Leap Year # 2

7 Miles Today;  As daylight  appears in the eastern sky with the rain slowly subsiding,  Forrest is ready to set out and walk seven miles on this the last day of February 2012.  Today being leap year I look back on my blog post on February 29, 2008 (four years ago), it was a very cold day and I only walked five miles.  Also February of 2008 set a monthly snowfall record of 30 inches.  This year according to the newspaper the Lansing area recorded some 12.5 inches of snow.  Time to walk...." Forrest"   (to be continued) It's early afternoon and I'm finally warm enough to do my blog entry for today.  I've have worst days of walking but this morning was right up there with the nastiest walking days ever.  Forrest ran the gauntlet of bad weather.  I endured wind, rain, sleet, snow flurries, black ice on the roads.  What a way to end the month of February.  My total miles walked for the month came in at 217.  Last year my total was 206.  I hope March doesn't come in like a lion.  We'll see, until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Route 66 Update

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield, Illinois is my virtual stopover today.  Springfield (population 120,000) is the sixth largest city in the state.  Its most famous resident Abraham Lincoln  lived here for 24 Years from 1837 until he left for Washington, DC to take  the oath of office as our 16th US President.  While researching information about Springfield, Illinois I learned the USS Springfield a US Navy guided missile ship was my brother Jacks vessel.  Bearing the name of her namesake Springfield, Illlinois my brother served aboard her in 1960.  The USS Springfield was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1974.   (more on Springfield, Illinois tomorrow)

Election Day In Michigan

7 Miles Today  A quiet day at far as the wind is concerned but I got a little cold because I didn't wear enough warm clothes.  It's was 18 degrees and Forrest was wearing a baseball cap with Ipod ear buds =no wonder I froze..."my fault".  Anyway it's election day (Michigan Primary)...I timed my walk to visit the Dewitt Middle School half way into my walk to cast my primary vote.  It worked out pretty well because I got to warm up a little.  After voting I asked a student where Mrs Roy's room was, he led down the hallwall to her 6th grade classroom but to my dismay Kari wasn't there.  Forrest was a few minutes too early to say hi to her and her kids.  Now fast forward to My virtual journey. Forrest location today is on the northern edge of Springfield, Illinois.  There is so much information on this city I'll be blogging about the historic town for the next three days.  I would like to give a big thank-you to Georgia Ellwanger for lending a wonderful guidebook to Route 66 (The Mother Road).  Georgia and her husband actually travel Route 66 on vacation several years ago where they purchased this great book.  I refer to it everyday.   Thanks so much.........Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Route 66 Update

Forrest Virtual Journey

Springfield's Place In History

One hundred fifty years ago this month February 11, 1861 President-elect Abraham Lincoln leaves his home in Springfield, Illinois, as he prepares to embark on his journey to Washington DC to take the oath of office of President of The United States, Lincoln is in a quiet mood.  Winds of war loom between the states,   It is the day before his 52nd birthday and two months before the attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina plunging the nation into war where almost 600,000 Americans died in a cause they believed in whether wearing the blue of North or Grey of South. On that cold rainy morning in Springfield, Lincoln boarded a two-car train along with his family. Before departing Lincoln spoke to the crowd that was estimated at 1,000 from the rear platform of the train. It was a somber occasion, Lincoln was leaving his home and headed into a national crisis. Since he had been elected, seven states of the lower South had succeeded from the Union. Lincoln knew that his actions upon entering office would lead to Civil War. Some of his speech went like this, “Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. Now I leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return. Behind the cloud the sun is still shining, I bid you an affectionate farewell” A funeral train carried our 16th President back to Springfield just over four years later. to be continued 

Williamsville - A small slice Of Rt 66

8 Miles Today;  Forrest had to put more clothes on this morning (hooded sweatshirt).  Even though the temperature was 31 degrees the strong winds from the Northwest made my walk unpleasant.  The good thing in my favor was the dry roads.  Bad weather is headed towards Michigan from Colorado and Nebraska.  With two walking days left in February I hope to walk seven miles each day, weather permitting.  My virtual journey of Route 66 has Forrest in the small agricultural  town of Williamsville, Illinois (pop 1,500).  Williamsville is located on historic Route 66.  Williamville is part of Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Area. Today about one-quarter mile of the original road still exist on the northern edge of town.  In the heyday of Route 66 between the years of 1926 thru 1940 the road passed through the center of town.  Many gas stations, motels, eateries sprang up to serve the travelers motoring  Route 66.  In Williamsville a person can still stop by the Die Cast Auto Sales, relax and enjoy a 25cent soda pop.  Here, in this converted 1930's service station, you can see a very large collection of die cast model cars and numerous Coca-Cola collectibles, and many historical Route 66 artifacts.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Elkhart, "Steep In History"

7 Miles Today;   A cold morning of 18 degrees greeted me but with no wind my walk was enjoyable.  However my left ankle gave me problems this morning. Sunday's are fairly quiet for the "Walking Man" I see but a few people outside excersing early.  Sunday is a day of rest for some but not me.

