Sometimes when I scroll through my camera roll, it surprises me how many interesting things I’ve seen over the years. Though I no longer really participate in social media, there was a time when it seemed like I shared so much, so often. In hindsight and with distance, I realize now that I didn’t even scratch the surface. I’m not suggesting that I woulda, coulda, shoulda done anything differently. Simply observing.
When it comes to blogging, I’m a little old school. In the past I’ve read Instagram posts that refer to their captions as blogging. Blogging! These kids need to get off my lawn. 😉
Oh. Here’s a couple oldies from Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman in Arizona. Cool Springs Station…
Visit Cool Springs Station
8275 Oatman Road, Historic Rte 66, Golden Valley, AZ 86413
Giant Chicken Army: San Bernardino Original McDonald’s Edition
Wouldn’t you know it? I had myself another run-in with a member of the Giant Chicken Army.
At the end of January, I flew to California to do a little ride about. While cruising along Route 66 for a spell, I decided to stop in to the museum that now occupies the building that is touted as the first McDonald’s location in San Bernardino.
When I pulled in to the parking lot, to my surprise I was greeted by a card carrying member of the Giant Chicken Army.
Didn’t see that coming!
Just look at this majestic beast in his McDonald’s livery. Isn’t he something, proudly strutting his stuff around the parking lot like that?
And if his colorway wasn’t enough? Notice, friends, that he’s outfitted with grab handles for the bravest of buckaroos who try to tame him. Can you imagine saddling up on this big ass mother-clucker and trying to last 8 seconds on this buckin’ bronco? Only the mightiest need apply.
How do you suppose he hurt his pecker? That beak has clearly sustained some serious damage. What are the odds on it having been the result of a tangle with Godzilla, or maybe Bigfoot? Or, maybe just a run of the mill tussle following a weekend bender with the guys down at the coop. We may never know. But keep seeking the truth! It’s out there.
Lastly but not least, rounding this dynamite package out? Super-70’s tube socks. I’m lovin’ it!
Or, if you’re the extra fancy type, they have an iOS app for your phone. I find it particularly helpful while on the go. But, by all means – don’t listen to me. It’s not like I know a dang thing about finding weird stuff out there on the highways and byways.
While on the site or app, search for, drumroll, please… Muffler Men! Find one that’s close enough for you to ride to.
In the last couple of years, several of them have been on the move, from one state to another. It’s best to consult the oracle so you don’t get stood up on your date.
Now, don’t forget to write down directions, pin on a map, or stick a waypoint in your GPS for your newly found friend.
The Farnham Colossi – Unger, West Virginia
Step Three: Ride your Motorcycle to the Muffler Man
This very well could be the best part of your whole experience. They say it’s the journey, not the destination. I say, why can’t it be both?!
Hot dog wielding Muffler Man in Atlanta Illinois. Great journey, great destination.
Step Four: Bask in the greatness of the Muffler Man
Some people might think, if you’ve seen one muffler man, you’ve seen ’em all. Some people are also idiots.
Though they were cast from the same mold, over time Muffler Men they’ve been repainted and repaired, customized and modified in ways that set them apart from their original look. I’ve seen some big guys with eyelashes, chest hair, unique clothing, or holding different objects. Like people, they’re the same but different.
Each time I visit a muffler man, it makes me happy. I have seen quite a few in many different states. Every visit is unique, be it from the journey I had to take to bask in the glory of the muffler man, or just the big guy himself. It’s always worth the trip.
My Holy Grail: The Gemini Giant – Route 66 – Wilmington, Illinois
Step Five: Share pictures of your date with the tall, handsome man
If you brought a friend, have them take your picture in classic muffler man stance with your new fiberglass buddy. Flying solo? Who doesn’t love seeing your motorcycle parked next to cool stuff?
Pictures or it didn’t happen, people.
Hey, buddy! – Wilson, North Carolina
Step Six: Be awesome and tell me about it!
Have you visited a muffler man? Did you have a fun time getting there? Tell me about it. Have a blog link, an Instagram link, or something else to share about a muffler man? Leave a comment below!
Miles and smiles, my friends.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch – Oro Grande, California – Route 66
In January of 2017, I was riding my motorcycle on a solo trip through California. I followed a leg of Route 66 back towards Los Angeles. That’s where I learned about Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch.
January 2, 2017, was a gray morning, I cruised along Route 66 through Oro Grande, California on a rented Triumph Tiger 800. Amongst the dusty scrub, I rolled up to an oasis.
Welcome to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
The ranch was an unassuming place. When I pulled up and parked it almost felt like I was trespassing. I wondered if I could just walk in? Or if I needed to pay? Or how this all worked. But, there was no one there but me.
I figured, what the hell and made my way towards an opening in the fence. The welcome sign quelled my fears about trespassing.
Yup, I had the place to myself. I silently walked among the bottle trees listening to the wind make squeaking, tinkling music across the assemblages.
My only wish? That the sun was out. Seeing the light reflecting through the different colored glass must be magical on a bright blue day.
Aside from the bottles themselves, the bottle trees are also adorned with found objects and other assemblages.
You know I couldn’t help but smile to see a hat tip to motorcycling.
A lovely Coco-Cola relic.
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is definitely a place to get your kicks on Route 66.
A forest of beautiful bottle trees.
Listen for the hypnotic twinkling sounds of the ranch:
