06/09/2023
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Kiwis On Route 66 Reunion Tour
Designed for people who've been on tour with us before, we take a di
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03/09/2023
Day 35 & 36
Palm Springs to Los Angeles, California
Our final day started with some shopping at an outlet centre then round 2 of the go kart racing which was fierce but damn good fun! Congrats to Andrea & Tubbsy for the best average times Female and Male - who had the FASTEST time???
We made it safely back to the LAX Marriot Hotel we started as strangers 35 days ago but returned as friends for life.
Our traditional end of tour drinks was very emotional with lots of very kind words spoken. Our Aussie Mates shouted some Fosters beer for us and arranged meat pies and sausage rolls which tasted AMAZING! Thanks Rick…
A few more drinks and we farewell everyone tomorrow. We’re going to miss you all!
02/09/2023
The pranksters got pranked 🤣🤣🤣
01/09/2023
Day 34
Lake Havasu, Arizona to Palm Springs, California
Today we followed the Colorado River through Parker and some stopped for a swim in this famous American river.
The drive through the Joshua Tree National Park is 70 miles long with the scenery changing dramatically as we moved through. Some stunning views!
Our Hotel in Palm Springs for the next 2 night has a great pool and tonight we visited the Thursday night Market in downtown.
31/08/2023
Day 33
Kingman to Lake Havasu, Arizona
Our final day on Route 66 for this tour started with a drive over the scenic Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman, the Donkey Town.
After a bit of shopping and checking out the attractions we then made our way to the Topock 66 Bar right on the Colorado River for lunch and a swim.
Our Hotel for the night is the London Bridge Resort and we had a lot of fun in the pool followed by a beautiful dinner.
30/08/2023
Moonrise and Sunrise a few days ago in beautiful Sedona.
Thanks for the great photos Nifty
30/08/2023
Day 32
Sedona Arizona to Kingman Arizona
After a beautiful sunrise in Sedona we headed back to Flagstaff then took another stretch of original Route 66 to Willams for some 66 souvenir shopping.
Some of the crew had an earlier start and made their way to the Grand Canyon for a helicopter flight at 8am or stood on the rim of the Canyon.
In Seligman we met the man himself - Angel Delgadillo, age 96 going on 36 who is the one that created the Historic Route 66 Society of Arizona that led to the preservation of the Mother Road. What an inspiration !
A visit to Hackberry General Store the Outpost Saloon for a cold beer, game of pool and added our tour names to the ceiling.
Our Hotel in Kingman has a great pool in which we spent a couple of hours soaking it all up. What a great day!
29/08/2023
Day 31
Gallup New Mexico, to Sedona Arizona.
We are ticking off the states as we left New Mexico and entered Arizona. We did some shopping at some Indian trading posts then toured the Petrified National Forest to the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook.
Winslow, Arizona was made famous in the Eagles song “Take it Easy” so we stood on the corner where there is a great tribute to the Eagles.
Some paid a visit to the Meteor Crater which is mind blowing then we headed to our wonderful a Hotel in Sedona for the night.
28/08/2023
Day 30
Santa Fe to Gallup, New Mexico
Today we left the beautiful city of Santa Fe and followed Route 66 through to Gallup. We visited the cute mining town of Madrid which was made famous in the movie Wild Hogs.
Next was the drive up the Sandia Crest over 10500ft for stunning views over Albequeque then the Enchanted Trails RV park to check out some vintage caravans.
Lunch was at the Route 66 Junkyard Brewery for a cold beer and yummy pulled pork sandwich.
27/08/2023
Day 29
Colorful Santa Fe today was about relaxing and seeing the sights of this beautiful city
26/08/2023
Day 28
Amarillo Texas to Santa Fe New Mexico
One of our favourite days which we started with a visit to Bill Warwicks private collection of amazing memorabilia, this place is mind blowing with treasures everywhere you look.
Just around the corner is the iconic Cadillac Ranch where we added to the art work with spray paint .
