Route 66 USA
Route 66 USA
From the massive and brilliant architecture in Chicago through the tiny sleepy towns in Texas to the bright lights basin of Hollywood and Los Angeles, Route 66 guides you through everything that America has been in the past 100 years. It’s a legendary trail and the mother of all road trips.
I didn’t know much about it and I hadn’t really planned on going down 66 until a week before I due to leave on my trip. I was originally going to take a separate route using the big interstates. I was going on a Rock Climbing/Skydiving trip to California and Nevada and I thought it would be a lot faster if I just skipped the whole Route66 thing. I love road trips and eventually wanted to do the route, but not on this trip.. How cool could it be anyway? It’s just an old, broken, dying, rusting road, destined for dust and oblivion. I had done a bit of research on the route over the past year. It did sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure if it was worth the longer, arduous trek. The longer, complicated route that zig zagged, dead ended and trailed off to absolutely nowhere at times could have been a waste of time when a straight highway was usually sitting right next to it. BUT.. I went to Chicago last year, where 66 begins and I really enjoyed it. So I decided I’d start out and see what it was like. If it wasn’t great, I could always get on the interstate, get to my destination faster and get more climbing done.
I ended up staying on 66 the entire way and cherished every inch of that road. This trip was strange in that the research I did before I left wasn’t that inspiring..it was the experience in real time that was. That’s why it’s difficult to put it into words. The big cities and small towns, the people, the old, broken, dying, rusting road tells many stories. It’s the battle between old and new, the fascination fuelled by nostalgia and preservation fired by a will to keep this historic route intact and it’s host towns alive.
From the massive and brilliant architecture in Chicago through the tiny sleepy towns in Texas to the bright lights basin of Hollywood and Los Angeles, Route 66 guides you through everything that America has been in the past 100 years. It’s a legendary trail and the mother of all road trips. Contd Below..
I didn’t know much about it and I hadn’t really planned on going down 66 until a week before I due to leave on my trip. I was originally going to take a separate route using the big interstates. I was going on a Rock Climbing/Skydiving trip to California and Nevada and I thought it would be a lot faster if I just skipped the whole Route66 thing. I love road trips and eventually wanted to do the route, but not on this trip.. How cool could it be anyway? It’s just an old, broken, dying, rusting road, destined for dust and oblivion. I had done a bit of research on the route over the past year. It did sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure if it was worth the longer, arduous trek. The longer, complicated route that zig zagged, dead ended and trailed off to absolutely nowhere at times could have been a waste of time when a straight highway was usually sitting right next to it. BUT.. I went to Chicago last year, where 66 begins and I really enjoyed it. So I decided I’d start out and see what it was like. If it wasn’t great, I could always get on the interstate, get to my destination faster and get more climbing done.
I ended up staying on 66 the entire way and cherished every inch of that road. This trip was strange in that the research I did before I left wasn’t that inspiring..it was the experience in real time that was. That’s why it’s difficult to put it into words. The big cities and small towns, the people, the old, broken, dying, rusting road tells many stories. It’s the battle between old and new, the fascination fuelled by nostalgia and preservation fired by a will to keep this historic route intact and it’s host towns alive.
From the massive and brilliant architecture in Chicago through the tiny sleepy towns in Texas to the bright lights basin of Hollywood and Los Angeles, Route 66 guides you through everything that America has been in the past 100 years. It’s a legendary trail and the mother of all road trips. Contd Below..
The Route & How to find your way Though the route is clearly marked in most places with road signs, stamps and landmarks to tell you, yes, you’re on the right path, it can be very easy to get off track. Sometimes the trail ends without warning to dead ends or leads you down roads that aren’t 66. You’ll get turned around a few times for sure.
Phone Apps
I bought 2 apps that cost a total of $2.00. These apps are not very good as apps, but they do have the map and a lot of the landmarks that will let you know if you’re on the right path. Basically that’s all they’re good for and for $2.00, that was fine by me. App #1 – http://www.historicroute66.com App #2 – http://www.carlopinasco.com/Ttl/USA/Route66/
Guide Book
I met a local photographer in Missouri that told me about an abandoned drive in theatre that I needed to visit in Oklahoma. Up to this point, I wasn’t interested in getting a guide book. I was happy with just seeing what I happen to come across and not worrying about every little sight. BUT..after visiting the drive in theatre I got the tip about, I thought maybe having a guide book would save me from missing a gem or two. I found this guide book in a renovated circular barn in Arcadia Oklahoma. It’s really helpful and will make sure you’re on track. It has side trip etc that you can take. You can order one here: http://www.amazon.com/Route-66-GUIDE-Travelers-EDITION/dp/0970995199
How long will it take?
