked in and wished to meet us before the banquet. Thanks to Bud and Lou we had the two extra seats needed at the Banquet. Now it was needed to call Marilyn Prichard and beg her to rearrange head table seating. Many, many thanks Marilyn!! She did it again, and everything happened like it had been planned that way.

The Fassero family is very private and unassuming. Marilee remarked how she and her sister, as well as the other members of her generation had received the fruits of their parent’s labor. Her grandfather Ben and his four boys, Anton, John, Elvio and Arthur worked at least six and a half days in the business every week and seldom took vacations. In the past week she was surprised when her father, Art, began to be more open and share more of the family history with her. The Fassero family was most humbled by receiving their “Hall of Fame” award.

Our complements to Johnny and Kathy Miller, Marty Blitzstein, Cathy Stevanovich, Marilyn and Durelle Pritchett on arranging the dinner and dining hall. It is unanimous that the food, service and set-up were the greatest ever. Hall of Fame chairman, Tom Teague, again hosted the awards ceremony. Congratulations to Andy Granatelli, Fassero Oil Company, Union Miners Cemetery and the Wishing Well Motel on receiving their most deserving awards from the 2003 Route 66 Association of Illinois “Hall of Fame”. Many wonderful door prizes were handed out. A beautiful “Route 66” quilt sewn and donated by Judy Schwallenstecker was raffled off and won by Nelson Grman, who had previously accepted the “Hall of Fame” award for the Mt. Olive Union Miners cemetery. Lou and Bud Vandiver donated a complete set of Association newsletters as well as a complete set of association Motor Tour passport books. They were auctioned off and proceeds earmarked for future preservation projects.

Sunday morning dawned, windy and cool. A rain shower had passed over the motel and Motor Tour vehicles were still wet when we loaded our luggage back in the Mustang. This gave me a chance to wipe off our Mustang and clean the windows. We had raised the top for the overnight stay and decided to travel a while with it still up. We bypassed both the I-55 Route 66 display at the Funks grove rest area as well as the Sugar Maple forest and country Church at the grove. A lot of Motor Tour roadies were already at the “Dixie”, home of the Route 66 Association of Illinois, “Hall of Fame”.

C.J. and Chuck Beeler, Jeff & Annette LaFollette, Marty Blitzstein, Cathy Stevanovich, Johnny and Kathy Miller were greeting everyone at the Passport table with stickers and fresh donuts. Martin and Becky Larhrop had left their passports on the counter in the “Dixie” while shopping. Judy happened by and the clerk gave them to her to find out who had lost them. Later at the “Pig Hip” Judy was asking if anyone had lost their passports, when Marty reclaimed them. Becky also had misplaced their camera and was asking if anyone had found it. It later turned up in their Mustang between the console and a seat. Good Luck?, for Martin and Becky.

Atlanta is an enthusiastic Route 66 Icon. Two of the smallest towns we pass through, Atlanta and Hamel never fail to welcome and greet us as we pass. Today was no different. Their one block business district is being decorated with authentic building advertising art by the “Wall Dog Paint Jam” group of traveling artists. We enjoyed the latest paintings as well as Atlanta's old favorites, the J.H Dawes elevator, the Clock tower, park and city library. Good Job, Atlanta!

We hustled the double nickel from Atlanta to Broadwell to make sure to get to the “Pig Hip” and help give Ernie and Francis Edwards a special celebration ceremony for the opening of their historic restaurant musem. A large crowd of roadies were on hand for the awarding of two new “Route 66” shield signs for display there. President Jeff made the presentation for the Association.

We again hustled the double nickel to south Sixth St. in Springfield, home of the Hall of Fame "Cozy Drive-In”. By now the sun was shining warm and brightly. We found an open space right if front of the door. We were warmly greeted by Bob Waldmire, a fellow Mustang fancier. Down came the Mustang’s top for the rest of the tour. While I was dropping the top, Judy was standing in line for our Cozy Dogs. Smeared with of mustard, a Cozy Dog sure hits the spot.

Just then Sgt. Jung pulled up in front with the 51 Ford State Police Cruiser. I walked over and asked how the 51 Ford was running. He smiled and remarked that she was performing beautifully. He remarked that he had just made a stop and issued a warning on the north side of Springfield. Sgt. Jung had just stopped and picked up a replacement flag for the cruisers window to replace the one that broke north of Pontiac. A young fellow sped out in front of the cruiser and cut him off. Sgt. Jung threw on the cherry and pulled the young fellow over. Can you imagine the surprise of being pulled over with a 51 Ford Police Cruiser? Sgt. Jung admonished the driver and explained that this was an operational vehicle and he could cite the driver for a moving vehicle infraction. I'll bet the good Sargent chuckled to himself as he downed a couple of Cozy Dogs.

We again hustled the double nickel to Exit 82 to view the damaged Lincoln covered wagon there. A micro burst of wind that damaged the roof of the western boot store there, also damaged the covered wagon. A couple of quick pics and off to the double nickel again. We stopped at the “Our lady of the Highways” shrine near exit 63 to get another pic.

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Then off to the 1998 “Hall of Fame” Skyview Route 66 Drive-In theatre in Litchfield. There, Montgomery County board member, Tonya Flannery and her helpers were arranging Motor Tour vehicles in a giant “66” for an aerial photograph of the tour. Judy and I were joined by our daughter, Pamela Monetti, our grandson and his friend. Grandson, Mike Monetti and his friend Timmy Pickerell would travel with us for the rest of the tour. Mike was among the many helpers working on the restoration of the Soulsby Shell gas station in Mt. Olive. Rich and Mary Lou Showalter, from Staunton also were present for the pic. Absolutely this stop was one of the highlights of this year’s tour.

Tonya Flannery had another treat awaiting us in downtown Litchfield. She had many helpers there directing traffic and organizing a car show and a free lunch for us at Litchfield. Library square. More than a hundred classic and custom vehicles lined both sides of State St. We cruised between row after row of beautiful bright and shiny vehicles. Their owners were standing beside the cars and cheering us into Litchfield. This was one of the greatest welcomes I can remember. Tonya was responsible for organizing Litchfield.’s Sesquicentennial celebration this year. Happy 150^th Birthday Litchfield!! Good Job, Tonya!!!

I’m proud to report that Mt. Olive had four Route 66 events on this year’s tour. Sheri Albrecht of the Macoupin County Economic Development Office, and her committee have been awarded a $24,000.00 grant to prepare plans for the development of a bicycle trail on the 10 mile segment of unused four lane old Route 66 between Mt. Olive and Litchfield. At the west side of Mt. Olive we passed the 2003 “Hall of Fame” Union Miners cemetery. It’s the only private, Miner owned cemetery anywhere. In earlier times, some cemeteries refused to accept the bodies of immigrant miners for burial. Many stopped to view the solemn and impressive Monument to the many coal miners who lost their lives upholding their quest to improve safety and working conditions in all coal mines.

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Next Mt. Olive welcomed roadies to visit their newly constructed city Library. Although not completely finished, a display of Mother Jones memorabilia was available to see while getting your passport book stamped. Main Street in Mt. Olive was lined with hundreds of people in lawn chairs to view the Motor Tour.

The best Icon of Mt. Olive was yet to come. Tom Teague, Mike Dragovich, Nelson Grman, Charlie (Dundee) Dragovich, Don Lee, Emily Priddy, Ron Warnick, Tom Spears, Tom Gajewski, Mike Monetti, Gene Peters, the Mt. Olive High School cheerleaders and many others have spent the last four months planning and renovating the exterior of the 1989 Hall of Fame "Soulsby Shell Gas Station". Old pics of the station beginning when it was built in 1926 to today’s date were found and studied. Owner Mike Dragovich liked the Shell station décor of the 50’s. Everyone agreed the fresh paint and cleanup of the site are a great improvement. It’s hoped that in the future the Soulsby Shell station can be placed on the National Register of Historic places.

We chose not to stop at the Country Classic Cars lot and continued to Henry’s Rabbit Ranch museum and road side Campbell’s 66 Express display. 1996 Hall of Fame "Wilton Rinkel" was greeting everyone with tales of Route 66 in Madison County. Rich was stamping passports & Linda was showing off their rabbit collection and visiting with old and new friends. It was off to the 2001 Hall of Fame "DeCamp Junction" roadhouse. Loren Kovally and Pat Moultrie were greeting roadies. We took the occasion to have a “cool one”. For the best Pizza you’ve ever eaten, their sausage Pizza is tops. The Italian salad & cheese muffin is excellent also. Stop by for good food, cool refreshments and a fun time.

Hamel was greeting roadies with cold water bottles with a neat insulated sock and belt attachment. Hamel always greets us when we come through if on a planned stop or just passing through. They just won’t let you get through without a greeting and a treat. South of Hamel on the double nickel we stopped at the southbound Route 66 rest area. This rest area and the one across I-55 are decorated with Route 66 artwork.

We again hustled the double nickel to the Collinsville Exit #15A. There we traveled a little known section of old “Route 66”. Carl Johnson, Patty Kuhn, Carla Anderson and the IDOT office at Collinsville did some research on our beloved Route 66’s meandering in the Collinsville area. Carla, who was instrumental in arranging our stops in Collinsville, was surprised to learn of Route 66 coming through her town. She contacted IDOT at the local office and received a nice report with dates and routing. This was passed on and was the basis of an excellent article by Carl Johnson in the summer newsletter. Neat thing is that the routing was included in the 2003 Motor Tour.

We tried to gather as many roadies together a couple of miles short of the Cahokia Mounds State historic site. The idea was to have Sgt. Jung & Sgt. Chick lead us into the Mounds site. The good Sgt.’s had contacted several local St. Louis TV stations and had been promised coverage if everything else in the area was quiet. We followed the classic 51 Ford State Police cruiser into the Mounds, but no TV crews were available. Carla and the Cahokia Mounds crew welcomed us to the site. The museum has an awesome display of Native American life in an earlier time. We've been informed that the Cahokia Mounds site is the oldest recorded settlement on Route 66. The movie was exceptional and the site should be visited whenever it can be planned.

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After visiting the Mounds, we followed our planning and stopped at Ramon’s Restaurant for dinner and refreshments. It was nice to sit, relax, eat and visit with our Motor Tour comrades. Our table was graced by many old friends and we met a new couple heading for Australia. What a way to finish the best Motor Tour ever. The Mustang ran perfectly as we motored up Route 66 on the way home. Wait until next year, It’ll be better than ever. Adios Amigos……….