Today's Firebird Cruise-- Part 5: Trying to Reason With 'Dairy Air', Chain O' Lakes State Park and Fred Hatch (Inventor of Today's Farm Silo)

JULY 26, 2021

I took English Prairie Road to Wilmot Road (which goes north into Wisconsin and becomes Highway W once you cross the state line.  This road then goes to the small town of Wilmot, Wisconsin.

One word of warning about the next stretch of Wilmot Road going south.  Richardson Farm uses manure on their fields and certain times of the year, with the wind generally blowing from the west and you're on the east side of those fields.  Well, you can imagine the "Dairy Air" as we call it.

A short distance south after the smell and you come to the entrance to the Illinois State Chain O'Lakes Park.  This is one popular place for boating and camping during the summer.  They have free launching which will cost you at least $20 anywhere else on the Chain of Lakes.

The Cole Cemetery is across from a funeral home on this road and up front you will see a tombstone with the name "Hatch" on it.  This is where Fred Hatch is buried.  He is the one credited with inventing today's silos.

At Main Street, there is a large horse farm and a smaller one.

Once at US-12, the name Wilmot Road changes to Johnsburg Road heading south.  Like I said, in our area, be ready for road name changes.  At this point, you start going up a steep hill that is what we call a tree tunnel as it is fairly well canopied with the tops of trees.  We love our tree tunnels.  Again, anyone who thinks Illinois is just one big flat state needs to come take a ride around our area.

Illinois Around Here "Ain't Flat."  --RoadBird

Today's Firebird Cruise-- Part 4: All Those Road Names, Richardson Adventure Farm and the English Are Coming

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

I have already mentioned that most every north-south road in Spring Grove, upon crossing US-12, has a different name.  However, the one I started out on, Meyer Road, changes its name to Blivin St. for a real short distance and when it crosses Main Street, where the Grove bar/restaurant is located, it changes names again, this time to Richardson Road, a name it keep all the way to Illinois Highway 173, up near the Wisconsin border.

On Richardson Road, you pass several farms and subdivisions as well as you can see the Richardson Adventure Farm off in the distance to the east.  This is a family that has been here a long time and for whom the road here is named.  This is a huge tourist attraction in the area, especially in the fall when they have all sorts of stuff going on and claim to have the world's biggest corn maze.  

In August they will be having a sunflower festival.  Better not tell my little birdies that hang out be the feeders around the house about this as they absolutely love sunflower seeds as to my squirrels.

Today, I decided to turn on English Prairie Road instead of going all the way north to 173.  Spring Grove and Johnsburg were settled by a lot of German people, but a lot of English people settled around this area.  You will go right by the entrance to Richardson Adventure Farm on this road.

--RoadDog

Today's Firebird Cruise-- Part 3: US-12 Through Chicago's Northwest Suburbs and Spring Grove

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

One thing about roads in Spring Grove, Illinois, is that everyone one of them has a different name depending upon which side of US-12 you are on.  Through Spring Grove, US-12 is essentially an east- -to-west road (while going through Chicago's Northwest Suburbs it runs southeast-to-northwest).

Meyer Road becomes Blivin Street north of US-12.  Once over the railroad tracks, you will find the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery to your left (west) and a small park on Nippersink Creek with a canoe launch and a plaque and a model of the first silo in the United States invented by Fred Hatch of Spring Grove.

The fish hatchery and the silo are probably Spring Grove's two greatest claims to fame.

At Main Street, there is an old bank that has now been converted into a lawyer's office and a bar/restaurant named the Grove that has an excellent outside seating area and lots of live entertainment.  This building dates back to before 1900 and has been in use ever since as a bar or restaurant, usually both.

One time we were there, we saw two horses tied up to the fence.  Yep, we're kind of like out in the country in Spring Grove.

--RoadDog

Today's Firebird Cruise-- Part 2: A Civil War Connection, the Iron Brigade Highway

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

Well, now actually yesterday's Firebird Cruise.

US-12 starts in downtown Detroit, Michigan, and goes through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin and on out to Washington state.  This section of 12 is also called the Iron Brigade Highway after the famed fighting group from the Civil War: 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin, 19th Indiana and 24th Michigan.  They fought in most all of the major battles of the Army of the Potomac in the Civil War's Eastern Theater.

