Team Blog

The corn is a little taller…..

Posted on Jun 18th, 2009 at 11:15 pm by The Team

The Maxwell, that we have decided is named Babbit (with a french accent) Babbs for short, was running like a dream. Em and I began the day with just the two of us in the Maxwell, but picked up some fun passengers along the way and had many wonderful additions to the caravan throughout the day. We set out with Dawn and Joe Somers in their 1911 Austin. The Austin was purchased brand new by Joe’s great grandfather and has been in the family ever since! We loved their whistle and huge smiles.

We had a quick break at about 35 miles where we picked up Caitlyn and Carol McGillard, Emily’s aunt and cousin. That was their first ride and they were thrilled.

As for the elements, today seemed like the most rugged day we have had. The morning route was loaded with trucks and we continuously had to pull over and let long lines of cars and trucks pass us by (they were NOT embracing our pace). The smells were intense-good and bad, the bugs seemed more abundant (ouch), and we drove head on into the mid-west humidity.

Emily was really excited to cross the Mississippi, as she now feels at home in the midwest.

We narrowly escaped a thunder storm as we neared Clinton, IA. As we were pulling into town the hard rain started hitting our faces and we rode out the 3 miles in the rain until we reached our lunch destination at the Country Inn. The sky’s were smiling upon us today. When we arrived, we rushed to put the top on the car, but after lunch the sun came out and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the day. We were lucky enough to finish the day in our t-shirts.

After lunch we were joined by several cars, old and new, revamped our maps and directions and set off to Cedar Rapids, IA.

The rolling hills were a delightful surprise in Iowa. Our new route was pretty, very green, less traffic and it encompassed the Seedling Mile, he first paved section of the Lincoln Highway. The small towns were amazing and once again Em and I were excited to admire all of the beautiful homes.

Our 3rd guest was Lu Barron, the Linn County Supervisor. Lu’s knowledge of the area kept us on track until we reached our destination. There were about 60 people at the Family Center in Cedar Memorial Park with BBQ. Thank you John for making this all happen, leading us out in the right direction this morning, and inviting all of our new friends.

Here we come Omaha!

Embrace the pace!!

Panorama Pictures and New York Times

23 Comments

  1. We saw you right after you crossed the Mississippi in Clinton and then followed you to where you stopped for lunch. It was a real treat to see the car and meet Tim, who gave my wife a short ride in the car around the parking lot after he added a little oil. The car is absolutely beautiful and Tim was very informative about vehicles of that era. It was fun to talk to him and share his enthusiasm about a few of the unrestored vehicles at the Country Inn. We were so glad that you finished the day with good weather and we look forward to following along with your journey here. Happy motoring and keep squeezing that horn so it doesn’t stick.

    Bryan Irwin on June 19th, 2009 at 2:31 am #

  2. We do hope Babbs is behaving as you head west. Glad you skirted the crazy weather it is certainly in the area. Sweet breezes.

    Sandii & Mike Kelly on June 19th, 2009 at 3:34 am #

  3. Didn’t think you were coming through Clarence until Thursday. But driving from Lisbon on Wednesday I met one of the cars. The other car was sitting on mainstreet in Clarence. Glad I was in the right place at the right time.

    Arlynn Hasselbusch on June 19th, 2009 at 6:26 am #

  4. Hi, All! Glad to hear that things are going smoother for you! Sounds like you are having a great time despite the “bumps in the road” along the way. We follow you every day and wish you continued good luck! God speed! Steve & Sally Davis

    Steve & Sally Davis on June 19th, 2009 at 7:35 am #

  5. Across the Mississippi — what a boost to the spirits that must have been! I met you at Vassar, and have been following you since on-line from back home in Pennsylvania. I’ve owned old cars for 35+ years, so I know that traveling in one can be very “interesting” — but clearly you’ve learned to cope with the unexpected! Here’s hoping Babbs behaves herself the rest of the way….

    Sarah Carr on June 19th, 2009 at 8:14 am #

  6. Was anxious to hear how you were getting along with the weather and Babbs? So glad everythings going well. (Sorry we could not give you our windshield.) Keep on driving and be safe.

    Jenny Washburn on June 19th, 2009 at 8:24 am #

  7. Best Wishes for a safe and comfortable journey. We really enjoyed your ‘extended’ visit in Cobleskill, NY even if it was involving some repairs. The adventure disguises itself in many forms….take it all in and enjoy the experience. Our local paper did a nice job covering the visit and I will forward a copy to your group for posterity.
    You are in good hands with Tim and Rich keeping the car humming.

