Day 7: Oh, the people we have met!

This trip just keeps getting better and better! If you have ever stood silent in an elevator avoiding eye contact with your fellow passengers, shame on you! You will never hear a really great story if you don't ask. AND, if you can share a great story of your own, you will be rewarded with an even better one in return.

Our EZ 66 Guide for Travelers, written by Jerry McClanahan by the way, highly recommended a visit to the Munger Moss Motel. We did just that. I can't begin to tell you what a delight Ramona Lehman is. She and her husband, Bob own and operate this great motel. Ramona was making up the Pink Room when we found her, but stopped her work to give us the tour. Jerry, we were unable to visit your room, but thank you for sending us there.

Ramona sent us down the road to Wrinks Market. I didn't get the names of the ladies that work there, and I'm sorry as they were just wonderful. They loved the story of the Flat Boys, and took time away from their work (bless their hearts, it was the lunch rush) to post with my guys. Thanks ladies!

We got turned around in Phillipsburg. We missed the "quick" right turn off of HWY C onto HWY CC (we new we were in trouble when we crossed over PP), so we doubled back....again....and asked directions at the Phillipsburg Post Office. This little PO sits in the middle of practically no where, and I'll bet Bonita Jones has met more people from more countries than anyone you have ever met! Bonita took one look at me standing in front of her counter and just knew I was lost. She explained that A LOT of people get lost out there...the Italians are still in front of us, but that's another story. She had compassionately, and cheerfully directed Australians, Japanese, English, and all the other foreign travelers on Route 66. Thanks Bonita, we missed Pam though.

Then we arrived in Spencer where we met Gary Turner. Gary is the friendliest man alive! He has recreated the Gay Parita Sinclair filling station. We almost drove past it, but the little building just called out to us. Walking out the door, just I was walking in was Scott the Route 66 Root Beer guy! He was delivering his root beer to Gary, and treated Hazel and I to his newest offering, Rout 66 Cream Soda. YUM! Thanks Scott.

Gary is just a hoot! He had so much to tell us and so much to give us. We were just having party when "Wombat" stopped to visit. Wombat is traveling from Albany, NY and our paths crossed. The party was on now. Lots of picture taking, posing, and story sharing! Thanks guys for the best time we had today!

Arrived in Carthage and one of us blinked, sneezed, farted....who knows, but we weren't where we should have been. So, into McDonalds for a potty break and perhaps directions. While Hazel made use of the facilities, I asked Wayne Walter and Don Moorehouse "Mr. 66" to help me out. These guys were very patient with me, and then Hazel told them that I just pretend to need directions so I can flirt with strange men in McDonalds. She's such a great friend. The guys didn't hold it against me, and directed us to the Courthouse in Carthage and the Route 66 Dive-In. Guys, we loved the courthouse, but didn't stop for a picture in front of the drive-in....no we didn't get lost AGAIN...it was just too darn hot after walking around the town square.

By the way, the pictures I intended to post with this morning's post are finally where they are supposed to be.

Having a great time...wish you were here!

~ Penny