They also suffered huge casualties, especially at the Battle of Gettysburg on the first day.  I have written a lot about their commander for much of the brigade's existence, Edward S. Bragg, from Wisconsin in my Saw the Elephant: Civil War blog.  As a matter of fact, a Wisconsin state senator has proposed that Fort Bragg in North Carolina be simply renamed Fort Bragg after the Union Bragg instead of the Confederate Braxton Bragg.

Of course, I am really interested in the Civil War.  Two other US Highways in our area also have Civil War connections.  US-6 is the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, named after the post Civil War Union veterans organization.  Then, US-20 is the U.S. Grant Highway as he was living in Galena, Illinois, at the outbreak of the war.  US-20 goes right by it.

And, US-12 is one really busy road.  As a matter of fact, I call it the U.S. 12 Speedway as if you do the speed limit, you get run over, especially when it becomes a four lane road in Fox Lake, to the south of Spring Grove.

--RoadBrigade

Today's Firebird Cruise-- Part 1: It Ain't That Flat, All Those Parks and All That Corn and Those Subdivisions

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

Nice, hot day, today.  Just perfect for a cruise in the old car, with the window down, arm out the window and tunes blaring from the radio.

I did a loop through Spring Grove and Johnsburg, Illinois, about 18 miles total.  In that time, I went by five parks, two agricultural tourist farms, lots of corn and soybeans as well as McHenry County's newest growth, the numerous subdivisions.  Also, lots of farms.  Beware of farm equipment on the roads at all times around here.  I've even seen big old tractors pulled up in front of some local drinking establishments and no parade would be complete without tractors.

Anyone that thinks all of Illinois is perfectly flat might change their mind around here.  We have several good-sized "Hills."

First, I took Sunset Road west to Meyer Road through real high corn.  Then north on Meyer and down a good-sized hill, past the Spring Grove Village Hall to US-12.  Wait and wait and wait for a break in the traffic and I'm on my merry way.

Even better today, I finally remembered to bring along one of my cassettes.  Yep, the Firebird radio also has a cassette deck on it.  I listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show salute to Summer 2020, Vol. 2, which I had recorded last year.  Yep, I still record on cassettes.  As a matter of fact, I recorded a large part of Bob's show yesterday when he featured Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Cosmo's Factory."

Creedence is my all-time favorite rock band, well, Swamp Band or whatever it was that they played.  It was released 51 years ago this week.

--RoadCruiser

Denny's Back to Cruisin' Again-- Part 4: Western Terminus of US-20 and Those Mom and Pop Motels

On Day 26, July 1, Denny dropped down from Washington state and picked  up the western terminus of US Highway 20.

In Newport, Oregon, there is a sign marking it as the western terminus reading "US 20 East  Boston, MA  3,365 miles.  I wish all U.S. and state roads would have terminus signs like that.  Most people driving them have no clue where the roads actually end up going.  I have never met a person who knows the ends of US-12.  They are always shocked when I tell them.  And, US-12 is a major road around northeastern Illinois.

And, US-20 is of particular interest to us because that is the road we take from Marengo, Illinois, when we go out to Galena, Illinois.  Liz and I spent out honeymoon in Galena before it got as popular as it is today.

One thing I was amazed at was how Denny Gibson kept finding all those nice mom and pop motels for most of the trip.  We prefer mom and pop motels because they are the underdogs competing with the huge chains and usually family owned.  Not to mention also that they are generally a bit cheaper.

But, you have to be careful about the mom and pops as some of them are a bit more than a little seedy to put it nicely.  But, generally you can tell by the outside premises if it is a good place or not.

--RoadDog

Top 10 Worst Family Vacation Spots in the U.S.-- Part 2: Plymouth Rock, Hollywood, Mall of America, Times Square, Disney World

5.  PLYMOUTH ROCK

Not much to see there.  Bit even first settlement in America.

4.  HOLLYWOOD

No big-name actors, overpriced shops and homeless people

3.  MALL OF AMERICA

Malls everywhere are dying out.

2.  TIMES SQUARE

Big hoopla not worth it

1.  DISNEY WORLD

Lines, lines, lines, Wait, wait, wait, Pay, pay, pay

Well, I would like to go to the R&R Museum and Plymouth Rock regardless.

--RoadDog

Top 10 Worst Family Vacation Spots in U.S.-- Part 1: Atlantic City, Nashville, Empire State Building, Rock and Roll Museum and Roswell

From the July 22, 2021, ListVerse by Jonathan  Hastad.

