Announcement:
I’m making some changes, here at the Back Porch. In the process, my blog list evaporated!! I am in the midst of visiting all of you, my wonderful readers, through your comments, trying to restore my list.
Please bear with me, through this transition! I hope you continue to visit, while I take care of this little dilemma!
***The follower list has been in and out, the past couple of days. I think it will be okay.
It’s my regular blog list that has disappeared. It needed some editing, so this is a good time to update.
Thanks, everyone!
Friday was a beautiful day, in the Ozarks; perfect for a day trip.
We packed a picnic lunch, then drove to Bennett Spring State Park.
This was the view from our table.
Bennett Spring is a place of many happy childhood memories, for me.
After lunch, we continued our day trip exploring, with a drive to a new rest stop, between Lebanon and Springfield.
I smile, as I type, because who in the world would turn a stop at a rest area into day trip exploration? J and Pat, that’s who!
As many of you know, I grew up in a small town along Rte 66, the Mother Road. If you travel through Lebanon, Missouri, located on I-44, be sure to stop by the Library and take a tour of the Rte 66 museum.
I traveled old Rte 66, between Illinois and California, as a child. Trips to visit my grandparents, in Texas, began on the old highway.
We travel I-44, from St Clair, to Springfield, quite often; always looking for the old road that still meanders through the countryside.
There are historic markers, along the way. Once in awhile we rediscover an ancient, long abandoned, filling station or cabin.
One of several picnic table shelters, built to resemble long ago structures along Rte 66.
The floor, inside the welcome center.
I don’t have a memory of where we turned south, from Rte 66, toward our Dallas destination, during childhood travels. I was asleep in the back seat, because we always started our trips to Texas in the wee small hours of the morning.
We might have to stop back, after dark, to see this sign all lit up.
All of the above and Burma Shave, too! Do you remember Burma Shave signs, along the highway?
Before returning east, on I-44, we stopped at Marshfield for limeades, at a drive-in.
Approaching Lebanon, from the west.
Remember the sign, outside the welcome center? This is the original, in Lebanon. That’s old Rte 66 to the left. The motel opened way back when Rte 66 ran through my old home town, before I-44.
For a history of Munger Moss and great photos, click HERE. It’s a website I think you will enjoy; I know I did!
As long as we were feeling nostalgic, we took a different, than usual, route back to the lake. We drove the road to Eldridge and Hwy D, which took us past Ha Ha Tonka State Park to Hwy 54. This is the way we drove to the lake, from Lebanon, when I was a youngster.
Here we are, back at the lake. This photo was taken, while crossing Grand Glaize Bridge, at Lake of the Ozarks.
Get Your Kicks on Rte 66
Chorus
Mister . . . may I . . . recommend a royal route?
It starts in Illinois, let me tell you boy!
If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway, that's the best!
Get your kicks . . . on Route 66!
Lyrics by Bobby Troup
(I’m old enough to remember who Bobby Troup was!)
Stop by Susan’s A Southern Day Dreamer, for Outdoor Wednesday, each week.

72 comments:
Hi Pat. Thanks for bringing me there with you.
As a passionate bikers, me and hubby have a lifetime dream, to drive along the Route 66 on our bike, discovering the states while driving through. Maybe one day, who knows?
Hi Pat, your pictures are just wonderful! I will have to bring my hubby in to see these!
So sorry about your blog list. Acckk!
Barb :-)
Ah, the memories. Do you think young folks even know what Route 66 is? Well, I grew up in Oklahoma, so I do. But then I'm in the over 50 crowd. Yes, you can turn most anything into a wonderful road trip. It's the "glass half-full" charm you have, Pat!
Brenda
Your great photos made me feel like I took a trip down Rte. 66 myself this morning. Enjoyed it! Thanks!
Pat-Thanks so much for sharing these pictures. Ohh--the lake is so gorgeous! I'm afraid I have not been able to convince my husband of the merits of pleasure day trips--he seems so destination oriented :) Love the Route 66 tour (cherry limeade is one of my favorites too)!
Great pics! There is something great about a cherry limeade, love those!
~Michelle
What wonderful photographs and memories.
I was a follower - let us know how we can rejoin.
Carol
Great pictures, Pat. H and I trout fished in Bennett Springs several times in the 70's. We are headed that way today from the lake.
I lost my list about 6 weeks ago and then it just came back again. There was a problem with the Google accounts. I read yesterday on someone's blog that they had lost their's too. Hopefully, it is just a small problem and can be resolved soon.
