One of two Early Show Winnebagos that are traveling across the country started its journey in Las Vegas. Here it sits parked outside the Bellagio Hotel June 1, 2006, before embarking on its first scheduled "Great American Vacation" giveaway stop in Springfield, Mo., on June 6.
Nevada-Arizona Border
"Great American Vacation" Winnebago driver Daniel Baruch stopped at the Hoover Dam -- a great American landmark -- to capture this photo on June 1, 2006. The dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on U.S. Highway 93 at the Nevada-Arizona border.
Springfield, Mo.
Thanks to a humble letter from mom Judy Oehlke, right, to The Early Show, Jodi Oehlke, left, a workaholic DJ for 99 Hit FM in Springfield, Mo., received a trip to Chicago and Egypt -- to see King Tut!
"Great American Vacation" awardee Jodi Oehlke flaps her arms with excitement after the workaholic radio D.J. received trips (and plane tickets) to Chicago and Cairo, Egypt.
The Early Show's Dave Price talks with "Great American Vacation" recipient Jodi Oehlke, and her mother, Judy, in Springfield, Mo., June 7, 2005. In her letter to "The Early Show", Judy Oehlke cited her daughter's work ethic and generosity as a volunteer who has little time for a vacation.
Jodi Oehlke, left, and Dave Price of The Early Show, pose inside Bass Pro Shop: Outdoor World, in Springfield, Mo., on June 7, 2006. Oehlke is the first of 16 people across the country who will be surprised with vacations Wednesday and Friday mornings during June and July.
The Early Show's Dave Price really gets into being at the Bass Pro Shop: Outdoor World in Springfield, Mo., June 7, 2006. The store was the location of The Early Show's first "Great American Vacation" giveaway.
Ozark, Mo.
After a stop in Branson, Mo., The Early Show's Dave Price and crew visited Lambert's Cafe: Home of Throwed Rolls, in Ozark, Mo. If you visit Lambert's, you might be inclined to say, "thrown," but you'd be mistaken and promptly pummeled with hot rolls. The waiters literally romp around this festive restaurant tossing piping-hot rolls clear across the dining area to demanding patrons.
A family enjoys a meal at Lambert's Cafe: Home Of Throwed Rolls, in Ozark, Mo., June 7, 2006. "If I can't get back to this place for lunch or dinner, I might never forgive myself," says Early Show Winnebago driver Daniel Baruch.
Lacey, a waitress at Lambert's Cafe, in Ozark, Mo., takes a seat next to an anonymous birthday girl, June 7, 2006. Watch out for those throwed rolls!
"Winny" and Early Show producer Daniel Baruch stop at Aunt Martha's Pancake House in Springfield, Mo., June 8, 2006. Baruch learned about the restaurant's storied history over a turkey club.
Ruth "Aunt Martha" Freeman and the staff of Aunt Martha's Pancake House in Springfield, Mo., June 8, 2006. The staff was as excited to see The Early Show Winnebago pull up to the restaurant as Early Show driver Daniel Baruch was to find the local gem.
"Winny" and Early Show driver Daniel Baruch get ready to leave the Springfield, Mo., Holiday Inn, Thursday, June 8, 2006. The city was home to our first "Great American Vacation" giveaway. Quincy, Ill... here we come!
Crossing the Ohio River from Missouri into Kentucky, Thursday, June 8, 2006.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
A shot taken from the roof of The Early Show Winnebago at the main entrance of the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tenn., Friday, June 9, 2006. "Winny" stayed there until the show was over that night. The roof was the only place you could stand without being swept up by the crowd.
A great shot of a typical festival scene with a not-so-typical backdrop, the Tennesse Aquarium, Friday, June 9, 2006, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The Riverbend Festival is a huge draw, with upwards of 750,000 festival-goers expected over nine days and nights.
Street vendor Megan Benotti and her teenage son sold a variety of battery-powered light toys as dusk fell on the Riverbend Festival, Friday, June 9, 2006. A sweet, hard-working single mom, Benotti, works hard to provide for her family.
Thousands of music fans attend the Riverbend Music Festival, Friday, June 9, 2006, to see and hear Hank Williams Jr. perform. Five stages and non-stop music from headliners including Kenny Rogers, Sugarland, Trisha Yearwood and the Allman Brothers Band are providing the entertainment this year.
Hank Williams Jr. country-rocks at the Riverbend Festival, Friday, June 9, 2006, in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Tennesee Aquarium and a spotlight make some great geometry together at the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tenn., June 9, 2006.