I am listing them and giving a reason or two for each.  For more information, go to the site.

10.  ATLANTIC  CITY

Casinos closing, foreclosures

9.  DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE

Very small area of country music downtown

8.  THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

Insane ticket prices

7.  THE ROCK AND ROLL MUSEUM

It's in Cleveland

6.  ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO

Agree or Disagree?   --RoadDog

Talking About US-20-- Part 3: Get Off the Interstates

Bryan Farr, founder of the Historic Route 20 Association, said:  "When I first came to Iowa in 2010, it was all four-lane across the state, and that's when I realized I missed all of the small towns and the unique things to see.  It was quick and fast, but I didn't see anything."

"People told me there was a lot more to see, and that's when I decided  to find a way to get signage up on the roads and see how we can get people back on these old highways.  That's pretty much how we got started with the idea in Iowa and also across the country."

You'll notice the "Historic Route 20" signs in numerous locations on the highway around Dubuque and Delaware counties, and Farr is working on getting more signs posted from Massachusetts to Oregon designating the road as a historic route.

"Right now we have approximately 250  signs out there," according to Farr.  "We've made contact with every state except Idaho.  That's the only place we haven't made any headway with, but that will change.  We have lots of people interested in Oregon, but that's because it's the endpoint."

Farr encourages everyone to slow down and see the sights.

"The interstates are great for  fast travel between point A and point B.  Take the time and journey  across America's longest highway."

Will Do, Bryan.  Will Do.   --RoadDog

Talking About U.S. Highway 20-- Part 2: The Association Is Established

Continued from July 10.

This article appearing just as buddy Denny Gibson was driving the length of US Highway 20 was quite a coincidence.  I was wondering if Denny had  met this guy (figuring, of course, that he had).   

"This is one of the last  great highways you can still drive in its entirety that has not been lost to history, cur up, or rerouted to  interstates, said Bryan Farr.

While the more celebrated Route 66 is on most road travelers' minds, Farr was looking to explore the northern part of the country and go on a road less traveled.

"Everyone's so obsessed with Route 66 when they think of American highways.  I kept thinking we have the longest intact highway in the country that meanders through America -- just as it did in 1926 -- right here in our backyards," said Farr.  "I didn't want to do something everybody else was doing.  So I got on 20 and took two weeks to go from Boston to Oregon and thought I'd be done.  That was going to be the end of it."

"The only thing I thought of at the time was to take some photos and write a book because I'd been into photography and that was the career move I was going to take at the time.  I started working on the book and the photos and I was getting comments from people wanting more information.  I figured out  there is a lot more out there and wondered how I could get the people this information."

Farr's initial trip across US Highway 20 led to the  establishment of the Historic Route 66 Association.

Denny Did Met Bryan Along His Trip.--RoadDog

Good Times Around Here Last Weekend-- Part 2: Denny, Marengo, 3/4 Pound Burgers, JFK Assassination, Band and VFW and American Legion

SATURDAY, JULY 10

I drove to Marengo, Illinois, about 30 miles away, and met up with buddy Denny Gibson who was passing through on his way back from Oregon and was traveling the entire length of U.S. Highway 20 (which goes through Marengo).

I hadn't seen him since we got together at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, on November 22, 2013.  The reason being there was it was the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination and he both arrived at Dallas and departed it on Air Force 1.  This was as close as we could get that eventful day as that plane is at the Air Force Museum.

We met at a place I've been wanting to go called The Spot on Main Street, Illinois Highway 23, just north of US-20.  Everybody I had talked to has always bragged about this place's burgers and they sure lived up to the reputation.  They are 3/4 pound burgers which come with chips for $7.75.

We had a great talk about his trip to Boston on US-20 and from there, he took the Yellowstone Trail out to Washington state.  I'll be writing more about our getting together in the future.

Later Saturday Liz and I went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois,  and enjoyed their $1 draft beers.

SUNDAY, JULY 11

We met Kevin, Kelly and Julie at the VFW in McHenry, which a few years ago had a multimillion dollar payout for their Queen of Hearts.  They reinvested the money in their place and it is quite something to see.  We were there to see a local band called Aging teen Angels who play a lot of our oldies music.

When they stopped at 4, we adjourned to the McHenry American Legion for more cocktails.

--RoadDog

Good Times Around Here Last Weekend-- Part 1: Wisconsin, Trivia, Bars, $1 Pints, Flowers, Fish Fry and What a View

Again, the Summer is no time to leave this area. Lots of fun going on all over this part of northeast Illinois.

WEDNESDAY,  JULY 7

Met Kevin and Kelly at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for Jeff's Smart Ass Trivia in the afternoon, then went to BB*Q on US-12 in Spring Grove, Illinois for their excellent wings and plenty of $1 pints of draft beer to wash them down.

THURSDAY, JULY 8

Finally flowers on sale at Menard's so really stocked up.  50 cent geraniums, 50 cent six packs of annuals, $1.25 for six wave petunias. It was all sorts of fun at check out and I still don't know if I ended up over or undercharged.  Oh, well.  Those flowers found a good home for the rest of the season.

FRIDAY, JULY 9

Every morning, I sit out on the front porch for breakfast coffee and to read the Chicago Tribune.  I doubt that anyone in the subdivision gets more use out of their front porch.

Went back to Menard's and bought even more flowers.  Hey, on big sale.  Last year, with the pandemic and folks staying home and planting stuff around those house, there weren't many sales at all.  Usually, by July stores start putting their nursery stuff on sale.

We went to Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch and met Kevin and Kelly and had their beer-battered fish fry, always a delight, even if we like to froze because the air conditioning was hiked up way too high.  Then, adjourned to Lake View on Grasslake and enjoyed that great view of the lake from their high deck and, of course, those $1 draft beers.

--RoadDog

A Mighty Busy Week Around Here, Where To Go, What To Do?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.  That's what I have to make this weekend,  Well, actually all week.

When I say Good Times in the Area, this is what I am talking about.  Unfortunately there are too many things happening at the same time.  I can't do them all, though I'd sure like to.

The biggest problem revolves around two towns near us, McHenry and Antioch.  

McHenry has its annual Fiesta Days which started last week with all sorts of bands and activities going on out at Peterson Park.  This Saturday is Art in the Park with a lot of crafters selling their wares in Veterans Park.  In addition, two streets are shut down with bands and lots of activities.  Plus, every bar (and there are a lot of them) is selling beer and food (and you can drink in the streets).  We tend to call this "Drunk in the Park."

Then Sunday, McHenry will be hosting one of the biggest parades in northern Illinois.

Then, Antioch started their annual Taste of Summer out by their big outdoor stage off Main Street.  It started Thursday and runs to Sunday.  Bands every night and during the day.  Lots of local places are offering food selections as well.

And, on top of it, our usual hangout in the area, Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg is having their Christmas in July Saturday with a golf cart (Johnsburg allows folks to drive around in golf carts) parade in full Christmas regalia.  There is an outside band afterwards and plenty of food.

Like I Said, Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.  --RoadDecision

Denny's Back Cruisin' Again-- Part 3: Meeting the Founders of the Yellowstone Trail Association and Reaching the End of the YT

On his way out to the western terminus of the Yellowstone Trail, Denny was able to meet Alice and John Ridge.  I can't imagine a more important pair of folks to meet on a Yellowstone Trail drive than these two.  That's because they are the organizers of the Yellowstone Trail Association. Not only that, but they also have written the book on the Yellowstone Trail which is about to be published.

So, after 25 days on the Yellowstone Trail, Denny reached its end in Washington state.  Then  it was a drop southward to pick up US-20 in Oregon.

U.S. Route 20 is the longest highway in the country, stretching 3,365 miles.  It runs roughly parallel to the newer Interstate 90, which in turn is the longest of the interstates.  U.S. 20 originally only ran west from Boston to Yellowstone National Park, but was expanded to the coast of Oregon in 1940.

The western terminus is Newport, Oregon, and eastern is Boston.

There is a sign in Newport, Oregon, where US-20 starts that reads:  "20 East, Boston, MA, 3,365 miles.

--RoadDog

Good Buddy Denny Back to Cruising Again-- Part 2: On the Yellowstone Trail

In June 16, (Day 11 on the trip), Denny Gibson was in Illinois on the Yellowstone Trail., but we failed to connect, but over the telephone agreed to get together on his way back.

