Day 89 & 90

Oddasee Road Rats,

As mentioned, we need a bit of time off and our quest for temporary sanctuary continues. 

However, that does not mean we have gone catatonic. Wherever we travel, we seek out the unusual, quirky and well, odd. So on our drive when we came upon old Route 66 we knew there were bound to be some interesting things to see. 

In just such a happenstance, we went to visit "The Wheels 'O Time" museum outside of Peoria, Illinois. This was not the most astounding car transportation museum we have seen but it certainly was eclectic. As the story goes, two guys with a car collection were seeking (truth is their wives had grown tired of their collections infringing on the home-fronts) a shared space. This led to them opening their new found warehouse to other collectors; over 20 of them to be exact. Well the end result is this roadside display of their impressive "toys". In addition to the autos, train engines/cars, fire engines, bicycles, wagons there are vignettes of old kitchens, doctors offices and a radio station. Very entertaining and mellow.

   Then we set off to beat the rumored thunderstorms to one of the quirkiest (remember we have seen the Cockroach Hall of Fame, a hair museum, torture museum and Mr. Ed's Elephants, so we know quirky) sites we have on our list. The name alone is worthy of special interest -- "Henry's Route 66 Rabbit Ranch". What the heck does THAT mean? Well once again after overcoming very poor internet directions, we found our quarry..... in a rather underwhelming field of stuff we knew we had arrived when we saw the VW Rabbit homage to Cadillac Ranch. There were old Route 66 signs, rusty gas pumps, trucks and little hints of "rabbit stuff". The semi-trucks from the Campbell Express Trucking Co. and their camel (Susan was pleased) logo, got our attention. Not until we got to the east side of the small building (presumably an old Rt 66 filling station) we came upon the giant rabbit. Hmm, made us wonder if F.A.S.T. molds had been in town. It only got more noteworthy when we noticed that alongside the mega bunny was what appeared to be a pet cemetery and likely those of the lapine variety. This was a sign of things to come...... inside we met "Henry".

   In addition to the expected tourist trap crap, the purveyor and his harem of rabbits friends were the real attraction. There were only a few of the living critters available for petting and viewing but there were many photos of others rabbits of note. Henry talked about many things Route 66 but everything seemed to lead back to the warren of furry creatures. This man is an insurance agent and motor vehicle title registrar by day but his heart lies in bunny matching. He referred to the pairs as soul mates. It was touching, odd and a bit creepy. Another unique person to add to our library of living fictional  characters.

That's it for a couple of days. Hardly in the league of Dr. Evermor's Forevertron or the Mutter Museum but still fodder for our Oddasee spirits.

Soul mates that have willingly fallen down the rabbit hole,

Rodney Rabbit and Bunny Susan 

Days 87 & 88

Hello Oddasee Followers,

   As we have now been on this amazing journey for three months, many of you asked about the realities of such a long time on the road. At times we really do feel like a mediocre rock or country band traveling from gig to gig. We lose track of time and place often..... "Thank you Cleveland! What? Oh. Thank you Pittsburg!" Much is lost in the sheer volume of what we have seen and the many towns and highways that are interchangeable. While focused on the Oddasee sites, we do lose track of the simple differences of spots along the trail. We both have different ways of recalling information and, fortunately when we compare notes, we usually can fill in each other's blank spots. We continue to know and appreciate that this truly is the trip of a lifetime. Yet there's a price for such an extended trek.

  Honestly, we are not bouncing from spot to spot with the same energy as we possessed early on. Still excited and anxious for what might be around the next corner but a little tougher to impress; our reference points have been greatly increased. Part of the reality is that we are physically getting whipped by the new bed every night, road food and long stints in the car. There are few times for actual exercise and healthy meals are not frequent enough. R. is turning to stone about the neck, back and shoulders. S. only gets to do her yoga infrequently. There are times when we stop for a day and try to catch up on all of these needs/desires but that, too, is not easily found. 

   Many if not most nights are about reviewing the day. S. writes in her journal and gets the map route up to date. R. downloads the daunting volume of photos from the day and then tries to write his email missives about all that happened in yet another remarkable day. This part of the process is at once challenging, time/energy consuming and enjoyable. It is not easy to not get behind. It's not like we see one museum or art site per day. Even on days that appear to be low in potential, we are more often than not presented with far more than expected.

   Every once in awhile we just try to take a day or two off. This has not been simple. Finding an appealing, affordable and relaxing motel and town is much more difficult than it might sound. First off, our disdain for the United States of Generica strip zones and towns has intensified. This however presents limitations due to the fact that many parts of this country are completely dominated by these commercial and soul-sucking town killers. The small motel is all but gone and the local non-chain eatery/diner/restaurants are an endangered species. So, for us to find a place to recuperate is not as easy as just pulling off onto some back road. 

    Just this week we tried for such a respite but were foiled on most every attempt. Eventually we spread our quest out over a few days with Oddasee sites found along the way. The truth is we are both reaching the point where “home” is starting to draw us. We miss friends and family. R. is seriously needing to make some art and S. is getting excited about going to massage school. Our home has been wherever we land each night and that has mostly been good but in a few weeks, we will be wrapping this incredible journey up. We are still very enthusiastic about what lies before us on this Oddasee. We are so grateful for all we have seen learned and now have as part of who we are; individually and as a friends and more. Thanks to you all that have been following along; that has definitely been part of the fun. 

Now about Days 87/88: 

As mentioned, we were trying to find a “rest zone” (not a Rest Home) for a couple of nights. Along the way we visited three outsider art sites that have much in common -- like concrete, glass and stones. Rather than bore you with biographies and historical data, we’ll just let the photos speak for themselves. We are reminded once again that the human spirit is best served by “keeping busy”. The artists below spent years on their creations and all with a desire to share them with the world. Lofty aspirations and admirable work ethic. They have left legacies far beyond the common man. We are lucky to have seen them and inspired our lives to follow their lead. 

Quick notes: 

1. Nick Engelbert was directly inspired seeing the Dickeyville Grotto and Matthias Wernerus‘ labors.
2. It is noteworthy that the majority of Bill Notzske’s “Jubilee Rock Garden” is made of not just stones but very specific ones like thousands of clear and rose quartz crystals. We do not know how he accumulated these out of the ordinary art materials.

Enjoy..... we sure did.   

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