Route 66

Forrest's Virtual Experience

As days go by I find myself getting engrossed in the history of Route 66 "America's Main Street" affectionately referred to by countless of Americans.  Today Walk Forrest Walk finds himself in the small town of Elkhart, Illinios.  As one travels south on what use to be Route 66 towards Springfield, Illinios you'll come to a small village of about 450 people today.  This settlement is rich in history and provides numerous stories.  The place was a landmark for westward bound travelers in early American pioneers.  One peculiar story I enjoyed was  how Elkhart got it's name.  According to legend long before a settlement of Elkhart was established, the area was home to the Kickapoo Indians, where Elkhart Hill a high point (777 ft above sea level) in the normally flat terrain of central Illinios provided an excellent view for the natives, and a landmark for settlers heading west, the story goes that the hill got its name.   The Kickapoo chief's daughter, White blossom was wooed by two warriors, one from her own tribe and another from the Shawnee tribe.  On one of their annual hunting trips, the two warriors insisted that White blossom declare which one would become her husband.  When an elk passed by, White Blossom said she would choose the one who could pierce the heart of the large animal.  The warrior from the Kickapoo tribe hit the heart of the elk and won the hand of the princess White Blossom.  When they married, the elk heart became the family badge.  Since that time the hill and later the settlement was forever named Elkhart.  The by-gone days of Route  66 have long been put to rest thanks to progress depending how one looks at it.  Sometimes we just move too fast for our own good to stop and smell the coffee at a little Ma & Pop cafe or enjoy the serenity of a small town.  Elkhart, Illinois on my Route 66 experience provided me with those images.  Until tomorrow from the "Mother Road", God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Storm Aftermath 6" Snowfall

8 Miles Today;  Roads are icy....Hopefully Forrest will walk seven miles later this afternoon.......Fast forward to 4pm......  I'm glad I waited for most of the road to clear themselves of ice and snow.   Forrest encountered just one walker this afternoon.  Even though it was 30 degrees, the wind made kind of unpleasant for exercising.  Forrest finished this week with a respectable 54 miles walked.  With four walking days left in February I will reach my monthly goal with no problem.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Route 66-Facts and Figures

Current maps do not include old Route 66.  The last stretch of the road disappeared from 'official" maps in 1985.  A famous national museum, no where near Route 66, has an exhibit that includes an actual piece of Route 66 pavement.  Entitled "America On the Move," the piece of the Mother Road is at The Smithsonian''s National Museum in Washington D.C.

Rare Winter Storm

7 Snowy Miles Today; 
Forrest was walking at 4:30am in order to get my walk in before the roads got nasty.  I pushed a lot of the white stuff today.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Broadwell, Illinois - Rt66 Farm Town

When traveling Route 66, some eight miles south of Lincoln, Illinois, you will come to the small town of Broadwell. Established in 1869, the community now supports only about 150 souls. Here in this small farming town sits one of the Mother Road's more famous icons "The Old Pig-Hip Restaurant"

  Ernie Edwards and his wife served thousands of barbeque sandwiches and fries at the Pig-Hip to travelers of the road from 1937 until 1991 when the couple retired. Ernie and Frances first opened a small, three-table cafe they called the Harbor Inn. The next year when a hungry farmer pointed to a steaming pork roast and blurted out that he wanted a sandwich "off that pig hip," Ernie liked the sound of it and soon changed the name of the cafe to "The Pig-Hip."

The Pig-Hip Restaurant

The Pig-Hip restaurant was a popular stop for travelers on Route 66 during the road's heydays.  Unfortunately this iconic symbol of America's Mother Road burned to the ground in March, 2007.  All tha's left today is a stone marker.  to be continued

The City Of Lincoln

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. 

