A friend of mine is moving from South Carolina to California next month, we decided to drive her car rather than have it shipped. I just booked my flight up to SC (from FL) and we leave as soon as I get in, on March 16th. My flight departs San Francisco to go back to FL on the 21st.

We had talked about driving up to St. Louis the first night to stay with friends and also stopping in Los Angeles before heading up to Pleasanton, our destination. So with those stops in mind, I was thinking Route 66 would be a great route from St. Louis. Of course, the problem I am coming across is mapping it out. Google maps wants to put us on I-44 until past OKC to I-40. I know RT 66 runs parallel to it, but from what I understand the route isn't well-marked anymore and it might be more of a pain than a pleasure to stick to. I'm assuming when we lose cell and GPS coverage, it might be a better option to stay on 44 and 40, since we'd be less likely to get lost.

Are there parts of I-44 that are old RT 66?

I'm a photographer, so I'll be taking a couple medium format cameras, a wide polaroid, and my DSLR because living in Florida I am so deprived of real Americana to photograph. I'd love to have the ride across America be more than just being on a major interstate with billboards to tease the eye.

I'd be so grateful for any tips or ideas to make this journey enjoyable and safe. Thank you!