I did it in 11 days (1 way) and felt that I covered most of what I wanted to see and do. I would recommend 10-14 days+ (1 way). Travelling solo allowed me to do whatever I wanted when I wanted, so I was travelling through space and time much faster! It all depends on how you like to travel and what you want to see individually. I was happy to sleep in my car, cook food from my own cooler and portable stove and do really long days. This saved a lot of time.
It only took me 3.5 days to drive home, so my trip was 2 weeks.
Best time to trek
The summer brings nice weather, but it also carries with it the most tourists. There are A LOT of people from Europe and Asia that do this trip. My style of travel is to research a place and know a lot about the areas you’ll be travelling, but not make too many plans or reservations. That leaves things open to opportunities and chance encounters. If you travel in the summer, you will have problems getting accommodation if you don’t book in advance. You might be waiting to take pics of certain signs etc. I went in December and met a few other people doing the trek. Hardly anyone on the roads. It was great! May – September: Nice weather, but heavy tourist numbers. Busy attractions and accommodations. Less awesome I’d say. October – March: Colder weather, but hardly any tourists. Places are still open and the roads are fine to drive on. However you may be unlucky and get snow.
Gas & Oil & Brakes
At times, I would drive up to 100km (62 miles) where there were no gas stations. I definitely had a couple of Oh shit…I’m an idiot!! WHY?? moments. I never did run out though. So if you’re running with less than 100km (62 miles) worth of gas, you’re taking a big risk. There are some areas where there is NOONE around and NOONE coming behind you. Don’t risk it kids. A jerry can may be in order. Also, get CAA or AAA. If you run out of gas, lock your keys in the car or have an auto malfunction, they can rescue you. You’ll also save 5-10% on accommodation in a lot of places if you have CAA/AAA.
OIL: Since this route is about 3500km (2200 miles), you’re likely going to need an oil change at some point. MAKE SURE YOU DO IT. Or you’ll be roastin’ weenies on the open flame.
BRAKES: Have them checked before you go. You don’t want to get busted up on your trip.. OR waste time at some sketchy garage. Or do you? It might be kinda of an adventure.
Where to stay
Well..I slept in my car a lot. You might be travelling with others, but my trip was solo and sleeping in the car was super convenient, uncomfortable and awesome. I did treat myself to hilariously BAD motels here and there for the bed and the experience. There are a lot of strange motels along this route. To a normal person, they do not look appealing..but hey, you’re on 66 and it’s part of the experience. Don’t sell yourself short! The guidebook recommended above has tried and true motel recommendations if you’re feeling afraid. If you have CAA/AAA, you can find places that will save 5-10% on accommodation. Remember..sometimes you’ll want to drive late. The epic and often NEON signs are only…yeah, you got it, lit up at night.
How much??
Here is a simple breakdown of my budget: Remember, I drove over 10,000km (6000 miles) from Toronto, Canada to Santa Monica Pier, California & back. Perhaps you’re driving less distance..
Fuel & Oil- $1100
This is December/January 2015 – gas prices are at a decade low in the US. I had my oil changed in California.
Food – $350
I brought a camping stove, freeze dried food, a 12 litre jug of water and a cooler full of groceries. Stay healthy, hydrated and on budget when you’re travelling. It’s no fun getting sick or feeling tired and gross from not eating well. On this route, it’s mostly diners and fast food. You won’t survive without a good game plan for food! Exceptions should be made for epic diner experiences – Lou Mitchells being one of those.
Hotel..motel..holiday Innn…say what?! – $150
I stayed in 3 motels on 3 nights during my trip. I needed to get out of the car and tent life for 1 night every once in awhile. The shower and bed thing was a nice change. I stayed with a friend in L.A for a few days over Christmas. It should also be noted that I met with a friend in Santa Monica and drove straight back without really stopping. Having 2 drivers meant we never needed to stop to sleep!
Phone – $75
I bought a US simcard and an unlimited data plan with Metro PCS
Health Insurance – $75
DO IT. It’s way cheaper than you think and if you skin your knee in the US, its 1.6 million dollars
Miscellaneous: Celebratory beers / Guidebook / Coffee etc. – $200
Total: $1950
What to see & Do
I have the video above and here are some pics and captions from the trip. You won’t be able to see everything that you find in the guidebooks or websites, so I included my favourites in the video and below in pics.
Phone Apps
I bought 2 apps that cost a total of $2.00. These apps are not very good as apps, but they do have the map and a lot of the landmarks that will let you know if you’re on the right path. Basically that’s all they’re good for and for $2.00, that was fine by me. App #1 – http://www.historicroute66.com App #2 – http://www.carlopinasco.com/Ttl/USA/Route66/
Guide Book
I met a local photographer in Missouri that told me about an abandoned drive in theatre that I needed to visit in Oklahoma. Up to this point, I wasn’t interested in getting a guide book. I was happy with just seeing what I happen to come across and not worrying about every little sight. BUT..after visiting the drive in theatre I got the tip about, I thought maybe having a guide book would save me from missing a gem or two. I found this guide book in a renovated circular barn in Arcadia Oklahoma. It’s really helpful and will make sure you’re on track. It has side trip etc that you can take. You can order one here: http://www.amazon.com/Route-66-GUIDE-Travelers-EDITION/dp/0970995199
How long will it take?
