BACK IN THE USA

 

There are lots more images from our Central European expedition to edit, and I'll probably put more on Facebook, but it's time to be home. This weekend is the 100th anniversary of the official designation of Route 66, sometimes referred to as America's Mother Road. It starts in Chicago, passes through St. Louis (quite close to our home), and then gradually southwest to Los Angeles. Readers may know the song, with popular covers by St. Louisan Chuck Berry or the Rolling Stones. 

There was a weekend festival to mark the occasion at the Missouri History Museum. One feature was a line-up of classic cars that may have plied the road. This is a 1939 Cadillac La Salle ambulance. Make way.                   

Fossil

The car. The fuel, and lots of it.

It's been a few years since I last shot the Catsup Festival. I remember more variety of attractions. Now it's mostly a big hot rod, custom and classic car show. I'm not sure of the year of this old Cadillac (help appreciated) but it has the look of a dreadnought. I can imagine sitting behind the wheel, windows open on a warm summer day, no seat belts, radio blaring Elvis Presley, cruising across St. Louis on Route 66....

Well, no, I can't. But it is impressive in a glitzy, heavy way.

Flame Out

One of the regular features of the People's Joy Parade is this old Cadillac fitted out with - I'm guessing here - propane tanks, valves, an ignition system and blow pipes. Wasteful, sure, but what better way to drive down the street? The lawyer in me always wonders if they have the proper insurance, take care under trees (they seemed to) and pay much attention to the wind.