Illinois

Howdy from the road, fiends! (Tethering is fun.)

At this moment, we’re driving along Old 66; far away from the interstate. Towns of 600 and 800 population dot the landscape. But I have to back up a bit first.

Joliet was our first stop, as you know. We went downtown this morning after breakfast and walked around. Some quaint shops and a couple of interesting things to see, but the Route 66 museums and visitor centers were not yet open at 7 a.m. on a Sunday. So we walked and looked and didn’t hurry.

This isn’t Route 66-related, but it was a sight to behold all the same. Take a look at the photos of Joliet Township High School — although they won’t do the place justice. The building — built in 1901 — takes up an entire city block. Look at the architecture. Kind of like Gothic/Roman meets medieval haunted castle meets Mansfield Correctional Institution. We wished that it would have been open for a tour.

We also experienced our first Muffler Man sighting, although we couldn’t get inside the minor league ballpark (where the Joliet Jackhammers play) to see it up close. So I peered through the stadium chain link fence:

Anyway, onward we went, off the beaten trail and onto Historic 66, which runs right alongside the interstate in many places.

First stop was Wilmington, IL. Of course, we had to get a photo taken at our second Muffler Man discovery:

On the way to Odell right now, to unearth an old 1930s Sinclair gas station. More later — we love not being in a hurry to get somewhere. Weird feeling….

XO

6 thoughts on “Illinois

  1. Mary Sims

    I love the things you are seeing. My husband would too. I think he has always wanted to take a trip like that. Or any trip where we are not in a hurry.

    Reply
  2. Mavis

    Oh my! That high school looks extremely forbidding, eh? Like a place you go into…but can never leave. Mwahahahahaaaa. Spooky!

    I LOVE the Muffler Man picture! Question – who took the photo for you? I love your pose! The MM is looking down to see who is hugging his leg. :0)

    Keep those photos and interesting tales coming, luv! Remember, I’m right along with you guys and having the time of my life!

    LOVE YOU!!

    M.

    Reply
    1. Rat Fink Post author

      Is that the creepiest school EVAA??? I can imagine being the new kid from podunk somewhere…

      A nice biker who was taking a drink break at the Launching Pad Restaurant picnic tables (where Mr. Gemini Giant stands) took our photo for us. He told us that he’s meeting friends from the Netherlands there, and is showing them around Route 66. How cool!

      More updates soon — I’m shutting this box down for now and enjoying some scenery. More to come! LOVE YOU

      Reply
  3. Suzanne

    That school is awesome!!! Love the pics and story, am looking forward to more!

    From The Netherlands!?? Wish it was us!!!

    But no we are headed somewhere else…..

    Reply
  4. BoomR

    Girlie – we are DEFINITELY going to stay in Greek Town at the casino/hotel the next time. WAAAaaaay cooler part of town than the Doubletree! We love the little Greek diner we found & had breakfast there both mornings.

    I **LOVE** the school! But doesn’t Joliet have a big state correctional facility? Maybe they got a 2-for-1 deal! LOL :-)

    Back from Motor City about 4pm today – can’t wait to see you guys on Tues!!! WOW!

    SMEWCH!!

    Reply

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