Ep 6. Route 66

In the sixth episode of the first season of Abandoned, the focus turns to one of the most iconic stretches of road in the United States: Route 66. For years, this historic highway has been a symbol of Americana, a symbol of freedom and adventure, and a symbol of a bygone era. But as cities grew and highways were built, Route 66 eventually fell out of favor, and many of the towns and businesses that once thrived along its length were left to wither away.

In this episode, host Rick McCrank sets out to explore the abandoned remnants of Route 66, from the dusty small towns in the American Southwest to the neon-lit streets of the big cities. Along the way, he talks to locals who remember the days when Route 66 was the main artery of the country, and he learns about the challenges that these communities face in trying to preserve their history and their way of life.

The episode begins in Arizona, where Rick visits the tiny town of Hackberry, which boasts a gas station, a diner, and a motel that look like they've been frozen in time since the 1950s. Rick talks to the owners of these businesses, who have managed to keep them open despite the decline of Route 66, and he learns about the challenges they face in catering to a changing clientele.

From there, Rick heads into California, where he visits the infamous Salton Sea. Once a popular vacation spot for Hollywood stars and regular folks alike, the Salton Sea has become a toxic, abandoned wasteland, its shores littered with rusting cars, abandoned buildings, and dead fish. Rick talks to locals who still call the Salton Sea home, despite the dangers and the isolation.

Next, Rick heads to the city of Los Angeles, where he explores the many abandoned buildings and businesses that line the old Route 66. He visits the sprawling Ambassador Hotel, where Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, and he talks to preservationists who are fighting to save this historic structure from the wrecking ball. He also explores the ruins of the Grand Olympic Auditorium, which once hosted boxing matches and roller derby bouts, but now lies empty and forgotten.

The final stop on Rick's Route 66 journey is Chicago, where he visits the famous Berghoff restaurant, which first opened in 1898 and became a Chicago institution. Despite its status as a landmark, the Berghoff was forced to close its doors in 2006 due to declining sales, but it has since reopened and once again welcomes customers from all over the world.

Throughout the episode, Rick's journey is accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and wistfulness, as he reflects on the history and the cultural significance of Route 66. He also shares his own personal connection to the road, having grown up nearby and spent countless hours driving up and down its length.

With its mix of adventure, history, and human interest, the sixth episode of Abandoned's first season is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic roads in America, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our past.