Getting Kicks on Route 66

Officially decommissioned in 1985. old Route 66 (the "Mother Road") is no longer a single, continuous highway. However, roughly 85% of its 2,448-mile original alignment—running from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California—is still drivable today, preserved via state highways and local roads. The photos here are  courtesy of America's Photographer Gary Firstenberg, who is travelling the Mother Road as we celebrate America's 250th birthday. 

The first portion of this historic road was paved with cobblestones the day after the Colonies attained their independence in September 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Once subservience to Britain was in the rearview mirror, their eyes turned West. 

OK, that last paragraph was fiction, but Route 66 is not. Here's proof.

One of America's great highways. 

Another is Highway 61, the Blues Highway.

Sometime soon we'll take a little trip down that one as well.

Thank you, Gary.

See more by Gary Firstenberg:

www.firstinphoto.smugmug.com

Dylan Fans Celebrate Dylan's 85th Birthday with a Week of Festivities in Duluth

Here are a few photos that capture many of the high points of Duluth Dylan Fest 2026, which culminates today with a Front Porch Birthday Party 11-1 and a sold out concert at the Alhambra, featuring Paul Metsa and sideman Sonny Earl.

Welcome to Duluth Dylan Fest 2026

Acoustic Jam @ Ursa Minor

The Songbook

Greg Tiburzi and Friends @ Sir Ben's

Electric Jam @ The Tavern in Superior

The Stars

The Judges

A young up-and-comer

Winner Doyle Turner

Singer Songwriter Contest Winners
L to R: Lydia Boyum (3rd), Doyle Turner (1st), Emma Lea Heart (2nd)

Masters of Ceremony Amy Grillo and Pat Eliason

Dan Israel Saturday Night @ Sacred Heart

Aaron Brown, John Bushey Memorial Lecture '26

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB

MAY YOU STAY FOREVER YOUNG

Kate Aisling introduces Mayor Roger Reinert
Photo credit: last four photos by the author.

Related Links

Photos courtesy of Michael Anderson. See more of Michael A's work here with contact information:

https://singingcanoe.smugmug.com

You can learn more about Michael Anderson's career and motivations here:
https://pioneerproductions.blogspot.com/2018/12/michael-anderson-unassuming-gift-to.html

My Life in Pictures

 

Front page news. Winner of the Grotto Circus Contest.

Jester.

Deep sea fishing in Miami, where boys become men.

First day of college, Ohio U

Performing with brother Ron at Greenfield Nursing Home.

At the coffee house in Pluckemin

Wedding bells.

Mexico 1981

It's electric.

Covid interlude.

Parma, Italy 

The Farnese Theatre, Parma

Italy is a dream.

Reflecting: What a long strange trip it's been.

A Janus motif.
Remembering the past, still looking toward the future.