I have wanted to do a Route 66 trip for some time.  Over the last month or so, I've planned a route to travel the Illinois portion of the road (it starts in Chicago), possibly getting into Missouri a little (I even did a dry run drive from Chicago to Springfield last month).  I will be taking this trip as a lead-in to the annual gathering this year and would like to invite you to join me.

 

There was some consideration of doing the trip separate from the gathering, but given situations at work, this may be the only chance I have this year.  Also, my thought was that if there are people coming to Effingham that are not from the midwest, they may not have this chance again soon.

 

I have some thoughts put together about where we would visit, who and what we would see and where we would eat and stay, but I won't bore you with those here.

 

If you are interested in joining me, please let me know.  My current plan includes starting near Joliet, IL on Sunday morning, 5/15/11 and arriving in Effingham no later than the early evening of Wed 5/18 (the night before the official start of the gathering).  Feel free to respond to this thread or pm me.

 

Oh, and if you don't see a response from me soon, don't worry.  I will be out of the country for the next week or so and I'm not sure what access I'll have while gone.

 

Are we there yet?!

 

PS  I'm thinking of doing the Missouri to Albuquerque stretch next year if you're planning your calendar that far out!

I did St. Louis to Albuquerque last year. Pretty country and many things to see.

I'll be coming down from Wisconsin, just not sure when.  Depends on work schedules and other things going on.  I have reservations in Effingham begenning the 18th.

 

I grew up close to Route 66 near Pontiac, IL., which is between Joliet and Bloomington.

My brother is still on the family farm near Pontiac and he says the Pontiac Chamber of Commerce has a lot of info on the "Historic Route 66"  Much to see and do.  I'll have him check it out.

 

Depending on timing, I might be able to meet you in Pontiac.

 

We'll stay in touch.

 

Dean

 

Would love to have you join!  I'll keep folks informed with the full route and plan as we get closer