Trip pics from my journey
with my king-of-the-road uncle
with my king-of-the-road uncle
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.
36 comments:
Soounds like a great trip with a great guy. 81...we'll all be there soon enough but it's hard to fathom.
Sounds like a fun and interesting trip! Good for him to do the helicopter ride!
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.
yes a little too far out into the future - A fuzzy picture of that future is enough for me.
I don't think he gave it a second thought. He wanted the pilot to go farther.
thanks
This blog helps record the stories too. I should print them out too.
thanks
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.
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?
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!
That van is awesome! Takes me back to Scooby Doo.
thanks - Doing some of the jokes together I started to feel like we were a comedy team.
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.
You've got one fun uncle there!
Did you have a little recorder hidden in your pocket?
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!
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!
I hope i am as adventerous when I am that age....and mobile
no but maybe I should do a video interview of him.
650cc - I would not call a scooter. Is it a 3 wheeled thing?
At 78 you are inspiring us younger ones.
thanks
Funny - a cartoon reference. Everyone has their own memories but I didn't think of that one.
thanks
At that age (any age really) you should try to make life fun. thanks
I'm glad I learned that story while I could still ask him about it.
thanks
thanks - you have a great Sunday too.
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
Good idea. Seriously.
That last picture is pretty heart-warming.
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.
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. ;-)
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.
Sounds like a great trip!
thanks - I'm glad I got it because as you know funny people do have warm hearts.
Most all of us want to look and act good in front the opposite sex so your idea does work often.
Since the road didn't go near FL I guess you have a good excuse for not knowing. thanks
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 ...
thanks but I know not everyone is comfortable being recorded.
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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