Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

Near-total solar eclipse will occur in much of New Mexico on Oct. 14

A lot of New Mexico and a sizable chunk of its Route 66 will experience a near-total solar eclipse on the morning of Oct. 14. The eclipse on that day is described as an annular eclipse -- when the moon passes between the sun but is at or near its farthest point from Earth. As … Continue reading Near-total solar eclipse will occur in much of New Mexico on Oct. 14

Death Valley National Park may remain closed for months due to tropical storm damage

Death Valley National Park in California and Nevada may stay closed for months because of extensive damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Hilary last month. The Los Angeles Times reports that flash flooding from the storm damaged many roads in the park, including Route 190. Route 127, which links with Interstate 15 northeast of Barstow, also … Continue reading Death Valley National Park may remain closed for months due to tropical storm damage

Possible tornado destroys Skyline Motel in McCook

A likely tornado several days ago destroyed the family-owned Skyline Motel along Route 66 in McCook, Illinois. ABC 7 in nearby Chicago reported the Patel family, which emigrated to America during the early 1990s, has owned the motel at 8136 Joliet Road (aka Route 66) for about 30 years. The possible tornado ripped the roof … Continue reading Possible tornado destroys Skyline Motel in McCook

Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes

The Sidetrack Adventures channel on YouTube explored the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, California, and why a good portion of it became buried under the sands of the Mojave Desert. The main reason was a neighborhood was inexplicably built on the dry riverbed of the Mojave River. What can go wrong? https://youtu.be/Ve2S2QgRPgQ Newberry Springs … Continue reading Video explains how part of Newberry Springs became buried under sand dunes

It may be days before Tulsa area recovers from widespread power outages due to storms

Tulsa-area officials said it may be "days, not hours" before the region restores electricity after storms rampaged over the weekend. The Tulsa World reported: “We are seeing damage that, when it’s all said and done, may not be quite as bad as the 2007 … ice storm, but it’s going to be close,” Tulsa Mayor … Continue reading It may be days before Tulsa area recovers from widespread power outages due to storms

Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee

A severe storm Thursday night into Friday morning washed out a new bridge on Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee, New Mexico, prompting the closure of the road indefinitely. That's part of the 17-mile gravel-road alignment of Route 66 between the border ghost town of Glenrio and San Jon. An estimated seven inches … Continue reading Flash flooding closes Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee

Memorial dedicated to Joplin tornado victims of 2011

A 17-foot-tall sculpture was dedicated Wednesday to the people who died in the 2011 tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri. The Joplin Memorial Run sculpture bears the names of the 161 dead from the EF5 twister. It is located at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex at Joplin Avenue and Seventh Street (aka Route … Continue reading Memorial dedicated to Joplin tornado victims of 2011

Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

A section of old Route 66 between Barstow, California, and Amboy, California, that was closed for several years due to bridge washouts is open again. The Facebook accounts of the California Historic Route 66 Association and Roy's Motel & Cafe this week both reported the road being reopened by San Bernardino County, which holds jurisdiction. … Continue reading Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow

Nearly century-old Krtek Building in Carthage destroyed by fire

A building that stood along Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri, for nearly a century was destroyed by fire over the weekend. The Krtek Building, built in 1927 at Grant Street and Central Avenue (aka Route 66), also was known Henson Metal Building Supply and Stanley Lumber Co. Google Street View captured an image of the … Continue reading Nearly century-old Krtek Building in Carthage destroyed by fire