The Yellowstone Trail in Illinois runs through the Chicago area as that part of its 3,719 length.  From Chicago, it runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline through Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Waukegan, Zion and Winthrop Harbor before exiting the state to Wisconsin. Much of the route ran along Sheridan Avenue along Chicago's North Shore, and that is a beautiful drive in its own right.

Some mighty rich and mighty poor folks live along Sheridan Avenue which runs from Chicago north to Wisconsin.

Then, it goes through Wisconsin to Minnesota, South and North Dakota, Montana, the panhandle of Idaho to the state of Washington.  That is essentially the route that US Highway- 12 takes from Indiana to Washington state.  It is also a road I would like to drive some day, but I sure couldn't stay on the road as long as Denny.  

When I got together with him this past Saturday, that was his 34th day.  After two weeks on the road, I am always ready to go home.

But he is, as the truckers say, a long-hauler.

He makes sure to eat at little mom and pop places and stay at mom and pop motels whenever possible.  My idea of traveling there.  He also has a habit of stopping at most every craft brew place he can find along the way.

You can go to his trip by looking up Denny Gibson.

--RoadDog

Along 66, June 2021: Help for the Gasconade Bridge and the Fire at Goff's General Store

JUNE 11

Pulitzer-winning journalist takes aim at Missouri Department of Transportation MoDOT regarding Gasconade River Bridge.

Tiny Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has written a column critical of the MoDOT's handling of the bridge situation and standing in the way of  efforts to save it.

The Rt. 66 Association of Missouri needs all the help it can get in its efforts to save the bridge and it seems that MoDOT is just putting one obstacle after another in their way, so all the help they can get is appreciated.

JUNE 11

A fire destroyed the long-closed Goff's General Store, located in California's Mojave Desert.

It once was a bar, restaurant and dance hall and was the largest building in the town.

It closed about twenty years ago.

It was a suspicious fire.

--RoadDog

Along 66, June 2021: Threatt Gas Station and Pacific, Missouri

These are taken from the Route 66 News blog site.  I do not write about every one of their posts, just the ones of more interest to me.  If you want the most current news about what is going on along the Mother Road, Route 66, this is the site for you.

There is a post most every day and sometimes more than one as well as more information than I give, so, check the site out.

JUNE 4

The Threatt Filling Station made America's Most Endangered Historic Places list.   It is located near Luther, Oklahoma.

The National Trust for Historic Places issues an annual list of America's top 11 most endangered places

This station was one of the few places black motorists could go to during the age of Jim Crow along Route 66.  A very sad page in the road's history.  We must have passed it on a trip before, but I don't remember it.

JUNE 8

Pacific, Missouri, may use $300,100 in federal coronavirus funds for the Red Cedar Inn project.

--RoadDog

Good Buddy Denny Back to Cruising-- Part 1: US-20 East, Yellowstone Trail West

Yesterday I was able to meet my good buddy Denny who is on US Highway 20 and has been since leaving its western terminus in Oregon.  He had already taken one of the lesser-known, but still major road for its time, the Yellowstone Trail from Plymouth, Massachusetts, to the Puget Sound in Washington State.

This guy likes to travel.  He left on June on June 6, 2021, and drove north from his home in Cincinnati to US 20 in the northern part of the state where he headed east to its eastern terminus in Boston.

From there, he went a little north to catch the Yellowstone Trail, which gives you a good idea as to where its eastern end is with its logo "A Good Road from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound."  There's a clue as to its western terminus.

The Yellowstone Trail is the first transcontinental Road through the northern tier of states, established in 1912, even before the much-better known Lincoln Highway in 1913.  From Plymouth, he headed west along the route of the old Yellowstone Trail.

Since we live only about 30 miles from the old Yellowstone Trail in Illinois, I was hoping to get up with him when he passed through, but we were unable to do so.  But, he was coming back on US Highway 20, and that too is inly about 30 miles away as well.

You can follow his trip at www.dennygibson.com.

Better Luck This Next Time.  --RoadDog

Talking About US Highway 20-- Part 1

From the July 7, 2021, Dyersville (Iowa) Commercial "Historic  US Route 20 unveiling in Dyersville" by Don Zieser.

It is coincidence that I would come across this article while good buddy Denny Gibson is cruising this very road and in Iowa.  Wonder if he was able to meet him as he drove through?

U.S. Highway 20 is America's longest running continuous highway, running 3,365 miles from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, and Bryan Farr knows the road like the back of his hand.

