ROUTE 66 CHRONICLES

FAST AND FURIOUS

2013-05-25T08:16:00.002-07:00

The speed with which change is occurring in my world is absolutely dizzying. The fast and furious pace is most exhilarating, just a bit unnerving, and a great deal of fun.

The trademark image for Jim Hinckley's
America.

Yesterday episode two of Jim Hinckley's America aired on Alamo 1230 (in Alamogordo, New Mexico) and it was released on podcast this morning. In this episode that included a plug for the delightful Dora's Beale Street Deli and an interview with Sam and Monica Frisher, owners of the historic El Trovatore Motel, I promoted the colorful history and multitude of diverse attractions that make Kingman, Arizona such a fascinating place.

Next week the program will profile the history and hidden wonders found along the road between Glorietta Pass and Las Vegas in New Mexico. This would be the pre 1937 alignment of Route 66, much of which follows the Santa Fe Trail.

I started this morning with an emailed notice from Dave Alexander of Legends of America that the Jim Hinckley's America gallery segment of that site is now available for viewing as well as for the ordering of prints. As a long time fan of this site, being given an opportunity to have our images displayed there as well as to provide articles is truly an honor.

It appear as though I am on the fast track to joining Kleenex and (Louis) Chevrolet. Jim Hinckley's America with its signature logo designed by my dearest friend is becoming a brand name complete with copyright and trademark. Wow!

This coming Tuesday evening I will be serving as the ring leader at the organizational meeting for the committee overseeing development of a very large Kingman event in 2014. All involved are quite confident, and with good reason after recent discussions with Michael Wallis of the Route 66 Alliance, that the event will be the 2014 International Route 66 Festival but we will have to wait until August and the formal announcement at the Route 66 Festival in Joplin to get a final verdict.

In either case this will be a huge event and a new chapter in Route 66 history. The rough schedule of events so far includes a Saturday evening car show under the auspices of Chillin on Beale, a gathering of Route 66 and southwestern artists as well as authors and collectors, a barbecue at Hualapai Mountain Park on Saturday afternoon, special events at Stetson Winery and the award winning Desert Diamond Distillery, events at Southwest Alpaca, a film festival showcasing movies filmed on Route 66 or in Kingman, and of course, lots of Route 66 cruising that includes events from Seligman to Needles.

All of this, Jim Hinckley's America and the big event in Kingman, have received the offer of a promotional boost from Gary of Route 66 Radio and Baby Boomer Radio. Now, we need sponsors and advertisers to fund development of a promotional campaign.

On June first we turn the homestead over to the caretaker (aka our son) and hit the road. The destination is a New Mexico adventure that includes a stop in Prescott on Monday morning for a television interview with Tonya Mock, an installment of Jim Hinckley's America, the radio program, from the road, and a book signing at Bookworks in Albuquerque on the evening of June 7, just before the big doings at Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park that are a part of the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour.

To ensure spare minutes are not wasted I am again working to beat a couple of deadlines, one is for completion of the edit on the Route 66 travel guide, and the second is writing the Route 66 historic atlas. I am quite confident boredom should be kept at bay for at least a few more weeks.

A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

2013-05-22T15:57:00.003-07:00

Yes, there is a bit of shameless promotion in this quick post but there is also some of what I like to do best, promote the people and places that make Route 66, and an adventure on the road less traveled so enjoyable.

First, Jim Hinckleys America. There is a new tab at the top of the blog for a page that chronicles everything new under the Jim Hinckley's America brand.

One is the new radio program that is available on podcast -

http://snmradio.com/krsyam/Programs/051713b.m3u . On Friday, episode two will focus on Kingman, its colorful history, its colorful characters, and the wide array of attractions that could make this a vacation destination.

Another is the video series. As noted previously, the project was placed on hold so the producer at Diamond Valley Productions could finish a pending video. However, I am told we should be back on track by June.

Next, road trip updates. Our June adventure is going to be a bit different, at least for us. We are actually going to take three days of the trip and use it as a vacation, even if we are gathering photos for a new book.

In recent years our "vacations" have been whirlwind business trips. This is not to say we don't have fun, after all each of these trips has given us an opportunity to visit with friends and to make new ones, and most have been on Route 66.

As an example, consider our adventure this past October. Numerous book signings, and a drive to Detroit and back - in nine days.

So, this time, I am going to treat my dearest friend, and me, to a few days off, sort of. I do have an interview on AM Arizona in Prescott on the morning of the third, and I do have a book signing at Bookworks in Albuquerque on the evening of the 7th, and I do have an episode of Jim Hinckley's America from the road that morning.