Take care and have a great day.
Charla
ADDITION - Your list is there now. It is 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Charla
Oh, Dear Pat! More gorgeous pictures! The fishing looks great! I've been on Route 66 in California but it didn't look like this! Oh, I remember the Route 66 song sung by Nat King Cole and I remember the weekly TV show called Route 66 where the two guys traveled around in the corvette!
This was great!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0
Fabulous photos.
What beautiful photos
Yes I remember the burma shave signs we would read them going to my grandparents in SD
I also remember the show that came out.
Thanks for the memories.
God bless
Pat, what beautiful pictures and memories you drummed up for me. It's been "years" since we've been to Lebanon. I would love if Mr. P felt like taking a day or so and tour the area once again. I hope you get your blog list built back again, I'm wondering why does that happen? Have a super Tuesday..
hugs ~lynne~
Thank you for sharing your trip on Route 66, Pat ... Your photos are beautiful, as always, and make me want to visit Lebanon and see it all for myself.
On a vacation in the West several years ago, we traveled Route 66 from California to somewhere in Oklahoma, and enjoyed it very much. I'd love to travel its entirety and take pictures along the way. What a vacation that would be!
What a nostalgic trip! Not only for you, but for me, also. Maybe not Route 66, but it is so reminiscent of the road trips of my youth. Thanks for a great post. Sally
Thanks Pat for the fun trip, loved every picture! Springfield is my hometown and my SIL still lives there. Add me back to your list to follow, please!
joy c. at http://grannymountain.blogspot.com
I think one of the best things about blogging is that I can go places and not have to pack! Your photos were so great...it is almost like being there. It sounds like you had a great day my friend!
I have been in the lost blog list shoes before...it stinks...but you will see that we all show up sooner or later cause we just can't stay away!
have a great week
Me too Me too. . . My late husband and I traveled Route 66 (and part of it was a dirt road in NV) from Normal, IL to CA (Sunset & Vine) with a stop in Las Vegas - 1961. The pictures you took are treasures of my memories. We have a stop like yours - a truck stop outside (I believe Atlanta, IL - it's been so long since I've been back there). I've been in FL over 20 years but go back to see my 93 year old daddy yearly. Thanks for the memories. Blessings, Janet
What a beautiful trip Pat! I remember lots of trips from Tulsa to Shawnee on route 66 as a kid to see my grandparents. but I never went across the country like so many others did.
I'm still on blog break, but just visiting a few of my favorites!
love, Dana
Thanks for the Trip! And all the best with redesigning..., I always had fun changing things around.
Hi Pat, this is all very familiar territory to me, as I live in Springfield. Love your Bennett Springs photos, and yes, of course a cherry limeade from Sonic is my constant companion on the road! I've had happen to me exactly what happened with the blog list.
Have a great week, I'm looking forward to your fall photos at the Lake.
Debra
Great photos, wonderful trip.I wonder what is making that red reflection next to the solitary fisherman who is wearing all white/tan.
Pat, Did you get your kicks... on Rt. 66...?
Thanks for the tour. Bennet Spring State Park looks gorgeous. Fishing, hiking, picnics.... gotta get it all in while the weather is still beautiful!
I would've stopped for a Sonic cherry lime, too. Extra cherry flavoring, of course!
:-) Sue
I LOVED this post!
I also traveled on the old Route 66!
We now live "just" off Highway 44 in northern CA.
I am also familiar with your Ozarks!
One of my favorite people lives in Jeff City.
Great pictures and it sounds like it was a wonderful trip! Glad you had fun!
I have stayed at the Menger many times! I know the exact spot where you took the photo of the couple fishing. I love cherry limeades, too, with extra diet cherry syrup, thank you!
Hi Pat! Route 66 runs through downtown Edmond where I live. We've taken it before from Edmond to Springfield. My kids still talk about seeing a tree full of shoes! Lots of people have thrown stray shoes up into the tree. It's fun to take the backroads...we don't do it often enough.
What a beautiful place for a picnic! I miss picnics in the winter time, so we try to go on plenty during the other 3 seasons.
I'm putting that museum on my list of 'museums to visit'!
Pat, I forgot to mention this but I had lost my blogs I follow too just a few days ago and had to load it all back - one by one! I had waited and hoped it would come back, but it didn't. But you are right - it's a way to get it all organized again.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Love all of the pictures. What memories you must have. I just love the old time gas pump and motel sign. Sorry to hear about losing you blog list. Some times these computers can be so frustating!! Have great week.
