Oh this is the most important news you’ll get all day, I promise!

When Scoot 66 started out, it was a 45 day trip across the US and back. Since then, some changes have been made, but I believe I have finally concreted the schedule. This is as definite as it’s going to get.

The changes since the basic outline are…

-NEW start date and location. The trip now officially starts in Lewisburg, PA (technically, in New Berlin) on April 30. From there I’ll go to Wheeling, take a day off and leave from Wheeling as planned on May 3.
-Oklahoma/Arkansa/Texas side trip. I wrote about this a week or so ago.
-Arizona/Utah/Colorado side trip. I’ll be writing about this soon.
-Tehachapi Loop near Bakersfield, CA side trip. I’ll probably write about this soon as well.
-Virginia/North Carolina/Maryland Southern Extension - After returning to Wheeling for a day off, a quick jaunt to Parkersburg, WV and Hungry Mother State Park in VA and up the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive to Gettysburg for the anniversary.
-NEW stop date and location. The trip now officially stops in Lewisburg, PA (again, technically in New Berlin) on July 4. I’ll get to Wheeling as schudled and then meander my way to Gettysburg then Lewisburg.

Scoot 66 is now over 10,000 miles long. It is now 66 days.
Scoot 66 in 66 days.

Fun!

Here is the new map…

And here is the new schedule…

Route 66
Day    Start                       End                      Miles
1	Lewisburg, PA	         Kane, PA	        200
2	Kane, PA	          Wheeling, WV	       226
3	Day off in Wheeling!                                20
4	Wheeling, WV	        Auburn, IN	       300
5	Auburn, IN	          Joliet, IL	            200
6	Joliet, IL	            Springfield, IL	     165
7	Springfield, IL	          St. Louis, MO	           90
8	St. Louis, MO	        Lebanon, MO	      170
9	Lebanon, MO	       Springfield, MO	       60
10	Springfield, MO	       Tulsa, OK	        200
11	Tulsa, OK	         Oklahoma City, OK   130
12	Oklahoma City, OK    Mena, AR	            235
13	Mena, AR	        Bonham, TX	      217
14	Bonham, TX	      Oklahoma City, OK	   207
15	Oklahoma City, OK    Elk City, OK	     100
16	Elk City, OK	         Amarillo, TX	        155
17	Amarillo, TX	        Tucumcari, NM	     125
18	Tucumcari, NM	      Santa Rosa, NM	   80
19	Santa Rosa, NM	     Santa Fe, NM	 120
20	Santa Fe, NM	      Albuquerque, NM	 100
21	Day trip to Moriarty                     	100
22	Albuquerque, NM	     Gallup, NM	           160
23	Gallop, NM	        Holbrook, AZ	     110
24	Holbrook, AZ	        Flagstaff, AZ	     100
25	Flagstaff, AZ	        Kanab, UT	     225
26	Kanab, UT	        Mexican Hat, UT	   277
27	Mexican Hat, UT	Canyon de Chelly, AZ	172
28	Canyon de Chelly, AZ	Flagstaff, AZ	  233
29	Flagstaff, AZ	         Kingman, AZ	     165
30	Kingman, AZ	       Needles, CA	      75
31	Needles, CA	        Barstow, CA	     175
32	Side Trip to Tehachapi Loop		     200
33	Barstow, CA	      Los Angeles, CA	   120