It's the life in your years"

~Abraham Lincoln~

8 Miles Today;  With last night's snow (1inch) I waited until daylight to walk.  I'm glad I did.  My route took about fifteen minutes longer than normal.   My hips and left ankle were extremely tender upon arrival at home..  Dry roads are so important to me.  One can dress for the weather but has no control over the surface you're walking on. With that out of the way, lets fast forward to my latest stop over on my virtual journey of Route 66.  Just on day removed from "President's Holiday" Forrest finds himself in the town of Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln was the first city named after Abraham Lincoln while he was a successful lawyer long before he became our 16th President  of the United States.  Today Lincoln has a population of approximately 16,000.  In the glory days of the famous highway.  Lincoln's main street was  Route 66.  Lincoln is centrally located in the State of Illinois.   The town was officially named on August 27, 1853 in an unusual ceremony.  Then lawyer Abraham Lincoln having assisted in planning of the new town and working as counsel for the newly laid railroad which let to its founding, was asked to participate in the naming ceremony for the grounds.  During the proceedings, Lincoln chose a ripe watermelon from a nearby wagon, broke it open and squeezed the juice on the grounds as a informal of rite of baptism.  Seven years later in the fall of 1860, the former lawyer from Illinois became "President Elect Abraham Lincoln.  Until tomorrow from somewhere on America's Mainstreet, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Have You Ever Seen The "Muffler Man"

7 Miles Today;  Out walking in the predawn hours.  It's Ash Wednesday and church is at 8am.  Temperature around 30 degrees and the roads were a little tricky with spots of thin ice cover.  Today on my blog I came across a interesting story.  The town of Atlanta, Illinois caught my interest.  A village of approximately 1,700 is famous for a 19 foot fiberglass figure  holding a giant hot dog!   Forrest's Route 66 virtual experience has him visiting Atlanta where if it wasn't for a 19 foot fiberglass figure few travelers would visit this nice little town. Here my take on this neat story on my Route 66 journey. 

 The Legend Of Tall Paul

If you took a road trip during the 1960's and 1970's you probably encountered the few of enormous fiberglass statues referred to by fans and followers as Muffler Men or M-Men.  These giant figures earned the name, because they were often situated in front of muffler and tire shops across the country to draw customers.  Atlanta's Tall Paul's original home located in Cicero, Illinois for many years at Bunyon's Hot Dog's.  When Bunyon's closed the owners were offered as much as $10,000, but decided to "permanently loan" it the small town of Atlanta some 150 miles south of Chicago...Atlanta wanted to display Tall Pall for the city's Route 66 Heritage Exhibit.

Built in the 1960's (like all of the 150 or so muffler men ever made).  Tall Paul was destined to be promoting mufflers at gas stations.  In 1965 Tall Paul was bought by the owner of Bunyon's Hot Dogs in Cicero, Illinois where the ax was removed and a huge hot dog took its place...This transformation of The Muffler Man to Tall Paul is what legends are made of.  Tall Paul's career has not been all the smooth, over the years he has had to endure bullet holes and even a few arrows in his body.  If one is ever visiting central Illinois a must see is TALL PAUL.... Until tomorrow from somewhere along America's Main Street, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Next Up ~ "McLean"

8 Miles Today; Finished my walk this morning by 9:30, I could see that bad weather was coming.  The temperature fell from to 31 to 28 degrees by the time I arrived home.  The wind and snow flurries were also prevalent today.  Again the dry roads is what I hope greets me every day.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk 

Route 66 Update

Today Forrest's virtual journey has landed him downtown Mclean, Illinios.  This town along Historic Route 66 happens to be the home of the oldest drive-in (truck stop) in the state of Illinios.   Mclean is just four miles down the road from "Funk Grove". This small town of 800 residents, still continues to collect hundreds of Route 66 enthusiast each year from all corners of this great country.  Visitors are attracted to Dixie Truck Stop, the oldest and best truck stop in Illinois, to indulge in the delicious burgers and fries plus  the memorabilia from the glory days of Route 66.  Next up Atlanta, Illinions..........Until tomorrow God Bless Walk Forrest Walk...........

