You don’t often see a live one December 15, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals.3 comments
You can spot plenty of armadillos in Oklahoma, but nearly all of them are deceased along the sides of highways.
This videographer found a live armadillo digging for food along the historic Lucille’s property, on Route 66 near Hydro, Okla.
It’s hard to believe the guy got as close to this critter without it scampering away.
“O’ Montana” September 21, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals, Attractions, Music, People.1 comment so far
The Road Crew wrote and recorded this tribute to Montana, the famed pet rabbit at Rich Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, Ill. Montana died in 2008.
The description of Montana on the video:
She had a good life here on Route 66. For over seven years she warmly greeted the locals as well as travelers from all over the world.
She is probably best remembered for her autographs and amusing little tricks performed. Montana was Henry’s little sidekick and partner, like The Lone Ranger and Tonto, only with Montana as the Lone Ranger and Henry as Tonto. She had become a Route 66 icon. On her passing, several cards, letters and pictures sent by Route 66ers were received at Henry’s Ra66it Ranch. Henry plans to start a large scrapbook of these items and several others in memory of Montana.
The last six months dealt Montana with chronic health issues, but she persisted in doing her duty. In that time period she had some notable accomplishments. This past March she came in #106 out of 30,000 pets in a photo/pet contest conducted by the Humane Society of the USA. That then excited her into throwing not only her hat but also herself in the ring to run for president of the United States. Her presidential campaign continues in honor of her memory and love for the road and its people.
Henry also posted an online tribute to Montana as well.
Burro attack! August 2, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals, Attractions, Towns.add a comment
A few days ago, I responded with skepticism that Oatman, Ariz., would be “devastated” (as one local put it) if its post office were shut down.
Here’s one of the big reasons Oatman will continue to be a popular stop for Route 66ers and other tourists:
It’s oddball experiences like that — and the laughter of children — will keep people coming to Oatman.
An image from the Mother Road June 15, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals.add a comment
Nests of hundreds of barn swallows on an Interstate 40 underpass west of Clinton, Okla., on old Route 66 on Sunday, June 12, 2011.
Circus elephants help with Joplin cleanup May 30, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals.1 comment so far
No, we’re not making this up. Here’s a video by CBS News.
I’ve seen no news story about this yet, but here’s a description of the video:
Instead of taking the day off, circus performers and their trained elephants decided to pitch in and help the town of Joplin, Mo. clean up the devastation caused by a massive tornado.
I don’t have a problem with this. My father raises Clydesdale draft horses, and they thrive on work and attention. I suspect trained elephants are the same.
UPDATE 5/31/2011: Here’s a new video. This elephant didn’t have much trouble pulling out a wrecked SUV.
Monkeys on the road April 30, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals, Highways.1 comment so far
Many of you have seen a variety of critters on the roads you travel. But I’m betting monkeys is not one of them.
This is National Highway 66 in India, which is that country’s Route 66. It’s between Puducherry and Krishnagiri (map here). Skip ahead to 1:40 of the video to get a closer look at the wildlife on this highway.
I bet the scenes of roadkill are particularly unpleasant.
Oatman’s burros March 3, 2011
Posted by Ron Warnick in Animals, Attractions, Towns.1 comment so far
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen about the semi-wild burros that roam the streets of the Route 66 town of Oatman, Ariz.
You see the burros interacting with people and each other, plus you get to gaze on a cute young burro named Jelly Bean. The video was shot in 2004; Jelly Bean would long be an adult burro by now.
The burros are descendants of the burros that once worked in the area’s gold mines many decades ago. The townsfolk periodically bring in a few wild burros from Mexico to keep the population from getting too inbred.