    Ron Davis on June 19th, 2009 at 8:42 am #

  8. Keep up the fantastic job. We’re right behind you with the Transcontinental Military Convoy from Washington DC to San Fransisco. Antique military vehicles recreating the first cross country convoy in 1919.
    Should be in Omaha on Tuesday. If I see any babbit along the road I’ll pick it up for you. :0)
    Ray

    Ray Barth on June 19th, 2009 at 10:15 am #

  9. We wish you a safe journey as you pass through our state. Sorry to have missed you as you passed by our headquarters.

    Iowa Department of Transportation on June 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am #

  10. Great day to be in Omaha, College World Series etc…..GEAUX TIGERS

    Kathy Parker on June 19th, 2009 at 11:21 am #

  11. I am sooooooooo jealous. I’ve seen Iowa from the back of a station wagon, but not from the back of a Maxwell. Pat Babbs on the dashboard for me, and keep her going!

    Terry Huston on June 19th, 2009 at 5:38 pm #

  12. Hope everything is going well. Ronnie wishes he was following you in his 1952 Porshe.. We off to Colorado next week and then back to Europe. Have a safe journey.
    Love from Aureliane and Ronnie

    aureliane wise on June 20th, 2009 at 6:25 am #

  13. I had not heard of this journey until you happened to be at the gas station in Dow City when I was there. Now I am following this journey every day. What an awesome adventure!!

    Rachel

    Rachel Simon on June 20th, 2009 at 12:38 pm #

  14. I have been searching to find the numerous photos that I know have been posted, but can not find them. Can someone on the team let me know where I can go to find them? Thamks. I am glad to know you have made it to Omaha, you deserve a couple days rest. Jenny

    Jenny Washburn on June 20th, 2009 at 12:49 pm #

  15. Two days in the same city does NOT mean you can forget to report in!!!

    Jenny - try http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliceramsey/ for the photos posted so far.

    Terry Huston on June 20th, 2009 at 2:54 pm #

  16. We love the blog and are checking for new pictures and all your new adventures each day. My husband and I had a chance to see the cars at Graycliff and were very impressed. What a magnificent sight to see the Maxwell parked out in front of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece on a perfect day. Your videographer answered many of our questions…can’t wait to see the documentary. Godspeed. May your Babbs keep rolling (and stop needing new babbits.)

    Pat Griffin on June 20th, 2009 at 4:51 pm #

  17. What a thrill to see you motoring west of Clinton! It was exciting to be in the entourage to Cedar Rapids and enjoyed every second. Glad the weather was good and we wish you smooth driving the rest of the way.

    Elaine Pruett on June 20th, 2009 at 8:17 pm #

  18. Thanks, they are great! If anyone knows of any more please let me know.

    Jenny Washburn on June 20th, 2009 at 8:24 pm #

  19. Thanks for the wonderful evening and ride in Cedar Rapids, IA. We enjoyed Alice’s story and meeting such a wonderful family and crew. Best wishes for a safe and fun filled trip. CRACCA

    Linda Yoder on June 20th, 2009 at 8:54 pm #

  20. Hello to everyone from the McGilliards! We enjoyed tagging along with you across Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. A highlight was crossing the Mississippi River in the back seat of the Maxwell. It was fun to see family and meet many fine people. Special thanks to the Lincoln Highway Association, the people of Rochelle, Illinois, and the Cedar Rapids Region of the Antique Car Club of America for their support and hospitality. We had a great time and wish we could have gone farther west with you. May God grant you safe travels and fun adventures the rest of the way.

    Carol, Kip, and Cait McGilliard

    Carol McGilliard on June 20th, 2009 at 9:24 pm #

  21. Hey Christie and Emily.

    I am looking at the pictures with a bit of jealousy, you know how much I love a road trip! I bet you two are having a blast, and what a way to commemorate such an amazing woman. Mostly, I’d like to wish you luck and good songs on the longest part of your journey - IOWA!!! Please keep the pictures and updates coming, and sending good weather vibes your way!!

    -Ann

    Ann O'Neill on June 20th, 2009 at 10:25 pm #

  22. Christie and Team, I hope your journey is safe and Babbs keeps up the pace. You have many cheers to you and your team from St. Louis to Dallas to Nipomo!!!!!
    I know you are having lots of fun!!!!!
    Hope to see you in November.
    Love ya,
    Kathy & Allen

    Kathy Grove on June 22nd, 2009 at 8:56 am #

  23. I just foun out your last name is anderson just ment you in cozad Ne. at noon good luck.

    Roger

    roger anderson on June 23rd, 2009 at 3:44 pm #