Pat, I hope you find your way back to me. ;-)
This post is wonderful. My husband and I have always wanted to travel Route 66. I will be showing him your great post.
Well what a trip you had! We have the western end of Route 66 out here. For quite a distance through AZ and eastern desert of Ca there is not much to look at, being there is nothing out there. I cannot even imagine driving that road back in the days when we ha no a/c in the car. UGH!
It sure seems like so many people are having trouble with Blogger lately. UGH!
Well good luck with your "housecleaning". What a project!
Have a great evening!
Karen @ Some Days Are Diamonds
O, Pat...hope you can find me again!! I won't lose YOU, tho, so ...I am thinking your list will come back. Some others have had the same problem...some returned...some didn't. Like you, I need to redo my list anyway....
I enjoyed every single one of your photos....such a fun trip.
Great photos! I loved the trip. Hugs
Hi Pat,
So sorry about your blog list. I hope you find everyone. Let me know if you need any help.
A limeade sounds really good right now.
Love the photos!!
Rosemary
Sorry to hear about yourblog list disappearing! Your dat trip sounds wonderful. You find the best places to visit in your area. I need to visit there someday. Did I ever tell you that my Mom grew up in Ozark, Arkansas?
Hugs,
Penny
Cool sites! My favorite? The Sonic Cherry Limeade! lol
Don't forget me! I'm a loyal follower, though I don't always comment.
Pat your pictures are always so amazing, colorful and interesting. I love the last picture of the boat on the lake - so pretty.
Hugs - karen
Great memories. We traveled the western part of Route 66 when I was a kid. I remember the Teepee Motel! We also used to travel old Hwy 40 from Columbia to Kansas City...lots of old landmarks on that Hwy too! And we went to Bagnall Dam via Missouri Hwy 63.
When we get back to Southern Mo, we'll be sure to check out the Visitors Center!
Thanks for the MARVELOUS virtual tour. Your photos are lovely and the area fascinating. I do remember those Burma Shave signs and the old gas pumps too though I'm a West Coast gal so most of this territory is new to me. Hope you recover your Blog List. Strange things happen from time to time at Blogger and at WordPress too ;--)
Hugs and blessings,
Pat, these photos are wonderful, and this was such an entertaining and interesting post. What a great Visitor's Center with the old gas pumps and the Route 66 memorabilia! This looks like such a fun trip.
I know you just visited my blog, but if you get time, please come back and get information to send a card to someone who needs a lot of cards very quickly. Thanks so much. laurie
What a fun trip! I enjoyed your photos. I hope to travel it someday...
Thanks for the lovely trip!
Debbykay @ Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm
PS -- LOVE your blog header! Fabulous!
So gorgeous Pat! We are all so lucky to be Americans and to have such a beautiful country like we do. All lovely and scenic photos.
Thank you very much for telling me about you and your Sister's experiences. I hope all is well with her now. I must admit it's been a very scary week for me. I had so many food changes to make quickly. I did not have a choice and my fear is motivating me for sure.
~Blessings my friend, Melissa :)
What a wonderful outdoor historical post! Loved it all. I do remember Burma Shave signs but we saw them in the most peculiar place in the state of Washington on our route to church :0)
Oh, Pat, thank you for this tour. I am a transplant, so I learned about the Old Rte 66 through readings. This is a nice virtual tour. Your photos are gorgeous! I've quite a few of the blue memorial star in my travels.
P.S. Have you ever thought of making a back up of your blog?
Ebie's Watery Outdoors.
Hi Pat,
What cool pics and a fun post! I lived in Illinois until I was 14 and remember fondly traveling along that road! I love the neat old signs, such a nostalgic feel! Cindy
Hi Pat,
What a great trip, and the pics are wonderful!
I have never been to your part of the country..
Have you ever been to Long Island??
That was fun! I've never been there but most likely will be one day since my husband will likely have to come back to Branson, MO for his work at Sight and Sound many times over the years to come.
I just have to find out when you don't have humidity...I hate that! The photos make it look like it is perfect weather just now.
Becky K.
Hospitality Lane
Absolutely fabulous post, Pat! I've aways wanted to drive along the old Route 66! We just came back from a long road trip in the West ( drove from Denver almost 3,000 miles around four states) and we saw so many amazing sights. We live in a big beautiful country! Happy Outdoor Wednesday!