He made his first  cross-country trip on U.S.-20 in 2010 and then established the non-profit Historic Highway  20 Association in Boston that aims to preserve the culture, heritage and economic development of cities and towns of all sizes along the entire route of US-20.

Farr visited Dyersville's Textile Brewing Company in July 1, to kick off a two-week official unveiling of Historic Route 20 in Iowa,  He plans to journey west through the state, making stops at Correctionville, Winthrop, Independence and Jessup on July 8 before concluding the tour in Fort Dodge on July 12.

Route 20 has played a role in Farr's life since childhood so his interest in it is only natural.

"I grew up   on US 20 in New York state, and we always took a summer trip to Buffalo on US 20.  Then, when we moved to Boston, I saw that US 20 parallels the Massachusetts Thruway and the Pike," said Farr.  "So, I asked myself, 'Where does 20 actually go?', and looked it up on a map."

--Road20

Along 66, May 2021: Great News for Cadillac Ranch and That Good Guy Rich

MAY 31

Food trucks and other improvements coming to Amarillo, Texas' Cadillac Ranch.  A merchandise trailer is also planned.

It was created in 1974 when ten vintage Cadillacs were place nose-first in the ground and it has been a popular tourist spot ever since.

But, until now, there sure wasn't much out there.  Just a walk across a barren field and then all those painted gems.

MAY 31

Roamin' Rich Dinkela, president of the Rt. 66 Association of Missouri is going to give the Brew Brother Coffee Shop at the Owl Court site in Oklahoma City a gas pump to replace the one stolen.

What a nice guy, that Rich.  And the Brother isn't even in Missouri.

Get Yer Cadillac Ranch Tee Shirts Here!!  --RoadIllac

First Firebird Cruise-- Part 3: Past Problems with the '85 Firebird and the Traffic Bear in Richmond

July 1, Thursday

One thing, however, about the '85 Firebird.  I don't trust it yet to turn it off anywhere but in my driveway or garage.  When I first got it back, it died on me the third time out and I had to have it towed back to the house.  That is when it took three trips to the house from Vince to get it running again.  First, it was the choke which was bad, then the starter was bad.

But, I am hoping to get that trust back.

Okay, now, I am driving north of US Highway 12 to Richmond, Illinois.  Beautiful old town.  But, like I said, it can get really busy on the weekends.  And even though today is Thursday, July 1, the traffic going to Wisconsin, which is right next door, was backed up from the Route 173 stoplight to the downtown.

They have talked about putting in a bypass and I sure hope they do.

Anyway, I figured to miss the backup and turn off in the downtown area, only to find a dead end, so had to backtrack and take Main Street out of town which put me on Illinois Highway 197 west of Richmond.

Well, I figured I would just drive west to Hebron, Illinois.

That would give the '85 a good run at 50 mph.

--RoadDog

First Firebird Cruise-- Part 2: Have Tunes, Will Cruise

Thursday July 1

So, I am out driving my new old '85 Firebird for what turned out to be its first real long cruise.  

The radio was tuned to MeTV FM, 87.7 FM, which plays more great old songs than you can shake a stick at, including a bunch from the days of yore (50s-80s) that I hadn't heard.  This is a great cruising station and, despite now having much wattage, has a real large broadcast area since it is all the way down at the far end of the radio station numbers.

As a matter of fact, that has proved to be a problem as some car radios won't pick up 87.7 FM.  They advise listeners to check that out when looking into buying a car.

If I get too far away and loose reception, I turn to either the Drive (Classic Rick) 96.9 and 97.1 FM or to WXRT, 93.1 FM.

Plus, even better, I have a cassette player in the Firebird.  And, I have lots and lots of cassettes.

--RoadCruising

Along 66, May 2021: Illinois Tourism 'Time For Me to Drive' and the National Route 66 Historic Road Bill

MAY 28

Illinois Tourism launching "Time for Me to Drive" campaign to attract tourists to the state.  It is a $6 million campaign with a significant nod to Route 66.

The Gemini Giant and other well-known Route 66 sites are featured prominently in the 30 second commercials.

All of this to the tune "Time For Me to Fly"  by the well-known Illinois band REO Speedwagon.

Almost makes me want to find that old road again.

MAY 29 

A new Route 66 National Historic Route bill has been introduced in Congress.