Another Sunrise

8 Miles Today;  Set out this morning with the sky full of stars.  Even though it was 17 degrees and plenty of frost the roads were clear and that is good news for the walking guy.  Another nice sunrise this morning but not a spectacular as yesterday's brilliant tones of red.  What's does "red skies in the morning" mean ? ?.........The temperature read 19 degrees when I arrived home at 8am.  Now it's coffee time........Later "Forrest"

Route 66 Update

Entering Maple Syrup Country

Today Forrest pays a visit to a little place called Shirley (pop 375)-Located just six miles southwest of Bloomington, Illinois on what use to be Route 66. Maple syrup business boomed for many years during the golden age of Route 66.  Just four miles south of Shirley is a huge tourist attraction called "Funk's Grove"  the heart of Maple Syrup Country..  That's all from Shirley, Ill.. Untl tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

The Heart Of Illinois

8 Miles Today;  Forrest left home before the sun came up and I'm glad I did.  What a beautiful reddish skies greeted the walking guy.  I took my northern route which includes farm fields, woods, and of course a few subdivisions.  I was lucky enough to see 8 deer cross the road.  Just before seeing the deer a fox came within 20-25 yards of me.  I knew it was a fox because of the extremely bushy tail.  However the fox didn't have the pretty reddish color like you see in pictures.  His coat was grayish & a little black thrown in.  The weather was very sunny, no snow, with a temperature of 18 degrees when I left home.  Today my virtual journey put Forrest in "The Heart Of Illinois" aka The Bloomington /Normal Region and its relationship to Historic Route 66.

Route 66 Update

Bloomington/ Normal Ilinios

As Forrest begins his final full of February he finds his Route 66 virtual walking journey has him in the fairly good size town of Bloomington with a population of nearly 66,000.  Before entering Bloomington, you must first travel through Normal, Illinois, though over the years the two cities have virtually merged to become one metropolitan area.  As you travel Route 66 you have to watch carefully to observe where Normal ends and Bloomington begins.  At the turn of the century, a disastrous fire claimed a great portion of Bloomington's downtown area; however, agriculture, highways, railroads, and one of America's biggest insurance company (State Farm) continued to influence the city's growth.  When Route 66 came through in 1926 was built along the Chicago & Alton Railroad corridor, numerous businesses sprouted up along Route 66 and the heart of Bloomington's downtown district.  When superhighway Interstate 55 replaced Route 66, it bypassed Bloomington thus began a big decline in the city's business district.  Route 66 might be long gone but surely it made an impact on America's infrastructure.  Until tomorrow, God Bles Walk Forrest Walk

Illinios Red Carpet Corridor

8 Miles Today;  Even though it was cold (25 degrees)and windy this morning, having dry roads meant Forrest was going to be in a great mood.  Saturday mornings I don't usually see many people outside. My miles today gave me 52 for the week.  My anti-inflammatory prescription that I've been on for over two weeks seems to be helping my sore hips and lower back.  I feel much better and my miles also show improvement.
              Forrest's Virtual Route 66 Experience 
My week of walking ended in the last town on what is called "The Red Carpet Corridor".  My virtual visit  has me in Towanda, Illinois (population 550) the 12th community that makes up a 90 mile corridor following the iconic Rt 66 from Joliet to Towanda, Illinios.  The other ten communities are Elwood, Wilmington, Braidwood, Godley, Braceville, Gardner, Dwight,Odell, Pontiac, Chenoa, and Lexington.These towns have annual festivals to honor "America's Main Street"---ROUTE 66.  This year Route 66 enthusiast will be able to collect a "key to the city city" for each town they visit.  I bet a person who likes classic car shows is in 7th heaven when visiting this area during festival season.  That's it from "The Red Carpet Corridor" until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk 



Lexington In The Spotlight Today

Forrest Visits Lexington

8 Miles Today;  A beautiful clear day to walk.  Forrest experienced the best of this mid-February day.  The stars in the early morning 28 degree weather, and a sunrise that made me think of warmer days ahead.  My Route 66 virtual journey is  starting in my opinion to smooth out.  I find soooooooooooo much information on the Internet it's hard to write just one or two paragraphs.  I'm not a writer but a man who has a thirst for history.  Today my travels put me in the town of Lexington, Illinios (pop 2,100).  Lexington which is located between Pontiac and Bloomington/Normal Illinois was founded in 1928.  Named after the Massachusetts battleground during the American Revolution.  Lexington's heyday was the years the now famous Route 66 and travelers pass through here visiting it's nine gas station and many eateries. For nearly 50 years with Route 66 as it's backdrop Lexington, Illinois would be a popular stop on the famous America road.  Unfortunately in June, 1970 a tornado destroyed many of the town's historic buildings.  That's it for this  the 17th day of February in Forrest's life.   Until tomorrow God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest In a Groove

7 Miles Today;  37 degrees a little fog was no problem for me this morning.  It seems I physically feel better (hip & lower back) when I walk in the pre-dawn time period. I am really starting to feel comfortable on  my virtual journey of Route 66.  Also Forrest had the pleasure this morning to meet one my walking friends who I haven't seen since last summer on the roads in and around my home town of Dewitt  A big shout out goes to a fellow walker named "JILL".  My research of this iconic highway is fascinating.  I hope I can put on paper what I feel in my mind.  Until tomorrow, God Bless  Walk Forrest Walk......