Total 5232

The Return Trip
Day    Start                       End                      Miles
34	Day Off in Malibu Creek	                            0
35	Los Angeles, CA	        San Luis Obispo, CA 270
36	San Luis Obispo, CA    Berkeley, CA	      261
37	Day Off in Berkeley	                               0
38	Day Off in Berkeley		                       0
39	Berkeley, CA	          Donner Pass, CA	253
40	Donner Pass, CA	        Austin, NV	        220
41	Austin, NV	          Delta, UT	            300
42	Delta, UT	Salt Lake City, UT	          109
43	Day off in SLC / Trip to Orem                     100
44	Day off in SLC                                           0
45	Salt Lake City, UT	Logan, UT	         172
46	Logan, UT	         Jackson, WY	         195
47	Jackson, WY	        Bozeman, MT	       211
48	Bozeman, MT	       Forsyth, MT	        304
49	Forsyth, MT	        Bowman, ND	        177
50	Bowman, ND	       Aberdeen, SD	       263
51	Aberdeen, SD	       Pipestone, MN	       237
52	Pipestone, MN	       West Bend, IA	       177
53	West Bend, IA	       Mt. Zion, WI	        244
54	Mt. Zion, WI	        Kenosha, WI	         175
55	Day off in Kenosha, WI                               0
56	Kenosha, WI	       Plymouth, IN	        161
57	Plymouth, IN	       Wheeling, WV	        343
58	Day off in Wheeling                                   20
59	Wheeling, WV	      Parkersburg, WV	       90
60	Parkersburg, WV	     Hungry Mother, VA	    272
61	Hungry Mother, VA   Lexington, VA	     234
62	Lexington, VA	      Gettysburg, PA	       253
63	Gettysburg, PA for Anniversary                   40
64	Gettysburg, PA for Anniversary                   40
65	Gettysburg, PA for Anniversary                   40
66	Gettysburg, PA	       Lewisburg, Pa	       100

Total 5261


GRAND TOTAL  10493

I have two side-trips that I’ve added to my Scoot 66 trip. Both are things I’ve always wanted to do. The first one takes me into southern Oklahoma, northern Texas and western Arkansas. The second one brings me into northern Arizona, southern Utah and a bit into Colorado and “The Four Corners” area.

Let’s talk about the first one.

I’ve done about half of the first one in a car in 2004. Something about this land really did it for me. And while I’ve not gotten all the kinks out of it, the basic idea is to leave from Oklahoma City, via OK 9 or US 62. Head east to Fort Smith, Arkansas. From there, take US 71 a road near it to around Texarkana. At this point, I’d dip down to visit Fouke, Arkanasa, home of the Boggy Creek Creature.

Here’s a bit of what I said in 2004…

Fouke itself was nothing but two churches and two gas stations. One of which was named Monster Mart. There is too much back story to explain why this excited me so much and why I had us go out of our way to see it. To make a long story short, the TV show, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (while it was on the air) used to take B-grade movies and riff on them as they played. One of the movies there did was Boggy Creek 2: The Legend Continues. It was a work of fiction as a Bigfoot type monster that supposedly lived in Fouke. Since it seemed to be a Part Two of something, I was curious as to what was Part One.

What I found out was that Part One was a documentary made in the 70’s that got national attention. It too took place in Fouke. Since then the legend has all but died, though thanks to Mystery Science Theater riffing the sequel, it’s gotten a bit more notice in recent years. The only think keeping it alive at this point is Monster Mart, a small convenience store/gas station right in the heart of Fouke. They sell T-shirts, postcards, buttons and even the DVD of the original documentary. I picked up a shirt and a few postcards. They also had a plaster casting of one of the creature’s supposed footprints. I was in my glory. I should have bought at least one of everything. I’m not sure why I didn’t. I mentioned to the girls that it’s not too far away from where we’re staying and that we could go back in the morning so I could pick up the DVD and a button or two, but they seemed less than enthused. So, on we travel.

So that’s Fouke. And that’s the starting point for the rerun of a bit of the 2004 trip.

After Texarkana, there’s nothing all that exciting about US Route 82. However, for reasons unknown to me, US Route 82 struck me as amazing. I’m not even sure that I knew it then…

We headed west down US Route 82, passing by countless small towns with countless water towers. The bigger the town, the bigger the water tank. Most of the towns were run down and depressed, much like Texarkana.

We had planned on passing through Paris, Texas, mostly because of the movie, which none of us have seen. But hey, it’s on the way. Well, on the way to Paris, we pass through a speck on the map called Detroit. It had only one store in it, but the line of old store fronts was what made me stop the car and wake everyone up. The shop, a supposed art gallery, but more of a junk/craft store, was pretty cool. Nikki picked up a plastic bobble-head armadillo with the words “Detroit, Texas” on it. It was 20 or 30 years old, from a time when they were trying to revitalize the town. That plan has long since been abandoned. The old fellow who ran the place, which used to be a bank (even the vault was still there!), told us that the vice-president under Monroe was born only a block away.

