History Lesson

Old Highway Notes began as an idea.

I was curious about how music styles changed from region to region around the world. I tried Radio Garden as a tool for this exploration. Sadly, it didn't quite work.
Radio Garden is a great tool. The tool just didn't quite fit the job. A lot of radio is controlled by a relatively small group of corporations. As a result most radio is more global, or at least national than locally oriented programming. Since I couldn't find what I was looking for online. I realized I would have to DIY something myself. My first attempt was a blog. Here it is:

My Blog

I learned a lot blogging. The research and writing got to be too much to keep up with. In the end, I let the blog grind to a stop. From blogging I learned a bit about YouTube Playlist building. My passion for video exploration blossomed. I began to map my finds on google maps in a more organized way to stand alone with out all the writing involved in blogging.

That was it!

Eventually, my catalog of YouTube playlists and the maps to go with them had gotten so big they needed a real home online - this is that home.
I have moved my maps from Googles My Maps to an open source provider.
I built this website.

I plan to continue to expand resources for map waypoints using other materials from the web. The old maps, shown below, are rough. The plan is to rebuild them using the thematic cross searching I developed. Over the years, I refined my searches and methods to create what I think is a very interesting travel journal, perfect for someone whose mobility or time restraints prevent actual travel to the places I map.

Route 66-Legacy Map

This map was the first map. It was used on my blog. It was built for the blog and not organized the same way as my new maps.
Like the original highway my map been through a lot. There are some rough patches of road. For the curious, the rewards are classic Americana, interesting people and colorful places.

See full screen

Highway 101-Legacy Map

This was the second route added to my blog. It has gone through a few reworks.
This route acts as a control for my sytem of exploration, because it is the only route on this site I have travelled in real life.

See full screen

Alcan Highway Sign logo

Al-Can Highway-Legacy Map

This map way created earlier in my process of video and map exploration. It is not organized as well as my new maps will be. Eventually, it will be redone to meet my new standards.
Like the original highway my map has weathered some storms. There are some rough patches of road. But for the willing, the rewards are beautiful scenery, interesting people and places.

See full screen

If you are a YouTube content creator and would not like your videos included in my project, please email me at oldhighwaynotes@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Take Me Home