We flew from Heathrow to Chicago, to the start of Historic Route 66. Also known as the Mother Road it was the main route for people travelling west in search of a better life. It was established in 1926. Many businesses grew up along the route, particularly motels, restaurants and petrol stations. It travels through eight states, ending at Santa Monica Pier in California.
Probably my favourite road trip so far, I loved all the iconic buildings and signs along the route. I really enjoyed visiting Chicago, St Louis and Oklahoma. The quirky tourist attractions like the Cadillac Ranch and all the museums were fascinating. We met lots of friendly people, all very proud to share their knowledge of ‘their’ part of the route.
We travelled 3,000 miles in just over three weeks.
Click on the photo to see more photographs from each state.
Chicago, Illinois – The BeanSt Louis, Missouri – view from Gateway ArchKansas – iconic Route 66 signOklahoma City, Oklahoma – National MemorialShamrock, Texas – Conoco gas stationTucumcari, New MexicoPainted Desert – ArizonaSanta Monica, California – pier
Andy planned this road trip in order to visit the states he had not previously visited, so although it follows a line from east to west there are some kinks in the route! (He has now been to all the states on mainland USA). It was also a chance to meet Paul Duffy and his family, whose mother was a Dursley girl who married an American soldier. Paul and Andy have been corresponding for many years but had never met.
We travelled nearly 5,000 miles over 24 days, visiting 21 states from Massachusetts to Washington. The temperature ranged from 0C to 36C (32F to 97F). There were many highlights including Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park and Salt Lake City.
We visited Estonia with friends Kim and Steve, whose daughter, Emily, lives there. We flew to Tallinn and spent three days there before hiring a car and driving to Tartu for the remainder of the holiday. We went in October and the autumn colours were beautiful. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment which was comfortable and central (and close to Emily’s apartment).
Estonia is an interesting country with very varied architecture and lots of lakes and forests. Highlights for us were watching Emily perform in the ballet ‘Lageda Laulud’, following the ‘Onion Trail’ along Peipsii Lake and visiting the Estonian National Museum.
