Location: An appropriately named park with interesting historical displays showcasing Route 66 memorabilia.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Terrain: Level trail, gravel and meadow.
CLUES:
"Route 66 was designed as a federal highway in 1926 and occupies a special place in American popular culture and history. Spanning some of the most remote country in the United States, from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66's fame is primarily due to its role in social changes taking place during the first half of the 20th century. The highway has come to represent American mobility, independence and spirit of adventure."
If you'd like to see a bit of the history of this route, be sure to stop in the Visitor's Center. Very interesting! Then drive along a portion of the original Route 66, including a historic bridge across the Meramec River, as you go further into the park. Take a turn at the second right after the bridge, then pull over to park your jalopy in the first lot on the right.
Since you may be on a long journey, this box is a simple "drive-by" which you can incorporate with a pit stop at the picnic/playground area. The trailhead is southeast of the playground at the end of a side road. Walk through the wooden gate and then stretch your legs along the gravel trail heading toward the river.
At the "T" (as in "Model T"), turn your wheel to the left and motor over to the bench overlooking the river. From here, set your sights to a tall 4-trunk tree at 220 degrees. It is located in the middle of a field, surrounded by cedar. Go off-road to reach it, then travel further back to a charred fallen tree. Your roadtrip souvenir is parked on the ground where the branches fork.
Please return the vehicle safely back into its garage before heading back to your own hot rod. Safe travels to you and please send us a note to let us know how things are going down in Missouri. We don't live nearby, so appreciate any feedback you can send on the status of the box. Thanks!
