Much to my surprise, "Tales of the Road-Highway 61" continues to draw a crowd almost a year after its publication.
This was the audience at the kick-off event for the Senior College at Alexandria Technical College. 225 people! That is one of the largest crowds yet. They heard how we managed to not only write a book but shoot and produce a documentary in less than two years. Pretty crazy stuff.
It is fun to hear how Highway 61 has affected people. One woman bought a book and had me sign it to commemorate her 43rd wedding anniversary because she and her husband honeymooned on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Highway 61 hugs the Shore. She mentioned an old, kitschy tourist "trading" post near Split Rock Lighthouse where she bought a cuckoo clock. Wouldn't you know, that place is in the book and she nearly fell over when I pointed out the photo. She still has that cuckoo clock!
I brought along Denny--the ace photographer--who did the photos for the book and much of the videography for the documentary. He did a great job showing some photos and explaining what he looks for in a good shot. His was a very entertaining part of the lecture.
The Tales of the Road Trip continues with a visit to La Crescent nearly a year to the day we shot the story of how the apple industry came to be in that part of Minnesota. I can't believe how fast everything has gone.
P.S: No one has responded to my last post about the missing Highway 61 sign near Kellogg. We ARE offering a reward for information. Please contact us if you know anything!