Detroit, like it’s counterpart in Michigan, was beat. But this one has a charm to it. I still don’t see why.

Paris came up next. We had all heard of a movie called Paris, Texas, but none of us had seen it. And it probably wasn’t even filmed there. However, it was the biggest town for miles and miles.

On the 2004 trip, we were trying to do around 400 miles a day. I don’t like to do more than 200 now (while sight-seeing, I mean). This gives me time to get out of the car or off the scooter and enjoy something I’d otherwise race by.

In Paris, we got out of the car and bummed around…

It was a bigger town, but the downtown was still in shambles. Not as much as most of the other towns, but still, pretty bad. There were mostly antique and junk stores. There was an art gallery (with some pretty good work in it) and a pet store where the birds looks so unhealthy that it nearly brought us to tears. There was a black mama cat in a very small cage and you could tell that she had just given birth (where were her kittens??) and that she was very starved for attention. The woman behind the counter was unfriendly and yelled at us like we were grade school kids, “don’t put your fingers in the cages!” The thought of liberating these poor animals crossed all of our minds.

We walked around Paris, found a Subway, grabbed a bite to eat and drove on till we hit I-35. I was debating on taking US 77 right away, but it was Oklahoma, right? Nothing to see. The land was flat, just like Texas.

Just like Texas. Not quite and not really an excuse. Interstates are always pretty lame and to be used only as a last resort. Even if the interstate and the “slow old road” are right next to each other, take the slow old road. You never know what you’ll miss otherwise.

Then the oddest thing happened. The Oklahoma land, which, up until now was flat and shapeless, suddenly became hilly, then mountainous. Steep drop offs, rocky rises, huge boulders. It was night and day. Where did this come from? We drove up a steep incline and saw a sign for “Turner Falls Overlook.” We pulled off and below us was a beautiful waterfall emptying out into a clear pool filled with happy bathers. To the right was a huge European style castle. We took some pictures and decided to take a swim. Why not? This was our vacation. We had no reservations for the night, so no need to be anywhere, really.

Oh that was really cool. But it was $8 and we didn’t feel like paying. However, now I do feel like paying, so I think I shall.

From there, I’d take US 77 north, back to Oklahoma City, stay the night and restart Route 66 the next morning.

A diversion not for everyone, but I’m pretty excited about it.

Just to give folks an idea of when I’ll be where, here’s a run down of my schedule thus far.

March 10 - 15 in Pennsylvania (6 days)
March 15 - 29 in West Virginia (15 days - perhaps picking up Ruby II then)
March 29 - April 14 in Seattle area (17 days)
April 15 - April 27 in West Virginia (13 days)
April 27 - April 30 in Pennsylvania (3 days)
April 30 - May 2 in West Virginia (3 days)
May 3 - June 16 on Scoot 66 (43 days)
June 16 - June 27 in West Virginia (12 days)
June 27 - July 4 in Gettysburg (8 days)

What I’m doing before March 10, I don’t know. I’ll be based out of WV, I know that, but I’m not sure if I’ll take a small trip here and there. Largely, it depends on the evil weather.

Lovely, no?

I was trying to figure out just how narcissistic it would be to make postcards advertising my trip. I couldn’t figure it out. All I could come up with was “pretty damned narcissistic.”

Oh well. I’m not usually a “look at me!” sort of person. But I figure, why not? And so I did.

They’re basic. And square. I like square. A lot. So there you go. I’ll be handing these buggers out to folks in Lewisburg before I leave. Hopefully the cafe and Page After Page will agree to put some out as well. And then people can follow my antics if they so choose.

Yeah, it’s a big boastful. But I’m allowed to be sometimes.
I guess mostly, I’m just really excited about this trip.