Route 66 Update

Chenoa, Illinois (see map)

As Forrest travels southwest on his virtual journey of Route 66, I visiting today  the small town of Chenoa, Illinios. Getting its start in 1856, the town was the perfect spot as the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad and the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad intersected here. In addition to the railroads, Route 66 and U.S. 24 also intersected here, bringing many travelers through the small town. Today this sleepy village of about 1,800 souls sits quietly off of I-55, bypassed by speeding cars whose passengers are seemingly unaware of its existence.

Section of Rt 66 near Chenoa, Illinois

In Chenoa, you can still see once bustling railroad depot that now stands in ruins testifying to better times in the city.  (to be continued)

Pontiac, IIlinois "City of Swinging Bridges"

7 Miles Today;  Forrest had another early morning walk.  I was out walking before 7am.  The roads weren't great but for this time of year I'm not complaining.  The weather was not all that bad either, 30 degrees and a slight breeze.  Thanks to everyone who contacted me, either by email, facebook, phone and blog comments on  yesterday's milestone.   I'm so lucky to have such nice friends.   All the nice comments makes me want to walk even more.  Now back to the task on hand,,,,,Forrest's virtual journey following the original route of the now famous Route 66 has him today in the town of Pontiac, Illinois.
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Route 66 Museum~Pontiac, Illinois

Today, this city of some 12,000 people provides several historic points of interest.  While in Pontiac, make sure you stop by the Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame, which provides Route 66 artifacts, pictures, and literature capturing years of adventure on the old route. The museum was built inside a refurbished firehouse, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

I can't sign off today's blog without mentioning the town I pass through yesterday on my virtual journey.  I'm speaking of the Odell.  This quaint little town about 85 miles from Chicago is a must see stop for history lovers along old Route 66. .

Who knows what surprises are in store for Forrest as he progresses on his wonderful experience of America's Main Street. So until tomorrow God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Valentine's Day
2012

8 Miles Today;  Forrest didn't mind the not so perfect conditions for walking this morning because of a special day in my walking life.  With a temperature of 20 degrees, cloudy skies, light breeze, and roads covered with light snow from last night I managed to complete my 1,944 consecutive days of walking.  Starting on October 20, 2006  Forrest has went through 19th pair of shoes since this insane venture began so long ago......Until tomorrow God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

14,000 miles

Sunny Monday

7 Miles Today;  Forrest was outside walking before daylight in 18 degree weather.  It was really sunny by the time I arrived home.  By the way, Forrest encountered a Clinton County road scraper this morning.........he buddy "Where were you this week-end?......"  Forrest has sore hips and back from this week-ends walking.  Oh well, there are better days ahead.  My blog entry will be short today, because my Bride Joanne is due home from her week-end trip to Los Angeles be with our daughter Renae.  Forrest is not a good house keeper, there are clothes everywhere.  I'll blame Jessie-Marie ( the dog) if the house doesn't pass inspection.  Until Tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Not Just Another Bump In The Road

7 Miles Today;  With the roads being in terrible condition, because the road crews are not out on week-ends unless it's an emergency.  The temperature was 30 degrees and a little windy.  Thanks to the neighborhood I chose to walk, the sidewalks were mostly cleared for the walking guy.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest's Virtual Journey of Route 66 Visits Dwight, Illinois

Dwight, Illinois is a pretty little town of some 4,500 residents whose motto is "Not Just A Bump in the Road,” which you’ll find to be a true if you take the time to stop and explore this old Route 66 town. One of Dwight's attractions along Historic Route is Big Al's Hot Dogs.  This unique business will be one of the first things you will see as you enter Dwight on Route 66. Soon you will pass Ambler’s Texaco Station. Built in 1933, it later became The Marathon Oil Station and serviced travelers until 1998. The building is currently being restored by the community and will serve as visitor’s center.  (to be continued)

7 Miles Today,  What a day to end my walking week.  WOW!  Forrest was out in 4 degree weather at 8am this morning.  With the four inch snowfall and high winds we encountered last night meant that I walked in snow covered roads with a wind chill of -5 degrees.  It was tough walking but I didn't have to deal with slushy roads.  The roads will get bad after the salt being spread takes over later in the day.  Anyway my walking week ended with 52 miles walked.  Forrest is just three days and 21 miles from another milestone.  14,000 miles ~ Tuesday (Valentines Day) is the target date.  Just how far is 14,000 miles?  That's seven round trips from Lansing, Michigan to Jacksonville, Florida.   Stay warm, until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest's Virtual Journey "Route 66                 Welcome To Bracevillel Illinios The village of Braceville was actually once a thriving city with 3,500 residents at its height in the 1870's. By the late 1880's the town sported six general merchandise stores, two banks, a hotel, two restaurants and 18 other retail businesses. Braceville thrived until the summer of 1910 when the miners of the Braceville Coal Company went on strike. Fed up with the whole affair, the coal company simply closed and within just a few months the town was all but abandoned leaving behind an opera house, a large frame school and many empty businesses. Of these today, there is no sign other than a few slag heaps along the old highway. However, the Braceville area still supports some 800 residents. Braceville is home to Mazonia/Braidwood Fish & Wildlife Area, which features quality sport fishing lakes stocked with largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, and bullhead as well as areas for waterfowl hunting.

Friday In Braidwood

8 Miles Today; It's almost 5pm on a very snowy afternoon. The temperature is about 33-34 degrees. All I know is, the whole 2.5 hours of walking it never stop snowing. The snow didn't stick because of the warm road surface. I did show up on the lawns as I got closer to home. Forrest is whipped. I took my bride to Detroit to get on a flight to Los Angles to visit with our daughter Renae for the week-end. Spending four hours behind the wheel of my car my body was stiff, before, during, and after my walk. Not counting today, my hips and lower back are feeling much better since the doctor put me on an anti-inflammatory prescription. The weatherman says "expect a much colder day tomorrow, so until then God Bless Walk Forrest Walk
..........................................Forrest's Virtual Route 66
After leaving Wilmington, Illinois on the Mother Road what was once in early America profitable coal mining country, where small towns and large coal mines dotted the area. The first stop along this stretch of Route 66 is Braidwood, a town founded in 1865 when a rich vein of coal was discovered by quite by accident. Braidwood is well known by Route 66 enthusiast as home to the Polk-a-Dot Drive In......In 1956, Chester “Chet” Fife began taking fast food orders in his school bus painted in rainbow Polk-a-Dots. In 1962, he moved the business into the current building, which today continues to be a popular stop along Route 66. The drive-in has inside booths along with outdoor seating. Fiberglass figures of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, James Dean, and the Blues Brothers adorn the outside. Travelers are quickly engaged by the light-hearted, fun atmosphere.

Wilmington & Route 66

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Wilmington, Something For Everyone

7 Miles Today;  Forrest had his walk completed before the sun came up.  It was cold but still another nice dry day to walk.  With the temperature at 20 degrees and no wind I'm surprised I didn't see more people this morning.  Forrest only saw a lady with her two dogs.  I guess 6am is too early for my friends.  However I did have coffee at MacDonald's with my buddy Dave Lusty  and several other retirees who go to Mickey D's every day for coffee.  Now lets get to my new adventure of following Route 66.  I'm trying to put myself back to the late 50's and early 60's as I write my daily blog entries.  It's hard to imagine traveling across the United States before Interstate Highways, using only two lane roads.  However, Forrest plans on letting his imagination take him back to this golden age of travel and enjoy my virtual journey. 

1960 saw the Launch Pad Drive-In open, which at first sold only hot dogs and ice cream.

Wilmington, Illinois boast as being a part of the historic Route 66. In the automobile age, Wilmingtonians could get their kicks on the famous Route 66 which passes through the town as it winds from Chicago to L.A.  With today's population 6,600 this small town combines all the best aspects of rural and suburban living, outstanding recreational opportunities, rich farmlands, quiet pace to live that's for sure.  Until tomorrow from somewhere along historic Route 66, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Rt 66 Joliet, Illinois ~ 1960

8 Miles Today;  Another nice day for walking.  The temperature was in the low 20's but with the bright sunshine it didn't matter how cold it was.  For this kind of weather for February a person should pay to walk.  My stopover on my Virtual Route 66 Journey has Forrest in the city of Joliet, Ill.

How things use to be

Until tomorrow from somewhere along America's Main Street
God Bless ~ Walk Forrest Walk

Getting Familiar With Rt 66

Those Where The Days

7 Miles Today;  Forrest chose to wear  rain gear today.  It was half rain and half sheet when I started my walk.  The inclement weather didn't last very long.  A mild breeze and 35 degree temperature was the order of the day on this the first week of February.  As far as my Virtual Route 66 Journey is concerned I'm doing a lot of reading about this amazing time in our country's history.  We are so used to expressways to get from A to B we forget about life at a slower but much more relaxing pace.  Forrest's next destination on his Route 66 Journey is Joliet, Illinois.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Birthplace & Rise of Route 66

Officially, the numerical designation 66 was assigned to the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route in the summer of 1926. With that designation came its acknowledgment as one of the nation’s principal east–west arteries.
From the outset, public road planners intended U.S. 66 to connect the main streets of rural and urban communities along its course for the most practical of reasons: most small towns had no prior access to a major national thoroughfare.
Birthplace and Rise of Route 66
Officially recognized as the birthplace of US Route 66, it was in Springfield Missouri on April 30, 1926 that officials first proposed the name of the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. A placard in Park Central Square was dedicated to the city by the Route 66 Association of Missouri, and traces of the “Mother Road” are still visible in downtown Springfield along Kearney Street, Glenstone Avenue, College and St. Louis streets and on Missouri 266 to Halltown.

Happy Birthday To My Bride

7 Miles Today;  Mother Nature is delirious,  here it is February 6, and what do we have outside............NO SNOW, NO Wind, Lots of Sunshine, Dry roads, and mild temperatures in the mid to high 30's.   Maybe it's because it's my Bride's 6XXX something birthday...... Happy Birthday Joanne, from Forrest....              

Super Bowl Sunday

8 Miles Today;  What beautiful day for walking.  With a bright sunshine, dry roads, and mild temperatures Forrest is surprised he didn't see more folks out this morning.  I saw three joggers and one guy walking his dog.  It's sooooo nice outside, it seems like a spring day.  Forrest thinks the lawns are turning green.  I do know that the birds are singing like it's breeding season.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

FYI -America's Mother Road

Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and it supported the economies of the communities through which the road passed. People doing business along the route became prosperous due to the growing popularity of the highway, and those same people later fought to keep the highway alive in the face of the growing threat of being bypassed by the new Interstate Highway System during the Eisenhower Presidency.

Chicago Leads The Way

7 Miles Today;  Mid-Michigan's spring like weather continues, with today's temperature forecast to reach the mid 40's.   Forrest logged 52 miles this week.  I must say with the weather and the anti-inflammatory prescription for my hips and back my outlook on discomfort while walking has been on the upswing. I forgot to mention in yesterday's blog entry that my presentation to the Lansing Chapter of the Nation Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) on the benefit of exercising in your retirement years was very rewarding.  I met some of the nicest people.  One particular fellow named Ricardo (vice-president of the chapter) really made me feel welcome.  Also I would like say "thank-you to Arlene Kessler for inviting Forrest to speak. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Route 66 Illinios

Let The Virtual Journey Begin 

Chicago............History buffs will delight in learning that Historic Route 66, America's most fabled highway, actually begins in Chicago at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue. Due to its traversing path through the country's small towns across the Midwest and Southwest, the 2,500 mile roadway running from Chicago to Los Angeles has been widely regarded to as both America's "Mother Road" and its "Main Street." Back in the late 1920s, the Historic Route 66's starting point was intentionally created in Chicago for, at that time, it marked the point of origin for large quantities of goods being shipped to California. During the Great Depression and after World War II, in the aims of escaping the trappings of the Industrialized East Coast, thousands of travelers made their way westward along Route 66. Throughout the 1950s and well into the 1960s and 1970s, the old Route 66 was bypassed section by section as high-speed interstate highways superseded more rural routes. In 1984, after the last stretch of the new highway system was built, Route 66 was deemed non-operable and, as such, the old route was renamed as Historic Route 66. Still to this day, Historic Route 66 remains an iconic piece of American history and Chicago, serving as its starting point, plays an important role in the wonderful history of America.....  to be continued..............

