Saturday, August 27, 2011

traveling memories

Trip pics from my journey 
with my king-of-the-road uncle

(for those that have not read about my road trip plan with my uncle - suggest you read this post first)


Our trip offered more than scenery. It offered time travel.

Through my uncle’s stories I was able to imagine events of the past. He is the last of my dad’s brothers. If you have read any of the past few posts, then you might know he is a genuine character. 

My dad was about 12 years older than this brother. My uncle has the distinction of living the longest of the brothers, but he has an older sister. He says one reason he is about to reach the 81 year milestone is, “only the good die young”. 

Well, I don’t know but he sure can tell some good jokes. 

Taken at the Route 66 museum in Pontiac, IL



I posted about the owner of this hippy van before - see link. 

King-of-the-road uncle has his own Route 66 story. 

Before he was king, he was a jester (I guess he stayed a jester come to think about it). Him and his friends one year (late 1940’s) decided to play a prank on the whole town of Plainfield IL. 

With the help of one friend that had access to county road signs, the group set-up detours signs on Rt. 66. During the middle of night, they diverted the truck traffic right through the residential streets of this small town. 

People being awoken by rumbling trucks were confusing and not happy. He avoided being caught.  

He is not afraid of heights.






 

After he rode this, he was quick to tell us the top straight away speed (30 some mph).


My brother bought him a ticket on a helicopter ride.  I don't think he would have ever turned it down in front of those cute ladies.  Having them help strap him securely into his seat was part of the fun for him.




Last stop of the trip.  A four generation difference in this family picture.




Enjoy pictures from all over the blog world? Check out Unknown Mami's Sundays in my City. 






Unknown Mami

36 comments:

CaliforniaGirl500 said...

Soounds like a great trip with a great guy.  81...we'll all be there soon enough but it's hard to fathom.

Reena Walkling said...

Sounds like a fun and interesting trip!  Good for him to do the helicopter ride!

Anita Davis said...

Most definitely the trip of a lifetime, scenery with the added benefit of time travel! I hope you have written down those stories so that when that precious little one is older you can share your adventure with the King of the Road with her.

lisleman said...

yes a little too far out into the future - A fuzzy picture of that future is enough for me.

lisleman said...

I don't think he gave it a second thought.  He wanted the pilot to go farther.
thanks

lisleman said...

This blog helps record the stories too.  I should print them out too.
thanks

TechnoBabe said...

These are some really nice pictures. Your uncle sounds like you. Or is it the other way around? Your trip with your uncle sounds like it was full of fun, adventures, family, and lots of talking. You are a pretty good nephew. 

oceangirl said...

I enjoyed the trip too.  Your King Uncle is special. 

The tower is something else.  And that looked like too many people for the helicopter ride.  Do they list maximum number of passengers?

Steve Elsaesser said...

Is he only 81? That is  N O T  O L D....at 78, I should know--I still ride my 650cc Suzuki scooter everywhere. Whether it is one mile, or 1000 miles. I absolutely love each one (mile!).

This was a fun trip for me, with you and your Uncle. Thank you.

PEACE!

Kristina P. said...

That van is awesome! Takes me back to Scooby Doo.

lisleman said...

thanks - Doing some of the jokes together I started to feel like we were a comedy team.

lisleman said...

The "tower" is the arch in St. Louis.  Fun you ask about the helicopter.  I initially thought the three of us, uncle, brother, and myself would go.  But then the pilot (or somebody) decided only two could go.  I ended up going with a stranger.  There are seats for 4 people including the pilot.

Jillsy Girl said...

You've got one fun uncle there!

TechnoBabe said...

Did you have a little recorder hidden in your pocket?

Life with Kaishon said...

Your Uncle sounds incredible. I LOVE the story about rerouting the trucks through the town. So stinking funny! I also love the shot of him getting into the helicopter. 80 years old. That is fantastic!

frau said...

I'm glad you went on this trip I think its memories that will last a life time and more. Love the last shot! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Bearmancartoons said...

I hope i am as adventerous when I am that age....and mobile

lisleman said...

no but maybe I should do a video interview of him.

lisleman said...

650cc - I would not call a scooter.  Is it a 3 wheeled thing?
At 78 you are inspiring us younger ones.
thanks

lisleman said...

Funny - a cartoon reference.  Everyone has their own memories but I didn't think of that one.
thanks

lisleman said...

At that age (any age really) you should try to make life fun.  thanks

lisleman said...

I'm glad I learned that story while I could still ask him about it.
thanks

lisleman said...

thanks - you have a great Sunday too.

lisleman said...

Yeah the mobile part is important.  He walks everyday but steps are starting to be a problem for him.  I don't think anything scares him.
thanks

TechnoBabe said...

Good idea. Seriously.

unknownmami said...

That last picture is pretty heart-warming.

tracismixedbag said...

Wow, looks like the road trip went well. (I read about the planning but not the last two posts, so I need to get on that.) What a great way to get a guy of his age to do anything. Ask him in front of pretty females. Works every time. Although not so much any more.

Keetha Broyles said...

Fun post!

Someone put an old "flame pot" that they USED to place in front of road hazards by our back door once - - - lit and everything.

We never did find out who did it either.

Maybe it was your uncle. ;-)

Kristin_The_Goat said...

What a hoot, diverting trucks down residential streets!  It takes a creative soul to do something like that.  I didn't realize there was a Rt 66 museum - but of course there is - i should have known. 

Thisstopwilloughby said...

Sounds like a great trip!

lisleman said...

thanks - I'm glad I got it because as you know funny people do have warm hearts.

lisleman said...

Most all of us want to look and act good in front the opposite sex so your idea does work often.

lisleman said...

Since the road didn't go near FL I guess you have a good excuse for not knowing.  thanks

OneStonedCrow said...

Hehehe ... I love the detour prank story, if I get the opportunity I think I'll copy it ...

I'm starting to think that it's a good idea to keep a recorder handy to record Old Timers' conversations and stories ...

lisleman said...

thanks but I know not everyone is comfortable being recorded.

Jene said...

The last stop looks like the best stop. Sounds like you made some fantastic memories. What a great way to spend a few days, together with family.

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