“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.”

Those who study architecture or hail from Chicago will recognize this as a quote from Daniel Burnham, the famed architect of the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition and the re-birth of the city after the great Chicago fire. Others may recognize the quote from the beginning of Eric Larson’s novel “Devil in the White City.” But, don’t worry…this blog isn’t taking a dark and twisted turn…no, it’s the Chicago thing we’re going for here.

Chicago marks the beginning of U.S. Route 66 for westbound travelers. The route winds its way from Chicago to L.A., traversing eight states, and covering a distance of 2,448 miles. And, in just one day this family will set out to Chicago to begin that trek, take a few detours, and then return home…covering a projected total of 6,250 miles. Indeed, this is no little plan.

Like anything you start, whether it be new or challenging task around the house or a complex project at work, there are unknowns – and where there are unknowns, there is trepidation. Sure, you’ve read about the extensive preparation and planning. I have my wife to thank for all of that and without her, this blog post would be more along the lines of “panic and run!” Oh wait, would we even have this blog? Yes, she is amazing and she is the reason this journey will not only be wildly successful, she is the reason it will be incredibly fun. (I love you Amy)

But that trepidation…it’s knocking in the back of my mind like a dripping faucet. Is it safe to drive a rental car for more than six thousand miles…without an oil change? Did I miss anything in the rental agreement about unlimited miles not being truly unlimited? Did we allow enough time to travel between locations AND actually enjoy the sights along the way? Exactly how many miles will it take for a six-year-old to lose his sanity and refuse to get back in the car? Is turning around an option? What is the point of no return? Will the roads be closed due to flooding? Wait, forget the flooding, what about hail – and will our car insurance cancel us if hail damages our vehicle? Wait, forget about hail, what about tornados? And why am I watching so many survival shows? It’s not like it’s the 1800s on the Oregon Trail – diphtheria anyone?

But the Weather. Can I talk a little more about the weather? I’m a casual Weather Channel viewer, checking in at home to see if we’re going to have a sunny weekend or maybe a fun snow storm. Before a trip, I glance at the weather channel to confirm that I can trust Apple’s forecast for my destination. That is, when the Weather Channel actually gives you weather – does anyone else remember when the Weather Channel provided viewers with weather forecasts? At any rate, that’s for another blog – back to the trip and the weather. In the past few weeks, I find myself incessantly watching the Weather Channel and any and every other weather outlet with shock and awe – literally every state we’re heading into has had a flood, a major storm, or a tornado – no exaggeration. Oh wait, California also has fires. And the insanity is not stopping, water levels remain high all along the Mississippi and its tributaries and there is much flooding along our route. And the storms keep coming…and I keep watching the Weather Channel…you know you have a problem when you begin to understand that a dry edge inevitably leads to more severe storms when it meets with warm, moist air coming out of the Gulf, especially when the conditions are ripe for a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS). Right? Not making this up – copy, paste, and search. That term is in my vernacular now – in fact, I think the Weather Channel made it up this year just for me – I just keep asking myself: Why is THIS the “YEAR OF ALL YEARS” for awful weather along Route 66?

And then I realize that I’m being selfish. I’m not living in these impacted areas; I’m merely driving through…on vacation…for a really long time (believe me, there are colleagues reading this thinking…how did they get all that time off? I don’t know either – maybe we have cool bosses…or our bosses are reading this blog…or both). No, we refuse to complain about the weather. We’re going to see families whose lives are ruined by natural disasters and I expect to see this in multiple towns. I’m not about to whine about a rainy day on my vacation under these conditions. No, we will embrace the weather, let it be part of our trip, and we’ll do what we can to support these towns as we pass through – whether or it be a simple visit to a restaurant, the acquisition of gaudy gift shop kitsch, or a donation to a local charity – our eyes, ears, and hearts will be open.

So, if you’ve read this far, then you clearly have no big plans. I’m kidding (am I?). No really, kidding. I am…kidding. Where was I? Right. This is, indeed, a big plan and there is undoubtedly trepidation. But, I can’t wait to embrace it all, make amazing memories, and then bore everyone I speak with who’s willing to listen about the journey when I get back. My blood is stirring and this trip will be realized – but we do reserve the right to flee town for our safety when we see Jim Cantore on the corner. 

Carving routes