XO Pat
When I was going into second grade, my family moved from Chicago to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We took Highway 66. I remember the Burma Shave Signs, the old gas pumps and, and, and. Thanks for the memories, Pat. Photos you posted are the best.
Joyce M
I love the new look of your blog... but sorry that you lost your list :(
Thanks for such a great trip down nostalgia!
If you get a chance please stop by and say hi!
TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥
What a great trip and what great photographs. Looks like you had a really great time. Don't you love road trips?
Please stop by and say hi if you get a chance.
Great pictures! My husband and I have driven the full link of RTE 66 a couple of times. We love it!
Pat,
I enjoyed this beautiful historical post so much as I do all of yours. I wanted to enjoy a day at Bennett Springs and spend it with Mr B.
I am looking forward to retirement in about 7-8 years! You seem to have so much fun.
Your new blog renovation looks great and I love the large gorgeous pictures. So Sorry about your list. It happened to me not so long ago!
I was wondering what was the name of the beautiful color of golden Yellow paint you used in your home? I don't know if I could find it.
Thanks, Beth
Neat photographs...thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear that you lost your blog posts. Hope you are able to restore things. Happy Outdoor Wednesday!
What a fabulous set of photos, I love seeing your pictures of the Ozarks and those of Rte 66 are so nostalgic - I never travelled it but I do remember the song - the Chuck Berry version. In those days visiting the USA was an dream I never thought would be fulfilled, I never imagined I'd cross the Atlantic as many times as I have. America with its drive-in movies, diners,enormous Cadillacs, soda fountains and high school proms was a fairy tale place. And this time next week I'll be there again:)
I loved traveling with you on this historic road. Yes! I remember Burma Shave and milkshakes...I still drink those. Milkshakes, that is, not Burma Shave!
I love your picture; they're so sharp. Make sure you keep me on your blogroll.
I love that floor in the Welcome Center! And your photos and story are just fantastic; must be lots of fun to drive that route.
I commiserate with you about losing your blog list, that happened to me three times several months ago and it's a real pain in the a@@! Hope it won't take too long to get back up Pat!
those photos remind me of our visit to Missouri in 1996. I kept thinking we'd be back before now.
We picniced on the merimac river and went to the caves supposedly used by the James gang. It was so green. And then the rain came down and I was shocked at the intensity.
I'd like to drive route 66.
By the way, growing up, we had a Burma shave sign(s) within a mile of our house
30 days
hath September
April June
and the speed offender.
Burma shave
I never forgot it
Pat, this must have been a labor of love for you. It's one on the best thought out posts I've ever seen, but it looks like a staggering amount of work went into its creation. I really appreciate it. Your photos and collages are wonderful. I hope you are having a great day.
What a gorgeous area of Missouri you live in. I have been to St. Louis and it isn't that pretty. Your photos are so wonderful and nostalgic, what a delightful pleasure to see them. If I am ever in that area again, perhaps I will seek out Route 66. Hugs, Cindy S.
I loved traveling with you on this historic road. I love riute 66. I love to see in movies.
amazing post!
xoxo
Not only do you take wonderful day trips, Pat, you share such fabulous memories of your childhood. Route 66 runs through the Western suburbs of Chicago, where I grew up. And the words to the Route 66 song ring a bell. I was born in 1960...
I'd love to visit the museum, I love that sort of nostaglia. Everything looks so well kept and maintained there. And your photos are captivating as usual. Thank goodness for your computer. Imagine the photo albums you would have!! Sorry about your recent computer woes...
Enjoy the rest of your week., Pat!
xoxo
Jane
Thank you for sharing the pictures from Missouri. I'm planning a trip there, hopefully, next year. My mother was born in Brookfield and I would like to visit tat area and work on my genealogy. LOVE your blog!
Do I remember Route 66!! My father was in the Coast Guard, and we traveled the country many times when I was a child. I sure do remember those Burma Shave ads, and my mother's delight in them. Thanks for the lovely 'day trip'.
Great pictures.
Route 66... kids these days think it's just a big drink at Sonic. Great photos :-)
Sunshine,
~Julia
I would be honored to make it back on your list - but if I don't, that's okay... I'll still love you anyway!!!
;-)
Kim
Fabulous pics! Wow! Thanks for sharing!
xoxoxoxox
Donna Marie
wonderful trip! Great photos! Enjoyed the sights!
Looks like a great time to me!
Hugs,
Cathie
Looks like a gorgeous trip! That last photo at the park is soooo pretty! I ALWAYS have to get a Cherry Limeaid when we go to Sonic!
Manuela
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