I did it in 11 days (1 way) and felt that I covered most of what I wanted to see and do. I would recommend 10-14 days+ (1 way). Travelling solo allowed me to do whatever I wanted when I wanted, so I was travelling through space and time much faster! It all depends on how you like to travel and what you want to see individually. I was happy to sleep in my car, cook food from my own cooler and portable stove and do really long days. This saved a lot of time.
It only took me 3.5 days to drive home, so my trip was 2 weeks.
Best time to trek
The summer brings nice weather, but it also carries with it the most tourists. There are A LOT of people from Europe and Asia that do this trip. My style of travel is to research a place and know a lot about the areas you’ll be travelling, but not make too many plans or reservations. That leaves things open to opportunities and chance encounters. If you travel in the summer, you will have problems getting accommodation if you don’t book in advance. You might be waiting to take pics of certain signs etc. I went in December and met a few other people doing the trek. Hardly anyone on the roads. It was great! May – September: Nice weather, but heavy tourist numbers. Busy attractions and accommodations. Less awesome I’d say. October – March: Colder weather, but hardly any tourists. Places are still open and the roads are fine to drive on. However you may be unlucky and get snow.
Gas & Oil & Brakes
At times, I would drive up to 100km (62 miles) where there were no gas stations. I definitely had a couple of Oh shit…I’m an idiot!! WHY?? moments. I never did run out though. So if you’re running with less than 100km (62 miles) worth of gas, you’re taking a big risk. There are some areas where there is NOONE around and NOONE coming behind you. Don’t risk it kids. A jerry can may be in order. Also, get CAA or AAA. If you run out of gas, lock your keys in the car or have an auto malfunction, they can rescue you. You’ll also save 5-10% on accommodation in a lot of places if you have CAA/AAA.
OIL: Since this route is about 3500km (2200 miles), you’re likely going to need an oil change at some point. MAKE SURE YOU DO IT. Or you’ll be roastin’ weenies on the open flame.
BRAKES: Have them checked before you go. You don’t want to get busted up on your trip.. OR waste time at some sketchy garage. Or do you? It might be kinda of an adventure.
Where to stay
Well..I slept in my car a lot. You might be travelling with others, but my trip was solo and sleeping in the car was super convenient, uncomfortable and awesome. I did treat myself to hilariously BAD motels here and there for the bed and the experience. There are a lot of strange motels along this route. To a normal person, they do not look appealing..but hey, you’re on 66 and it’s part of the experience. Don’t sell yourself short! The guidebook recommended above has tried and true motel recommendations if you’re feeling afraid. If you have CAA/AAA, you can find places that will save 5-10% on accommodation. Remember..sometimes you’ll want to drive late. The epic and often NEON signs are only…yeah, you got it, lit up at night.
How much??
Here is a simple breakdown of my budget: Remember, I drove over 10,000km (6000 miles) from Toronto, Canada to Santa Monica Pier, California & back. Perhaps you’re driving less distance..
Fuel & Oil- $1100
This is December/January 2015 – gas prices are at a decade low in the US. I had my oil changed in California.
Food – $350
I brought a camping stove, freeze dried food, a 12 litre jug of water and a cooler full of groceries. Stay healthy, hydrated and on budget when you’re travelling. It’s no fun getting sick or feeling tired and gross from not eating well. On this route, it’s mostly diners and fast food. You won’t survive without a good game plan for food! Exceptions should be made for epic diner experiences – Lou Mitchells being one of those.
Hotel..motel..holiday Innn…say what?! – $150
I stayed in 3 motels on 3 nights during my trip. I needed to get out of the car and tent life for 1 night every once in awhile. The shower and bed thing was a nice change. I stayed with a friend in L.A for a few days over Christmas. It should also be noted that I met with a friend in Santa Monica and drove straight back without really stopping. Having 2 drivers meant we never needed to stop to sleep!
Phone – $75
I bought a US simcard and an unlimited data plan with Metro PCS
Health Insurance – $75
DO IT. It’s way cheaper than you think and if you skin your knee in the US, its 1.6 million dollars
Miscellaneous: Celebratory beers / Guidebook / Coffee etc. – $200
Total: $1950
What to see & Do
I have the video above and here are some pics and captions from the trip. You won’t be able to see everything that you find in the guidebooks or websites, so I included my favourites in the video and below in pics.
