After a snowy start we headed off to sample the delights of Springfield IL. First stop the Shea Gas Station then a guided tour of Abraham Lincolns home with its 3 toilets in one room – you can see why TV took off in the USA!

After a short stop to photograph the last muffler man we then headed of to Litchfield and the Ariston Cafe for lunch in this classic 50’s dinner. Another 66 museum was followed by the largest collection of american classic cars for sale I have seen. Hundreds of cars at unbelievably low prices in huge sheds gathering dust. Then on to the Rabbit Ranch with its memorabilia and rabbits both furry and mechanical! A large collection of VW golfs ( rabbits in the US).

Last stop was the Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi before reaching our hotel at Collinsville.

Find attached some stunning pictures by Isaac Christian taken in the last couple of days. From the night view of Chicago to the official start sign and the snowy night scene from last night. We seem to be moving away from the snow with a sunny day forecast for day 4.

Had a great day yesterday with the starting at Chicago. Breakfast at Lou Mitchells then a long drive to the start which should have taken 10 minutes but took a lot longer – 2 sat navs and 2 mobiles and the collective genius of the group. Then it was out of the city heading towards Springfield IL. Highlights for me were the Gemini Giant and Pontiac with its murals and a guide by the mayor Bob of the bus.

Woke up this morning to snow so today will be interesting.

It has finally come and we have now started our route 66 trip. 5 of us flew out from Heathrow and the girls are already in Chicago doing the sights.  Our flight was delayed so we arrived in Chicago around 3 hours later than anticipated but managed to visit the John Hancock Observatory with great night time views over the city. It is cold here with ice on the lake and the remnants of a heavy snow fall but the roads are clear and we should be ok for our first days travelling which starts at 8.30 local time. First stop is the official start of the route with breakfast then we head out of the city on our first leg. We have a huge white SUV for the trip which looks very comfortable and was a breeze to drive despite its size.

Will  check in with more info and some pics when we get going

We are going to be promoting our courses at the Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair on Saturday 30th November – Sunday 1st December. 

You will be able to pick up a certificate and dvd in our presentation boxes to gift as a gift for Christmas. You can buy a 1 day course for £75, a 1-2-1 day for £150 or one of our online courses for £95. Come along to the Pavilion and have a chat to find a perfect course to give as a christmas gift. All gifts are valid for 12 months.

The fair is open from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm on Saturday and 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday.