Day 51 -- Saturday, June 20

Going west from Stanton, one encounters many little touches from the glory days of Route 66. In Cuba, Missouri, I came across a gem of a motor court called the Wagon Wheel Motel. What a wonderful spot. I spoke to the woman who runs it; like most of the entrepreneurs along the route, once she realized I was a Route 66 buff, she was willing to spend a few moments chatting about the motel and the history of the road. The Wagon Wheel is one of the finest motor courts I've yet encountered along the way and when I found out that single rooms ranged from 12 to 15 dollars a night, I was kicking myself. I'd spent the night in my tent at a KOA just 19 miles back in Sullivan and I'd spent $13.50 to do so. I could easily have pushed ahead those 19 miles and enjoyed a nostalgic night at the Wagon Wheel. So if you're ever in these parts, don't you make the same mistake. Call ahead for reservations, too; this spot fills up fast.

Further west, near Rosati, there are many little stands that, in season, sell locally grown grapes. I was there out of season but maybe you'll have better luck.

In Waynesville, there's a second-hand store that also features many 66 souvenirs and memorabilia. In fact, the proprietor, a Mr. Dennis Ast, acts as a supplier for many of the restaurants and motels along the route that sell 66 paraphernalia. He's got quite a selection of things and his store is worth a look. Later in the summer, he's moving to Phillipsburg and will change the store's name to Flashback.

Continuing west through Marshfield I came across the Buena Vista Exotic Animal Paradise. It looked kind of cheezy and fun but sorry, Buena Vista, nine-50 is a little steep.

In Springfield, I headed south on Highway 65 for Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It's chock-full of tacky tourist traps and I was looking forward to taking in a couple



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