5/7/12- Expect the Unexpected

Devil's Elbow on the Big Piney

Route 66 runs through some beautiful country here in Missouri.  While it’s true much of the route follows the interstate (or should I say the interstate follows the 66 route), often times 66 veers away from the noise and bore of the highway into quiet, rolling countryside with 60 year old steel bridges, stone walls, murals, and of course, giants. 

Though we missed some anticipated sites for one reason or another, we were rewarded by others.  Cuba’s murals are as varied as they are creative; from farm details, to the Civil War, to Harry Truman’s visit, to 66 memories, it’s worth a trip to view these murals.  Off the route near Arlington, a private resident has an obsession with rock sculpture – the wackiest (and most sensitive) of which is an ornate archway honoring the Trail of Tears; and just beyond are the ghostly remains of Stony Dell resort.  Both of these proved the oddity and history of 66.  A short but beautiful nature drive is through the Devil’s Elbow (named for a bend in the Big Piney River) across a 1923 bridge with a lovely view of the valley uphill.  Though we didn’t stay overnight, we did stop at the historic Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon to purchase a postcard and chat with staffer Clint.  When he discovered we were traveling the entire route, he asked us to say hello to Dan at the t-shirt shop on the Santa Monica Pier.  It’s amazing how these people are all connected.  We also visited the wonderful Route 66 Museum in the Lebanon Public Library with memorabilia and re-creations of a 66 era service station and diner. 

What's left of the Stony Dell

And, finally, we’d heard of Rest Haven Court in Springfield, MO and their wonderful neon sign.  Personally, I thought they’d turned it into a retirement home after hearing the name, but we were pleasantly surprised to find it’s still a beloved Route 66 motel, and it’s from Room 27 that I write this post tonight.  Seeing that incredible neon sign against the night sky reaffirms the truth of this trip – mother & daughter on the Mother Road.

Happy Trails, S