The rest of the trip my intention is to focus on four things - visit with friends, get some photos, relax, and enjoy the company of my partner, best friend, and road trip buddy.

ROUTE 66 OR THE TWILIGHT ZONE?

2013-05-22T15:00:00.001-07:00

On numerous occasions circumstances have led me to believe that old Route 66 may connect more than the past and future, and bridge more than international cultures. As Rod Serling used to say (cue the music), this is the Twilight Zone.

My latest excursion into the surreal world of bizarre coincidence on Route 66 involves a professor from the University of Oklahoma, an obscure book about that highway published about fifty years ago, one of the few existent copies turning up in a collection in Australia, an interesting class project, and a photo from 1962.

The story starts with Gary Grees, the professor. Apparently, in the process of developing a class he discovered this illustrated book about Route 66 service stations by Ed Ruscha in about 1962, and set out to find a copy.

In the process he located a copy of the book in Australia, and learned that the author currently lives in Los Angeles. He also discovered Jim Hinckley.

The class Grees developed evolved into a road trip to meet the author, and to locate the sites photographed for his book. In an effort to assist in the latter endeavor he began contacting local historians along Route 66.

Well, in our initial conversation he asked questions about the Flying A station in Kingman. I assumed that we were talking about the former station owned by Bob "Boze" Bell's father that currently houses Lomeli's Garden Arts.

Gary Grees offered to send me the Kingman area photos to assist with further identification. I received more than photos, I received a very big surprise.

The Flying A station in the photo wasn't Bell's station, it was the old Hobb's truck stop. The cafe in that picture is currently my office, the last remnant of that truck stop, the place where I had my first conversation with Gary about identifying the photo!

This is the first encounter of this kind, nor is it the strangest. The hands down strangest encounter occurred about thirty five years ago.

At the time I was working in the mines at Santa Rita in New Mexico. This is the oldest continuously operated mine in the United States with origins stretching back to about 1790.

Long ago the mining town by this name had been swallowed by the massive open pit that replaced underground mining at the turn of the 20th century. All that remained were a few empty buildings, a cemetery,and a bar.

Well, one day, at the end of my shift I stopped in the bar to have a cold beer with my brother-in-law, a born and bred Kingman boy who had relocated to the Santa Rita area several years before. As I was a recent transplant the talked turned to changes and developments in Kingman.

As so often happens with such visits, by beer two we were well on our way on a trip down Memory Lane. A favorite watering hole of ours in years past had been the Honolulu Club in Yucca, Arizona along the post 1952 alignment of Route 66.

There we were reminiscing about smoky nights and cold beer when the bar tender chimed in with, "The Honolulu Club is in Oatman." Needless to say that got my attention, especially since the Honolulu Club in Oatman had closed in about 1946.

As it turned out, her father had been a half owner in the Oatman version of the Honolulu Club, and her mother had worked at the Arizona Hotel in the 1930's. Now our conversation took a whole new tack.

A runner up to this story, maybe even a tie, occurred about eight years ago. I was working the counter in the former Hobb's Truck Stop Cafe, but for another company, when an elderly gentlemen stopped in to rent a car as his was in the garage for repair.

There was a bit of friendly business conversation during the rental process. That is how I learned that he was making a road trip on Route 66 to chase a few memories made on a grand adventure in 1952, had developed car trouble near Kingman, and was renting a car to drive to Lake Havasu City to visit with a war buddy (WWII) that he had located through a veterans organization.

Then I looked at his drivers license, with a Jackson, Michigan address, and the conversation took an interesting turn. Not only was that his old hometown, a place he had only recently returned to after more than a fifty year absence, but he attended school in Vandercook Lake, a a little place on the outskirts of Jackson.

Well, my dad grew up in Vandercook Lake (Hinckley Boulevard), had attended the same school, and still lived in Jackson. Wait, it gets better.

The big road trip of '52 he was reliving, well that grand adventure had included three friends from school who were celebrating the survival of military service in World War II. One of those friends was my dad.

The long and short of the story is this. After that trip these old friends had drifted apart, lost track of each other, raised a family, and retired.

The friend in Lake Havasu City was one of the road tripping foursome from that magical summer of '52. A third member of that group had died of cancer. Until we met, he had not been able to locate the last of the four musketeers

Cue the music -

JOPLIN 2013, KINGMAN IN 2014?

2013-05-21T14:27:00.001-07:00

Overshadowing the big event in Joplin (the 2013 International Route 66 Festival), and the unfolding of a very exciting season on Route 66, is yesterdays tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma and the surrounding area. Our prayers are with those who have suffered loss as a result of this tragedy.

