An American Road
The blogs this week follow a patriotic theme.
July 5, 2012 (Thursday)
“Get your kicks on route sixty-six” are the familiar lyrics of an old song based on the highway that stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles through eight states. Route 66.
Many people choose to take the old highway–rerouted in part and renamed in places–instead of the Interstate highways because of the sights they get to see along the way.
In its heyday, the road hosted many different places of interest: The Painted Desert, the Grand Canyon, and Meteor Crater in Arizona. Many kinds of businesses sprang up on the roadside. There were motels that had rooms shaped like teepees, frozen custard stands, Indian curio shops, and reptile farms. Businesses and special attractions advertised on barns. The highway became symbolic of the kind of folks who live in America and the type of things they enjoy.
The old highway provided enjoyment along the way, as you made your way from points along the way to the next stop up the road. It was just one more thing you could love about this great country.
Interstate highways provide safety, comfort and speed for the travelers today. But everyone is free to take a little extra time to meander away from the sea of concrete, and sail the calmer waters of the old roads that take them through the heart of the small towns and alongside the roadside peddlers.
Don’t you just love this country? It’s truly great.
