Route 66-based story
written by OC,SH’s founder, inspired by his September 2009 Route 66 road trip

CHAPTER 23: PLANNING STAGE

By the end of the day, the brothers & the shopkeeper & his wife had greeted well over 50 visitors, including Jim Hinckley. When the brothers arrived home, the youngest called Kyle to start discussing the details about the broadcasts along Route 66. Meanwhile, the eldest put the Caprice Classic back in the garage & called their sister to tell her about their day.

Kyle at WSM had already put in motion the “game plan” for the broadcasts along Route 66. He wasn’t concerned with how many or how often. It was the timeframe that was most important in terms of deciding which staff members would take the trip. But, the youngest brother couldn’t give him a timeframe.

“We don’t want to limit our trip in terms of time,” the youngest sibling told Kyle. “We want to be able to take our time & enjoy as many people & places along the way as possible.  I had hoped that the remote broadcasts would help showcase what Route 66 offers.”

Kyle was not prepared to send staff out on the road without a specific timeframe. Yet, he understood the youngest sibling’s take on the trip & wanted to be as supportive as possible.

“OK,” Kyle said. “I know the equipment you’ll need. That’s not a problem for an indefinite timeframe. But, I do have a problem sending staff members out on your trip with no idea of when they’ll be back home.”

“I know,” acknowledged the youngest brother. “But, I bet if you ask the staff who’d like to take the trip, & then ask those who’d like to take the trip if they mind not having a definite return date, they won’t mind.”

Kyle hesitantly agreed & told the youngest brother he’d be in touch in a few days. The youngest brother hung up, hoping it would work. He was thoroughly enjoying his time at home, but he also missed hosting his radio show on WSM. He missed sharing the music with listeners from the Nashville area & all over the country.

“Hey, you done talking to Kyle?” The youngest’s thoughts were broken by the semi-yelled query of his older brother.

“Yeah,” the youngest replied, as he walked down the stairs to the main floor. “Why?”

“I just got off the phone with our sister,” the eldest continued. “She thinks that rebuilding the train depot is a great idea.”

“Ah,” the younger brother said. “But, how are we going to concentrate on that while we are planning our trip? I should know about Kyle’s arrangements for equipment & staff in a few days.”

“Great!” exclaimed the eldest. “I’m not sure, but we’ll think of something.”