Walk Forrest Walk & Route 66

7 Miles Today;  Another beautiful day for walking.  No snow and dry roads.  It's been four days since Forrest started taking his anti-inflammatory prescription for his hips and lower back.  I must admit, it really seems as of right now to be working.  I hope 15/mg pill called "Mobic" keeps me walking every day.
Forrest begins his new adventure today, a virtual trip taking me back to late 50's following one of America's most endured icons. 

"Route 66"

Known by several names throughout the years including the "Mother Road," "Main Street of America," and the "Will Rogers Highway," Route 66 served travelers for some 50 years, before totally succumbing to the so called "new and improved" interstate system.
Established in 1926, road signs began to be erected the following year, but, it would be several years before the 2,448 mile highway would be continuously paved from Chicago to Los Angeles. Running through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, the highway became one of the most famous roads in America. For decades, this historic path served thousands who were migrating west, especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's.  Forrest is ready, Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

On To Next Virtual Journey

8 Miles Today;   Forrest has followed the Lewis & Clark Trail from July 25, last summer until today, February 2, 2012 a total of 1,360 miles walked.  The first segment of the expedition pauses in Mandan, North Dakota to wait out the winter of 1804 ~ 1805 .  So now Forrest will take this opportunity to select and travel a new virtual journey of another historic American iconic location .  I will name my next Walk Forrest Walk Virtual Journey tomorrow.  My walk today was nice, NO snow or ice to deal with.  The weather was cloudy with the temperature in the mid-30's.  Now it's time to get ready for I'm giving a talk at 1pm to a retirement organization called NARFE or National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.  I'm a little nervous but not as bad as my first every speaking engagement last Sept.  I guess retirees like to hear how in the world can an old guy like me walk so much.  Sometimes I question my common sense and ask myself why??????????????--Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Biography: Sacagawea - Guide & Friend

Walk Forrest Walk Virtual Journal, "Lewis & Clark" 1804"

Forrest's Virtual Journal of the first leg of the "Lewis & Clark Expedition" comes
to a completion after 1,360 miles walked.  Starting in Camp Dubois, Illinois across the
Missouri River near St Louis, Mo. on July 25, 2011 terminating Feb 1, 2012 at the
 winter home of "The Corp of Discovery" in present day Stanton, North Dakota. 
 Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1804 &1805 amongst the people of the
 Mandan Indian Tribes.  Forrest will choose another Virtual Journal to undertake in the near future. 
Walk Forrest Walk

Expedition Prepares For Winter

 8 Miles Today;  What a difference a year makes.  Unusually warm for Feb. 1st.  One year ago Forrest walked in -8 degrees wind chill.  I'm about to leave the house and the temperature is 40 degrees.  Nothing but a smile on Forrest's face...........Later............My planned seven mile walk turned into 8.5 miles.  I took my first anti-inflammatory for the hips and lower back medication this morning.   My discomfort seems to be improved.  I hope so..........Tomorrow Forrest will give his second presentation on his walking adventures to a organization in Lansing, Michigan called The National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association at 1pm.  Forrest's first speech was in September last year to the Kiwanis Golden K of Lansing, Michigan.  All I do is tell the folks find  something you love to do and stick to it.  In my particular case, Walking and History is what motivated me to pursue a healthy life style.  Until tomorrow,,,,,,, my last day on my Virtual Lewis & Clark Journey, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

 Lewis & Clark Update 1804-1805

Winter Among the Mandan

The expedition members kept busy during the Fort Mandan winter, repairing equipment, trading with the Indians, and hunting for buffalo. Lewis and Clark learned much about the country to the west from the Mandan and their neighbors the Hidatsa.
Here, they hired as an interpreter Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur trapper living among the Hidatsa. Charbonneau, his Shoshone wife, Sacagawea, and their baby son, Jean Baptiste, would travel with the expedition when it left Fort Mandan. Then the spring rains came. The ice on the Missouri—in the winter a solid block across which herds of buffalo trotted without danger—finally began to break up. It was time to move on. Lewis and Clark had spent much of the winter writing a report about what they had seen so far. They dispatched it and about a dozen expedition members—plus 108 botanical specimens, 68 mineral specimens, and Clark’s map of the United States—aboard the keelboat, which was bound for St. Louis and, eventually, President Jefferson.
Six dugout canoes and the two larger pirogues were loaded with supplies and equipment. The expedition was about to take a step into territory no American had ever entered.