U.S. Representative Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) introduced it in the House of Representatives with U.S. Representative Grace Napolitano (D-California) as co-sponsor.

This is the third time Congress has attempted to pass it.  

Should it pass, Route 66 National Historic Route would be under control of the National Park Service.

--RoadDog

Some America Music to Cruise By Today: 'Living in the U.S.A.'

From Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten show on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, from Friday July 2, 2021.

1.  AMERICA--  Simon & Garfunkel

2.  AMERICAN GIRL--  Tom Petty

3.  LIVING IN THE U.S.A.--  Steve Miller Band   (Somebody get me a cheeseburger.)

4.  R.O.C.K. IN THE U.S.A.--  John Mellancamp

5.  4TH OF JULY IN ASBURY PARK--  Bruce Springsteen

6.  WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND--  Grand Funk

7.  LIVING IN AMERICA--  James Brown

8.  SATURDAY IN THE PARK--n  Chicago

9.  BORN ON THE BAYOU--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

10.  AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL--  Ray Charles

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "America, Sweet America, You Know God Shed His Grace On Thee."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"America the Beautiful"

First Firebird Cruise-- Part 1: The New 'Old' Car and U.S. Highway 12

Thursday, July 1

I finally had our '85 Firebird redone with exterior and interior work as well as engine work.  Now, I am forced to cruise down roads, with the window down, my arm out and listening to tunes on the radio.

A hard life, but somebody's got to do it.

This past Thursday, July 1, I started driving around Spring Grove, Illinois.  First I went through a subdivision and then found myself north of town on US Highway 12.  Most of my life I have been living near US-12.  

It went through Palatine, Illinois, where I lived for all of junior high, high school and part of college.  Then, we lived for 17 years in Round Lake Beach, which is about eight miles from it and now, we have been in Spring Grove for 29 years.  US 12 goes right through Spring Grove.  One of these days I'm hoping to drive it from end-to-end which would be Detroit at its eastern terminus and Aberdeen, Washington on the west.

The next town on the road heading north is Richmond.  It is a village of yesterday, with lots of old stuff and history.  It is also a major gateway to Wisconsin from Illinois and it gets so backed up on the weekends, you try to find ways to go around it.

This being Thursday, I figured the backup wouldn't be bad.

I Was So Wrong.  --RoadCruise

Oh, Canada: Ten Songs to Say Happy Birthday

Yesterday, July 1, was a national holiday in Canada as it was the date in 1867, when three former colonies came together to form Canada.

Bob Stroud saluted our friends up north with ten songs by Canadian artists on his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDTV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.

So, Happy Birthday Canada!

These are all groups or performers who came from Canada.

TURN ME LOOSE--  Loverboy

BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf

CLOSER TO THE HEART--  Rush

TAKIN' CARE OF BUSINESS--  Bachman Turner Overdrive

JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME--  April Wine

UP ON CRIPPLE CREEK--  Band

SUNDOWN--  Gordon Lightfoot

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART--  Bryan Adams

ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD--  Neil Young

LAY IT ON THE LINE--  Triumph

Now, if we can just find a way to keep your really cold weather out of our country everything will be just hunky dory.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):   "When I get Off This Mountain, You Know Where I Want To Go."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Up On Cripple Creek"

It's the Way-Outs Tonight at It's Thursday Concert Series in Antioch

We sure missed this last summer.  If it's Thursday, normally you are going to find us in Antioch, Illinois, for their great concert series featuring some of the best local bands Chicago has to offer.

I was all set to go to our first one last Thursday, but we ended up at the Pistakee Lake House to see 2/3 of one of of old favorite bands, New Odyssey, playing out by the deck and tiki bar.  But, we're going to Antioch tonight.

We usually go early and go to a couple bars like the Limerick and the Lodge before getting places to sit at the concert in the band shell off Main Street.  Week after week, they have some of the most fun bands around.

Tonight, the Way-Outs, who call themselves an authentic 60s Garage Rock Band and looking at the songs they play, I'd have to agree.  Here are just a few of them:

Don't Let me Be Misunderstood--  Animals

Little Bit O' Soul--  Music Explosion

Tired of Waiting for You--  Kinks

(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone--  Monkees

Hang On Sloopy--  McCoys

With a Girl Like You--  Troggs

It's Thursday concerts continue until August 15.

Going Back to the 60s Tonight.  --Road60s