Our next visit was to the Midpoint Cafe which is halfway across Route 66 and we enjoyed some delicious pie which they are famous for, and then we lined up for a midway photo.
We crossed the border into New Mexico and stopped at Russell’s Truck Stop to look at his impressive car collection, then made our way through Tucumcari to Santa Rosa where some brave people went for a swim at the Big Blue Hole.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, we were lucky enough to arrive to a car show a few steps from the hotel …we LOVE Santa Fe 🥰
25/08/2023
Day 27
Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Texas
Making our way West through the remaining stretches of Route 66 in Oklahoma we stopped at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton & regrouped at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City.
Next up was a visit to the Redneck capital of the world - Erick, Oklahoma where the wonderful Harley Russell showed us insanity at its finest. What a treat!
We crossed the border into Texas with visits to the Dew Drop Inn in Shamrock, leaning water tower, giant cross and Bug Slug Ranch.
A party bus took us to the Big Texan Steak Ranch for a fantastic meal with great company.
24/08/2023
Day 26
Tulsa Oklahoma, to Oklahoma City Oklahoma
A shorter travel day today which started with a go kart race at JPR Raceway in Tulsa. There was plenty at stake with reputations on the line… lots of FUN and only a warm up for the grand finale.
We followed Route 66 through Sapulpa to the historic Rock Cafe for lunch. The journey continued to Pops Soda Gas Station on Route 66.
A quick detour to visit the home of Street Outlaws Farm Truck then to the Hotel for a cool off in the pool. Another day done!
23/08/2023
Day 25
Springfield Illinois, to Tulsa Oklahoma
One of our favourite days as we travelled through 3 states - Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. The day started with a visit to see Barbara & George at the Gay Parita Sinclair Gas Station- a very special place for us.
We did some Antique Store shopping in Carthage then drove the 13.2 miles of Route 66 through Kansas stopping in Galena where we met Tow Mater and Doc Hudson from the movie Cars.
In Miami, Oklahoma we visited the beautiful Coleman Theatre and drove an original section of Route 66 9ft wide road. We also discovered a new Museum in Afton which was great, stopped at the famous Blue Whale in Catoosa before heading to our Hotel for the night - the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa. The pool is FANTASTIC with a great dinner on the 19th Floor. What a great day!
22/08/2023
Day 24
St Louis to Springfield, Illinois
Today we followed Route 66 as much as possible through beautiful Missouri country side and small country towns. We visited the Meramec Caverns where Jesse James had his hideout, the Giant Rocking Chair in Fanning, a town called Bourbon, had lunch at the Sweetwater BBQ for some Devine ribs, had some fun in Uranus, and did some shopping at the Worlds Largest Gift store.
Our hotel for the night is at the Worlds biggest Bass Pro Store
21/08/2023
Day 23
Springfield to St Louis, Illinois
Day two with a short day traveling the original Route 66 from 1926 to 1930 from Springfield Illinois to St Louis.
21/08/2023
Day 22
Chicago to Springfield, Illinois
A milestone day for us as we leave Chicago and make our way back to California along Route 66.
It’s so good to be back on the Mother Road!
19/08/2023
Day 21
Chicago, Illinois
A boys day out, Volo Auto Museum and Studio Hotrods while the girls had a relaxing day shopping
19/08/2023
Day 20
Chicago, Illinois
Today was a sightseeing day with a ride on the Hop On Hop off Buses, along with a boat ride up the Chicago River on the Architectural Riverboat Cruise. Some walked the streets to take in the sights and then sat and listened to a fantastic band while we had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Later we took the Party Bus on a scenic detour to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and some entertainment with one of our crew taking the stage with his back up dancers.
We stopped for a drink at Blue Chicago before heading home for the night, what a fun filled day
18/08/2023
Day 18 & 19
Le Claire to Chicago, Illinois
We avoided the busy interstates as much as we could on the way to Chicago, taking us through some cool old towns. Everyone made it safely to the hotel, then we caught the train to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs v White Sox baseball game, what a fantastic experience with such a fun and lively sold out crowd, jet fighter plane flyovers, baseball sing alongs, and a nail biter finish. The next morning we made our way to the start of Route 66 for our traditional group photo
16/08/2023
Day 17
Omaha Nebraska, to Le Claire Iowa
We tried to avoid the interstate so took a detour to Winterset which was the home of John Wayne and also the setting for the movie the Bridges of Madison County with a number of covered bridges in the area.
It was relaxing taking the quiet country roads through rural Iowa with thousands of acres of soya beans and corn through Knoxville which is famous for its Speedway track.
Le Claire is on the banks of the Mississippi River and our Hotel has wonderful views over this iconic piece of American history. Also in town is the world HQ for Antique Archeology - home of the TV Show American Pickers!
15/08/2023
Day 16
Omaha, Nebraska
Today was spent enjoying the wonderful city of Omaha. We visited the Henry Dorley Zoo which is world class then some explored the historic downtown area while others visited the Speedway Museum of Speed which is one if the best in the USA!
14/08/2023
Day 15
North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska
After a fun night we left North Platte and made our wat to Gothenburg, Nebraska where Alan gave us a great insight into the history of the Pony Express.
Our next stop was Kearney’s Classic Car Museum which opene 1 hour early for our tour group. What a great collection and the team working there welcomed us with open arms.
Omaha is our destination for the next 2 nights - we love this place!
13/08/2023
Day 14
Glenwood Springs, Colorado to North Platte, Nebraska
Today was our longest drive in the tour at 416 miles as we push towards Chicago so we can return to LA on Route 66.
The road from Glenwood Springs is an engineering marvel - why can’t we have roads like this in New Zealand ?
We travelled over the Rocky Mountains taking a detour over the Loveland Pass at 12000 ft. The air was thin…
After Denver we hit the plains to North Platte, Nebraska with a stop at Buffalo Bill Cody’s Ranch.
What a great trip with even greater people on this tour!
12/08/2023
Day 13
Moab to Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Another beautiful drive following the Colorado River today. Once we arrived in Glenwood Springs we visited the grave sites of Doc Holliday and Kid Curry in the hills above this historic town. The history of these two famous legends is really interesting.
We then enjoyed the world’s largest mineral pools at our hotel and had our traditional tour duck race ….well done JC who was the winner, mystery duck got second, Shorty 3rd and Trevor got last prize
11/08/2023
Moab, Arches National Park
11/08/2023
Day 12
Moab Utah
Today we visited the picturesque Arches National Park which is one of the best in the USA. Along with the scenic drive we did a number of short walks to view the Arches up close, what a stunning place and a MUST visit!
10/08/2023
Day 11
Wendover to Moab, Utah
We travelled across the salt flats interstate to Salt Lake City where we stopped by Kindig - IT Design for a visit and a bit of shopping. We were fortunate enough to catch Dave when he had time to spare to meet a bunch of crazy Kiwis and Aussies. He was incredibly hospitable taking time for photos and autographs, he also gave us some signed goodies to give away to our crew during the tour.
We stopped at a quaint little town called Helper for lunch and checked out the brilliant Vintage Motorcycle Museum.
We made it to our destination for the next two nights, Moab, and hit the pools for a relaxing swim and celebrating Shortys birthday with a few drinks
09/08/2023
Day 10
Bonneville Speed Week
After a number of delays the racing at the 75th Bonneville Speed Week finally got under way.
We appreciate the challenges and efforts of SCTA to make the most of a bad situation. Unfortunately no spectators were allowed at the start line due to the conditions so we set up a Kiwi Camp at the end of the pits to watch the racing from a distance. Never the less we had brilliant day with lots of laughs
08/08/2023
Wendover, Utah
Speed Week - Bonneville Salt Flats
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Moab, Arches National Park
Wendover, Utah Speed Week - Bonneville Salt Flats
Happy 4th July to all our tour friends in the USA! We're coming back next year with a great bunch of Kiwis plus a few awesome Aussies as well. We've missed you all and can't wait to return!
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