Yesterday was my lone day off. I spent much of it trying to figure out what I’ll need for the trip. I wasn’t completely sure if I could stuff nine days worth of clothing in my bag. I also wasn’t sure if I could I could take my backpack (and thus my laptop). I wanted to bring my backpack because buying a sleeve or another bag for my laptop just seemed dumb.

And yeah, this isn’t all that exciting. But check this out…

All my clothes for the trip. Each roll contains one shirt, one pair of boxers and a pair of socks. Also note pants! PANTS! Fun huh?

Also in the bag are my toiletries and first aid kit. Aren’t you just ridiculously excited?!

It was pretty warm out today, so I was able to ride for about 25 miles. A bit chilly on the legs, but it was great to get out again.

I rode with a full pack just to see how different it was. Honestly, not that much.

I’m really really stoked for this trip. Really REALLY.

Just thought you’d like to know.

Motels are expensive. That’s why I camp. On my little excursion, I plan on staying in only five motels (out of 45 nights). Three of them are just random cheap motels - no campgrounds around. But the other two are amazing.

First, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, a town famous for its old motels and neon, there’s the Blue Swallow Motel.

I stayed there two years ago and can’t wait to stay there again. Here’s what I wrote oh so long ago…

Tucumcari tonight! Tucumcari used to boast 2000 motel rooms. I’m not sure how many there are now, but that doesn’t matter because we found the best freaking motel with the best freaking room and the best freaking owners EVER.

Welcome to the Blue Swallow Motel. A beautifully restored motel from the 40’s now run by Bill and Terri. Red bearded Bill, clad in bib overalls greeted us, checked us in and showed us a “suite.” And sweet it was. It has a stove.. a PINK stove!, two bedrooms, a 1940’s style bathroom and so much nostalgia you’ll go crazy. Bill offered us so much assistance and help and fun that I can’t even begin to describe it. Actually, it’s a lot like staying in a B&B. He took care of us.

Every evening he also takes pictures of in front of the sign of everyone who stays at the motel. He prints them out at night and then gives you a 5×7 of them the next day. For free. What a guy!

Boo went for a run to Tucumcari Mountain while Nikki and I got our picture taken in front of the sign. She and I were on the computer, reading some comments left by you guys (thanks!) when we looked our the window to our right to see Bill walking towards us. He held up his camera with a big smile as if to say “It’s time!” He was excited. You can really tell he loves this place. They bought it in February, I think. New owners totally in love with each other and their motel. I could live here.

May this year they’ll adopt me and Ruby.

The second motel is a few days after Tucumcari. At one time it was a small chain of motels, but since then, only three remain. Two are on Route 66. I’ll be staying in the one in Holbrook, Arizona.

It’s the Wigwam Motel!

I stayed in it in 2004 and 2006 and will stay again in 2008. Every two years! I wish I would have written more about it in 2004. The owner of the Wigman (he’s the original founder’s son) and I had a wonderful conversation about the government. He’s one of those republican/libertarian/anarchist/militia type who are always a blast to chew the fat with.

But no, for some reason, I’ve never really written much about the place. In both ‘04 and ‘06 I hardly mention that I stayed there at all. Weird, huh?

But Holbrook was the place where I got a free plate of fries from Denny’s.

We drive the 20 sleepy miles to Holbrook to our castle for the night, The Wigwam Motel! I love this place. Hungry, we hit Denny’s where our waiter, Jep, took a liking to a certain journal keeper (blogger?) and I didn’t get charged for my fries or my Sprite. Oh yeah! I still got it!

Go me. Maybe Jep will still be there! Oh I hope!

Anyway, those are the two motels I was just itchin’ to tell you about. Are you happy that I did?

Sure you are.

Yeah, so while routing and mapping my merry way across the big ass state of Montana and into North Dakota, I figure I’d stay for the night in a quaint little town of Aberdeen, SD. There’s a cheap campground on the north side of town called Wylie Park. $13 for a tent space.

