Although I’ve never actually seen Disney’s Cars or any of its sequels – I'm more of a Death Race 2000 guy – my wife is a huge fan. It’s one of her favorite animated movies, especially because of Sally — the spunky little blue Porsche 911 Carrera who somehow manages to have more personality than most people.
So when our latest road trip brought us to Stroud and the Rock Café — a classic Route 66 stop whose owner, Dawn Welch, inspired the character of Sally — it felt like our two worlds had collided.
We went last weekend, driving 55 down Route 66 until we arrived. Even though it was a soggy-enough drive, it was also good-enough, with roadside fireworks stands lined up and down the road, their wares waiting to be shot off as the sun went down.
When we got to the city of Stroud, however, the whole town came out for the July Fourth celebrations. Kids in the streets were popping those span-poppers, and the skies were getting smokier as we neared Rock Café, located at 114 W. Main St.
As soon as we got out of the car, some older boys were setting off firecrackers in the gravel parking lot. The sickly white smoke of the small explosions slowly cleared, and out of the mire peeked the classic Disney-style grin of Sally.