CATL 2023: C-bodies At The Lake on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17, 2023 (Route 66 from Chicago to St Louis)

Reaching the arch in St Louis and walking up to the of the Illinois side observation deck was a site to remember. David and I missed the turn off ramp on our way to the site, and found our way zig zaggin through a back way to catch up with everyone. Eventually we got there.

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After parting ways with Stan who was heading back to Missouri from the arch, and David who would hope I-70 towards Indy, Jeremy, Mark and I parted ad were on our way back north.
We stopped at this church for a moment, then traveled sown the road to this antiques mall where I bought some souvenirs.
The space ship with the alien inside was probably a big hit back in the day as travelers passed through.
The giant size statue of #45 with the MAGA hat must be one of their newer displays.
After having ice cream or shakes from the Twistee Treat, we got back on the road.

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Our next stop was the Bunny Ranch, a.k.a Henry's Rabbit Ranch. A place that gives tribute to the VW Rabbit.
The place was closed on Sunday, however the owner came over when he saw us taking some photos in front of his establishment, and then opened up his shop to show us around. Pretty cool guy to do that, but it's part of his life, and anyone could tell he really enjoyed welcoming travelers into his roadside establishment.
Our next stop was Country Classic Cars in Staunton, IL. Being Sunday, they were closed. Bummer. It would have been nice to see the cars that are for sale in this place.
A little further down the road we made a pit stop at the old Shell gas station in Madison.

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One our detours took us by an old drive-in movie theater. Mark and Jeremy pulled up in front of the place, but I saw the gate was open, and couldn't resist driving the Imperial into the parking area even though they were closed. Soon after a second car joined in for the show.
After the drive-in stop, we hopped back on I-55 for a while where I was watching the old 69 Imperial pass another milestone.

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The 40K mark happened about 35 miles south of Joliet, IL on I-55.
 
After traveling mostly highway at this time, we soon went over the twin steel trussell bridges near Arsenal Road.
Not long afterwards heading north on 355, the Fury drove onto the off ramp to end his leg of the trip and about 1 or 2 more off ramps the Sportsgrain Newport exited.
Another 30 miles down the way, I parked the car in the shop and pulled down the door to end a great weekend of driving and seeing places I may have never done without the friendships that have been made on this site over the years.
Thanks for the memories guys.

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stupid construction made me miss my milestone by a bit. I've owned the Fury since 1997 and 42,000 mi
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Would love to join someday. It seems September is always travel season for work. If still on for 2025. I may have some more time on my hands. (Unless I buy another project or property and elect to work another year)
 
Maybe it could be spring sometime, but if you're like me the cars may not be reliably running in the spring. By fall hopefully ironed out. I know many here don't monkey with theirs like I do tho
 
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