Well, later that day, I was receiving a box of books and found a fun book that I ordered called Roadside Attractions. I paged through it a bit (seriously, I’m getting to my point, just hang in there) and saw a picture of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Fun, thought I. So I read the caption. “The Land of Oz in Aberdeen, South Dakota…” I paused and pondered. “Aberdeen?… that sounds familiar.. I think I just mapped my way to it this morning…” I checked and it’s true.

Not only does The Land of Oz exist in Aberdeen, it’s situated in Wylie freakin’ Park!

It’s not just The Land of Oz, it’s a whole Storybook Land! Am I excited? I DON’T KNOW!!

I mean, should I be? I’ll be traveling 263 miles that day and 237 the next. Will I even have time to explore such a place? It seems like it’s open till 8pm, so hopefully I’ll get there with a few hours to kill wandering around Surrealville.

Are you as excited as I am? ARE YOU?!!

Here’s the map for that day…
View Map

Yep, ALL on US12! Should I be excited?! I DON’T KNOW!!!!!!!11one11

I’m not really sure if anyone is following my little previews of what will be my travels. But if you are, you’re in for a one-two punch of a look-see.

After a short stint in Salt Lake City (yeah, I know, I vowed to never set foot in that town again, but hey, I’m unpredictable), I’ll take a wee lil ride through Ogden to a spot that I’ve always wanted to visit for as long as I can remember.

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love trains. I just do. No idea why, but from before I could speak, I loved them. When I was in elementary school, I thought the Trans-Continental Railroad was the coolest thing ever. You know, where one group of railroaders started at the west coast and another group started on the east, meeting in the middle. When they met up, they had a ceremony and drove a golden spike into the ties.

Where that happened is now the Golden Spike National Historic Site near Logan, Utah. Here’s a bit of info on it.

At first, I didn’t plan on going there. Honestly, I sort of forgot about it. I didn’t even know where it was. That changed, however, when Sarah (Smartz) suggested (insisted) that I visit something called the Spiral Jetty, I stumbled upon the Golden Spike Site.

I still wasn’t convinced to visit either. Actually, the name “Golden Spike National Historic Site” didn’t even ring a bell with me until a few days of looking into the Jetty.

So what’s the Spiral Jetty? The Spiral Jetty was created by a fellow named Robert Smithson in 1970. It is an earthwork sculpture build in the Great Salt Lake during a drought. Several years after it was created, the drought subsided and the Spiral Jetty was submerged. That is, until 1999 when a new drought kicked in and the Jetty was revealed once more.

And so I shall visit it. Why? Well, why not? Smartz is unhealthily in love with this Jetty. She has created a MySpace page for it and wrote a rather lengthy paper on it. She claims that she has never visited it… physically. Whatever that means. Anyway, I will be there.

It wasn’t till after a bit of research on Mr. Jetty that I decided to make the stop at the Golden Spike site. I even added an extra day to my trip to do both! I feel sort of bad for getting there before Smartz. She’s the one obsessed with the thing. But hey, it’ll be neat to see.

The more I plan the “return trip” of Scoot 66, the more I’m looking forward to getting out there. With the first leg of the trip, Route 66, I’ve seen most of it once or twice before. But with nearly everything I’m seeing on the return trip, it’ll be my first time. Woo!

Here’s a shot of it from google maps!

View Map

Maybe, just maybe, I spoke too soon about being elated about the return trip. Maybe. Ned mentioned this yesterday - it’s pretty sobering.

Why? Well, after I leave that lovely Austin, NV town, it’s 148 miles to the next gas station. No big deal, right? Sort of. The range on a Vespa GTS is about 120 miles per tank. That’s usually fine. Here it is not.

I guess I’m going to have to invest in a gas can. I’ll buy one in California and should be ok. With a full tank and a gallon can of gas, I can get around 175 miles.

At 148 miles, I can fuel up in Ely. That should be able to take me the remaining 151 miles to Delta, UT, where I’ll be staying the next night. They have a gas station there. Just one. I’ll have to cross my fingers.

This is a little nerve-wracking. One whole day of wondering if I’ll run out of gas.

I’m betting there will be more days like this through Montana and North Dakota.

This is the route for that day.
View Map