Even though I have weathered a hurricane or two, the scope of this disaster is difficult to imagine. Words of solace in times such as this seem rather hollow as there is simply no way to fill a void inflicted by the loss of family or friends.

My plan for today's post was to share a few updates pertaining to Kingman's ongoing efforts in regard to planning for the 2014 international festival, if they are selected as the host city. Suffice to say everyone involved is quite busy and that indications are that if selected, and if everything goes as planned, there will be more than enough activities to keep everyone busy for at least three days.

I will provide more details soon.

NOTES FROM THE ROAD

2013-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

The first half of May, to say the very least, has been most interesting. Of course that is to be expected when you hitch your wagon to the magical allure of legendary Route 66, just ask Laurel and the folks at Afton Station.

As I live in Kingman the month kicked off with the Route 66 Fun, an event that never ceases to amaze or excite me. Still, as with Route 66 itself, it is the people that make it a true delight.

Jim Hinckley signing books for fans
of the double six from Australia.

This year the fun run provided an opportunity to share dinner with John and Judy Springs, Mike and Sharon Ward, and Bobbie and George Game of the Canadian Route 66 Association. The bonus was the privilege of speaking with, and signing books for, a large group from Australia being led by Dale and Kristi-Anne Butel, and an opportunity to play tour guide for Mark Fletcher of Classic Restos.

Last weekend I was blessed with another opportunity to share the history of Route 66 in the Kingman area, and to sign a few books, for more fans of the double six from the land down under. Even better, I was privileged to have an opportunity to meet with the parents of Dale Butel, and Rod Hokin, a prolific collector of classic Imperials from Oz.

Jim Hinckley and members of the Czech Route 66
Association at Dora's Beale Street Deli in Kingman.

The food poisoning picked up on Friday definitely put a damper on the fun. Still, the magic elixir that is meeting with enthusiastic fans of the double six from the four corners of the globe helped me survive an otherwise miserable weekend.

On Tuesday morning my dearest friend and I kicked off the day with an interesting breakfast shared with Zdnek Jurasek, his wife Eva, and members of the Czech Route 66 Association at Dora's Beale Street Deli. Even though there were extreme limitations in the conversation resultant of language barriers, we all spoke Route 66 and as a result, had a great deal to share.

Friday I had a most enjoyable lunch with Nick Gerlich who was on his way to the Cajon Pass. Nick, and Rich Dinkela, are the Indiana Jones of the Route 66 community.

As you may have noticed a new page has been added to the top of the blog. This new page, Jim Hinckley's America, will have the podcast links for my weekly radio program, as well as video updates, and other itmes associated with the development of this brand name.

Now that takes me to the radio program. Okay, in listening to it I can see the need for a bit of polish but overall it accomplished my goal of promoting the places and people that make Route 66 and the adventures on the back roads so special. Would you care to share your thoughts and suggestions for future programs?

Next week the focus turns to Kingman. After that the schedule calls for a program dedicated to Route 66 between Glorieta Pass and Las Vegas, Route 66 in New Mexico (live from the road), and then Prescott, Arizona and the surrounding area.

Plans are to pursue syndication of the program to reach a larger audience. In either case it will provide a unique advertising opportunity for business owners. If you would like more information about these opportunities contact Sunny Aris at Alamo 1230.

Now my attentions have to turn toward work on the current book project, a Route 66 historic atlas, plans to ensure Kingman serves as the host city for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival (it is in Joplin this year), a few articles for Brad Bowling at Antique Power, and the myriad of details to resolve before the June adventure to New Mexico. The latter includes a meet and greet at Bookworks in Albuquerque on the evening of the 7th, and a bit of fun at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post in conjunction with the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour later that evening.

See you on the road -

JIM HINCKLEY'S AMERICA

2013-05-16T14:27:00.001-07:00

Have you ever set out on a road trip with no particular destination in mind? Have you ever missed the fork in the road, gotten lost as a result, and discovered the most amazing little cafe that served the best pie ever tasted?

Well, that gives you a bit of an idea where I stand in life at this point in time. I set out with no particular destination in mind, took a detour or two, and arrived at a place that could never have been imagined and is almost impossible to describe.

Today is my birthday but aside from personal significance this has no bearing on the continuing orbit of this planet or the price of beans in Mexico. Still, I find birthdays to be an ideal milepost that serves as a point of reference for reflection on the miles traveled and the road ahead.

The road ahead, as is often the case, looks to be of the type that quickens the spirit with the promise of adventure. However, I harbor no illusions. Hard earned experience measured in miles traveled tells me there will be potholes, detours, and long empty places that tinge the journey with a sense of despair.

Adding a sense of excitement to the adventure that looms on the near horizon is Jim Hinckley's America, a joke that became an idea and an idea that is about to become a reality. Tomorrow morning Jim Hinckley's America takes to the airwaves, and cyber space, with a weekly radio program that will take listeners with me on travels along the road less traveled.

If all goes as planned, the video versions of my back road travels will debut soon. In addition to the name, these, as well as the tours and speaking engagements, will share theme music as well as my trademarked logo. Jim Hinckley's America is about to become a brand name.

This is all pretty heady stuff for a kid from nowhere that was on the fast track to the same place. However, for me the significance and reward is not in the name recognition.

No, that has always been more of a perk than a goal. The reward, as with my books and feature articles published, is in the opportunities all of these endeavors provide to encourage someone, or to promote a special place often overlooked by folks rushing through life.

To be honest, however, the greatest reward is in that my accomplishments, my successes are a monument to someone truly special, my dearest friend. All that I am, all that I have accomplished, and everything that I may accomplish in the years to come, I owe to her.

I know of no way to repay her for the years of patient support and encouragement, the long days on the road the hard times, and the lean times, other than to develop gifts and talents. Fame and fortune may prove elusive, or they may be bestowed upon me in buckets but in either case I am a man richly blessed because of a friend who inspired me to chase a dream, and who decided to come along for the ride.

ROUTE 66 ADVENTURES GOOD AND BAD

2013-05-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Regular followers of the blog most likely noticed my absence this past few days. Well, to be honest I missed most of the last few days.

I will skip the gory details but suffice to say something I ate for lunch on Saturday shouldn't have been. So, as a result, the long weekend to do list remains a long to do list but now with additions.

The one exception to my lunch induced weekend exile from the land of the living was a commitment to meet with Dale Butel's group on Saturday to sign a few books, to speak on Route 66 history in western Arizona, and to answer questions over lunch at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner. Needless to say I skipped lunch but the root beer was most refreshing.

I always enjoy meeting with visitors and fans of the double six but the get together on Saturday was filled with unexpected bonuses. Dale's mother and father had joined this tour, and my dearest friend and I had the opportunity for a most enjoyable visit.

Rod Hokin, also from Australia but not with the tour, also met me at the Powerhouse. I have long heard of his fabulous collection of vintage Chrysler Imperials so this was a real treat.

Most of the weekend was spent in recovery mode, AKA intermittent naps. So, I started the week off feeling much improved but as weak as a kitten.

Now, its time to make up for as much lost time as possible. There is still a great deal of work to be done before my radio debut with a weekly travel program, Jim Hinckley's America, and I am behind on my self imposed schedule for the Route 66 historic Atlas. My hope is to be back on course before the trip in June.

First, however, is another opportunity to visit with friends and visitors from distant shores. On Tuesday morning my dearest friend and I will be meeting with Zdnek Jurasek, his charming wife, and Route 66 fans from the Czech Republic for breakfast at Dora's Beale Street Deli in Kingman. If you happen to be in the neighborhood stop by as my motto is the more the merrier.

A SURREAL TURN OF EVENTS - JIM HINCKLEY'S AMERICA

2013-05-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

In recent weeks the word surreal has assumed a new and personal connotation. I suppose this story starts with the discussions between Norm Fisk (Diamond Valley Productions) and me about a possible video series that led to the selection of Jim Hinckley's America as a title.

Initially we thought of capitalizing on a plug from Amazon.com in the UK that seems to be gaining traction and use the title "Mr. Route 66." Even though a great deal of my work in recent years has centered on Route 66 we wanted something with a broader focus, a title that left room for future expansion.

I could see the possibilities in Jim Hinckley's America as a title but it seemed, for lack of a better word, odd. Enhancing that feeling was an article recently written for Legends of America about people who became an historical obscurity even though their name was a brand recognized throughout the world.

This is not say I felt, or feel, on a par with folks like Louis Chevrolet or Walter Chrysler, but to think of Jim Hinckley as a trademarked brand name (currently working through the proper channels)is rather difficult for a fellow who has tried to master the art of blending in with the wall paper.

Then, on April 9, the move toward that surreal world where I now dwell, took a big move forward. That is the day I was the subject of an interview about the ghost towns of Route 66 for Otero Then & Now on Alamo AM 1230 (the podcast is available through the April 9 link).

A few days later I received a phone call from the shows producer, Sunny Aris. Apparently the program had ignited her imagination and creative spirit.

Well, after a bit of delayed correspondence resultant of an accident she had, an agreement was reached for the test marketing of a new weekly travel program that will be made available on podcast. Fishing for a suitable title resulted in an interesting choice - Jim Hinckley's America.

Now my imagination is running rampant. What an incredible opportunity these developments provide for providing a plug for the mom and pops that make a road trip special! I wonder what opportunities this will present for introducing the wonders of Route 66 to the uninitiated?

THE BUSINESS OF ROUTE 66

2013-05-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

From its inception in November of 1926, the business of Route 66 has been multifaceted. The initial level is promotion of the road itself. Next would be the promotion of communities along that highway and then, the individual promotion of museums, motels, restaurants, service stations, garages, and attractions. Last, but not least is promotion of the entire package.

The first visionaries to grasp the potential and importance of presenting Route 66 as a community were people with a vested interest in the highway such as Cyrus Avery. The iconic status of this highway today is largely resultant of the establishment of the U.S. Highway 66 Association in February of 1927, and the initial advertising campaigns that presented Route 66 as "The Main Street of America."

Fast forward about eighty-six years to the era of resurgent interest in a highway that technically no longer exists. The need for multifaceted advertisement remains unchanged. Likewise with the need to promote the various components as a package.

What has changed is the fact that in the beginning the promoters were starting with a clean slate. Today those of us involved in promoting the double six have the advantage of having a product with international brand recognition.

From that perspective the Route 66 Alliance, an organization that is building a coalition to continue the work of the original U.S. Highway 66 Association has an easier job than their predecessors, at least in theory. There is still the age old challenge of funding, coordination, and playing peace maker.

The original promotional entity had an annual convention. The Alliance, and the Route 66 community in the 21st century, have the annual International Route 66 Festival, an event that mirrors the new face of this legendary highway.

This year the international celebration of Route 66, its history, its culture, and its mystique that presents the illusion of being a massive family reunion is scheduled for Joplin. Next year, if all goes as planned, the spotlight may shift west to Kingman.

In the modern era there is another facet of Route 66 that also feeds the promotion of that storied highway, the artists, authors, and collectors who preserve the old roads history as well as fuel the fires of the imagination that now burn internationally. With the exception of the annual international festivals where they are often a centerpiece, they must be creative in regard to self promotion.

In that realm I have learned that a certain amount of gallows humor, and more flexibility than Gumby, is crucial. To date, my endeavors to promote books written, which in turn add depth and context to the Route 66 experience, has led to overcoming issues with speaking in public, learning to develop a website and blog, and lots of travel.

Now it is taking me into the realm of video production, on site television interviews, speaking engagements, and, soon, a weekly radio program that will also be available on podcast (a great opportunity to promote your business - ask for Sunny Aris). I am also learning to play tour guide, as per request.

The business of Route 66, as with the road itself, is never boring.

ONLY ON ROUTE 66

2013-05-06T14:51:00.001-07:00

The recent article in the Kingman Daily Miner about Kingman as a potential host city for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival, Joplin as the host city this year, and the 26th annual Route 66 Fun Run this past weekend, have sparked a wide array of interview requests. As a result I am again being asked to describe the indescribable, and to do it in soundbites.

For those unfamiliar with Route 66, the sense of community found along this old road, and the international scope of the highways appeal is almost impossible to grasp, let alone understand, and the Route 66 phenomena is an even bigger mystery. After all, like love and love lost, it is something that simply must be experienced if there is any hope of comprehending what lures people from Australia, or Germany, or Japan, to visit Victorville, California in August.

The closest descriptor I have is to compare a Route 66 adventure, or attendance at an annual international festival, to a family reunion, a visit to the old hometown after a long absence. It is a bittersweet experience where joy and sadness, loss and discovery seamlessly blend into a colorful tapestry.

Consider our experiences of this past weekend. On Thursday evening we shared dinner and conversation with folks from California that we had shared dinner and conversation with last year at Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri.

Saturday evening we had dinner with a friends from Mesa that we visited with last year in Tucumcari. Joining us was a couple from Canada that we met last year in Victorville, California.

After dinner we met with friends from Australia. Then, while assisting an Australian film crew on an obscure alignment of early Route 66 that dead ends west of Kingman, we met up with friends from Canada.

Next week we have breakfast and visit with folks from the Czech Republic we met last year in Victorville. In June friends from Amsterdam will be stopping by. We met them several years ago on Route 66.

How do you encapsulate this into soundbites? If someone has never experienced the sheer pleasure of toasting marshmallows over an open fire, in the glow of vintage neon, with people from several countries who are sharing your quest, how do you explain it to them?

SETTING A STANDARD FOR FUN ON ROUTE 66

2013-05-05T14:56:00.002-07:00

To say the past few days have been enjoyable, entertaining, fun filled, exciting, exhausting, and interesting would be akin to saying that Route 66 is America's longest attraction. The frosting on the cake, an opportunity to visit with old friends, and to make new acquaintances.

My dearest friend and I kicked it off with a most wonderful evening of conversation, laughs, and good food shared with John and Judy Springs at the Dambar on Thursday. It proved to be the perfect way to unwind after a particularly stressful day that included a flurry of reservation adjustments at the office, customer issues to resolve, and a rush to complete and submit a press release about Kingman moving to the front of the pac for cities to serve as the host for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival.

The latter follows on the heels of months of meetings, phone calls, and emails. It also hammers home the fact that we have less than two months to make arrangments, reservations as well as funding, for a contingent of Kingman representatives to attend the International Route 66 Festival in Joplin.

On Friday the office didn't set a new record for chaotic but it came very close. Still, I managed to finalize basic arrangements for a weekly radio program (available on podcast) that will make its debut next Friday. I am quite confident it will be more than a trial balloon as the topic of discussion will be the southwest (Arizona and New Mexico), which just happens to include some of the most historic, and in my humble opinion, some of the most scenic segments of legendary Route 66.

Another exciting development on Friday was the finalization of a partnership for the distribution and marketing of photography with Legends of America. Last October we met with David and Kathy Alexander, the gate keepers of this amazing repository of American history, in Cuba, Missouri during Cuba Fest and I agreed to begin supplying articles pertaining to the diverisity of the American auto industry before.

As this website has been a source of fascination for quite sometime, I was honored to join the team. An opportunity to have our photography associated with the site has left me quite humbled and excited.

Saturday morning was spent answering correspondence, laying out the schedule for the next few weeks, signing books for Dal Butel's Route 66 tour, and in a teleconference with marketing guru Joe Capraro of Palm Desert California. I was so busy that time vanished like snow dumped on a Phoenix sidewalk in July.

Then it was off to the 26th annual Route 66 Fun Run, an invigorating celebration of the American love affair with the automobile and the road trip. Of course, as it involved Route 66 there were participants and visitors from several countries, and I overheard conversations tinged with Australian and British accents, as well as in German, and French.

At noon, just as the entries were starting to really fill the streets, we met with John and Judy Springs, and took a break for some delicious fruit smoothies, coffee, and peanut butter and chocolate bars at Beale Street Brews & Gallery. Then we turned our camera lenses to the staggering array of automotive history lining up along Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66) and Beale Street.

An integral component of the annual Route 66 Fun Run has been automotive diversity. This event was nothing short of astounding. Even better, there were quite a number of original vehicles with stock drive trains.

I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a good street rod. Still, it seems as though the street rod set is consumed with creating colorful conformist vehicles that don't really reflect a great deal of originality. I mean when was the last time you saw a stock '57 Chevy or a deuce coupe without a Chevy V8?
For my money I prefer the vehicles that are rolling time capsules, vintage cars and trucks that reflect the owners passion for recreating a bit of motoring history. During this fun run this segment of the old car hobby was well represented with a very rare 1948 Federal pick up truck, a 1948 Chrysler convertible, 1933 Dodge coupe, 1937 Packard coupe, 1969 Olds Cutlass, 1969 Camaro with six-cylinder engine, 1953 Cadillac convertible, 1947 Dodge pick up, 1963 Chevy II, 1970 Chevy pick up, and dozens of others.
To round out the day we joined Mike and Sharon Ward, and George and Bonnie Game of the Canadian Route 66 Association for dinner and conversation at Redneck's on Beale Street. Then we closed it out with a pint of beer at the Dambar and some conversation about Route 66, the state of the world, and the land down under with Dale, and his charming wife, Kristi-Anne, Butel of Route 66 Tours, and a couple of their guides, Daniel Azzopardi and Anthony Laughton at the Dambar.
This morning kicked off with a review of notes, followed by circulation of the article about the international Route 66 Festival in Kingman that was published in the Sunday morning edition of the Kingman Daily Miner, and then a bit of correspondence. Next on the schedule was breakfast and a meeting with Dale Butel's tour group for a presentation about of Route 66 followed by a question and answer session, and a book signing.
We followed this with a most fascinating adventure, serving as a tour guide to obscure alignments of Route 66 in the Kingman area for Mark Fletcher of Classic Restos, a Melbourne, Australia television program. This evolved into a few interviews, and the stalwart old Jeep, with two wheeled cart lasted to the roof rack, making a few cameo appearances.
Now, its time for a break, after I create a photo file for Legends of America, write a few entries for the forthcoming Route 66 Historic Atlas, follow up on leads for a series of stories to be written for Antique Power, help my dearest friend set up an indoor herb garden, ...

AND THE TREADMILL PICKS UP SPEED

2013-05-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Flowers peeking through a dusting of snow in the north country, and winds that wind the sand into a stinging fury in the southwest are indicators that spring is upon us. In my world an even more accurate indicator is the speed of the treadmill.

At this point it looks as though I will be moving through life at a dead run for the foreseeable future (a feeling enhanced by my choice of background music for this mornings work). Still, in all honesty I wouldn't want it any other way as this means the season of road trip, friends, and adventures shared with fans of the double six and the road less traveled is upon me.

As I have the pending deadline for the Route 66 historic atlas looming on the not so distant horizon, the challenge will be to find a balance. The sense of responsibility that comes with age will be in a near constant struggle with the urge to run off and play hooky with friends at least until there is frost on the pumpkin.

Last evening it was a pleasant dinner at the Dambar shared with my dearest friend, and John and Judy Springs, the former publishers of 66 The Mother Road that provided a pleasurable distraction. On Saturday it is the 26th annual Route 66 Fun Run, a celebration of the American love affair with the automobile and iconic Route 66.

The event is a veritable cacophony of sight, sounds, and tastes that blend many of my favorite things - friends, vintage cars (and trucks), Route 66, and the majestic landscapes of western Arizona - into one amazing weekend. It will start in the morning as the cars roll into Kingman from Seligman.

Tomorrow evening it is dinner with Mike and Sharon Ward,and a pint or two with friends from the land down under. Then, on Sunday, as per request, I will be sharing a bit of the history from my corner of Route 66 with folks from the land down under.

There is also the self set goal of pushing the text for the new book to the 25,000 word count mark. Yesterday, the "to do" list grew by one project.

A few weeks ago I was the guest for an Alamogordo, New Mexico radio program, Otero Then & Now (April 9 podcast). Well, apparently I made an impression because the producer, Sunny Aris, has asked I create three program layouts for what may become a weekly radio program that will be available on podcast.

As the development of the video project, Jim Hinckley's America, is on a temporary hold while the producer finishes a production about the restoration of the bus owned by legendary pioneering artist Von Dutch. Even though the delay has resulted in an overdose of frustration, it will provide an opportunity to develop the radio program.

An exciting aspect of the program is in the opportunities it presents for promoting Route 66, and the people as well as places that make it special. As an example, one of the program ideas is to promote the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour. This would allow for plugging the book signing in Albuquerque at Bookworks as well as places such as Motel Safari, Blue Swallow Motel, and Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post.

Needless to say, my over active imagination is kicking into high gear as I contemplate the possibilities. Of course that often happens if there is nothing planned for the day except for eager anticipation of sunrise.

BIG NEWS FOR 2014

2013-05-02T16:13:00.003-07:00

It began almost twenty years ago in a rented tent in the faded wide spot in the road that is Landegrin, Texas. From those humble origins this event has now morphed into an international celebration of Route 66, its culture, its history, and the people who give it a unique vibrancy.

Still, as with the road itself, the Route 66 International Festival retains more of the attributes of a family reunion that mirrors the diversity of the Route 66 community than a lavish production. It is the very essence of this iconic old highway distilled.

Initiated be the National Historic Route 66 Federation, the event currently managed under the auspices of the Route 66 Alliance is hosted by a different community each year. For 2014, Kingman, Arizona is a front runner to serve as the host city.

Organizers are banking on approval and that the event will showcase the city of Kingman as a destination. To be held in conjunction with the August 2014 edition of Chillin on Beale Street, initial plans call for a Saturday evening car show, an exhibition of Route 66 and Southwestern artists as well as authors, a barbecue in Hualapai Mountain Park, live music, and other events that will introduce visitors to some of the communities unique attractions such as the Stetson Winery and the award winning Desert Diamond Distillery.

The next step in ensuring Kingman is ready to host a gather of international Route 66 enthusiasts is the creation of committees to oversee development of various aspects of the event and of beautification along the Route 66 corridor. If you are interested in helping write an exciting chapter in Kingman and Route 66 history, contact Steve Wagner at 928-377-2239 or Jim Hinckley at 928-530-7899.

If you’re unfamiliar with the lure of the 2,000 plus small town that is Route 66, this summer is an ideal time for a voyage of discovery. The Route 66 International Festival this year is scheduled for August 1^st through 3^rd and the host city is Joplin.

THE QUEST

2013-04-30T13:15:00.002-07:00

Over the years, as a result of the people and places I have been, the philosophical bricks that constitute my world view have been gathered from a wide array of sources. Some of my favorites are -

Hard work is a sure death but a slower one than starvation.

Always be prepared to meet your maker because check out time is always a surprise.

Never base your happiness on the comparison between your wife and another man's. After all, thanks to modern science his wife may have started this life as a man.

Navigating the road of life by focusing on the review mirror will never end well.

Now, you may ask, what does all of this have to do with Route 66, the primary topic of this blog, or adventures on the road less traveled? Well, simply put these little snippets, and a few thousand others that decorate my office and litter my mind ensure a proper focus on the life of a writer, which is in itself an adventure on the road less traveled.

They also ensure I never take myself, or life, to seriously. In addition, I find they add a bit of perspective for the grand adventure that is my quest to fulfill a childhood dream.

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have lived a rather "interesting" life. However, with the exception of being a husband to my dearest friend for three decades, a father, and a grandfather, they all pale in comparison to the one embarked upon in 1990.

That was the year my dearest friend gently nudged me to take the plunge and chase the dream. That was the year I took the first step in my journey as a writer.

Fast forward about twenty years. The portfolio of published material includes hundreds upon hundreds of feature articles on a wide array of topics for dozens of publications that range from the local paper to prestigious magazines.

With the release of my latest books late this year and early next spring, the count will rise to ten. Another is the works.

Still, it is not the body of work, or the accolades that make this adventure so rewarding. Nor is it the pay (trust me on this one).

No, it is in the people met as a result. It is in the road trips I have encouraged and the forgotten history unveiled, and in the resultant thank you notes from readers.

And it is that, even more than the current projects, that have me looking toward the next few weeks with eager anticipation. It begins this weekend with the now legendary fun run.

Last year Mark and Jo from England surprised me with a visit. Will they be back again this year? Who else will surprise me?

On Saturday evening it is dinner with Mike and Sharon Ward from Mesa, Arizona. Sunday morning it is another opportunity to share a bit of the history from my corner of Route 66 with a tour group from the land down under courtesy of Dale Butel, and his charming wife, Kristi-Anne.

Wednesday evening it is dinner and interview for the German magazine, Spotlight. Next Saturday it is another visit with a group from the land of Oz and on the morning of the 14th, breakfast at Dora's Beale Street Deli with Zdnek Jurasek and his group of Route 66 enthusiasts from the Czech enthusiasts.

What old friends will we encounter on our New Mexico odyssey in June? Will our summer adventures on the double six this year cross paths with Croc Lile, Tom Dion, Kevin and Nancy Mueller, or Michael Wallis?

The adventure of writing becomes the adventure of life. The adventure of life becomes the story. With each, the excitement and eager anticipation of what comes next keeps me turning the pages.

DREAMS OF ROAD TRIPS, ADVENTURES, FRIENDS FROM FAR AWAY, AND OLD CARS

2013-04-28T07:45:00.002-07:00

As my dreams often center on road trips, adventures on the road less traveled, friends from far away, and vintage cars, the schedule for the next couple of weeks looks like a dream come true.

Next weekend is the annual Route 66 Fun Run. This event that blends the American love affair with the automobile and the road trip into a delightful celebration of America's most famous highway, Route 66, has been enhanced in recent years with an international touch.

The event has always attracted visitors from foreign shores. Still, in recent years it was added as a part of the spring tour package offered by Route 66 Tours of Australia so a very noticeable accent is often heard in shops,restaurants, and bars during the weekend.

For us the event provides a most delightful opportunity to meet with old friends, make new acquaintances, and to share a bit of my hometowns colorful history as I have been asked to address the tour group from the land down under. As a bonus the schedule includes dinner with Mike and Sharon Ward, a visit from John and Judy Springs, and a few pints savored with lively conversation with friends from the land down under.

Of course surprises always enhance this grand celebration. Last year they took the form of a visit from Mark and Jo, friends from England.

On the 8th of May, I am scheduled for a dinner interview with German journalists with Spotlight. The morning of the 11th is another meeting with a tour group from Australia.

We are eagerly awaiting the breakfast meeting with Zdnek Jurasek and his group from the Czech Republic on the 14th. We had such an enjoyable visit last year at Dora's, Zdnek requested another breakfast at one of Kingman's often overlooked treasures.

Meanwhile work continues on the Route 66 historic atlas, and plans for the promotional trip in June. As most trips in the past couple of years have been dominated by a whirlwind of scheduled appointments, I am hoping this one will be a bit more leisurely.

It will kick off with an interview on AM Arizona in Prescott on the morning of June 3. It ends on Friday evening with a book signing at Bookworks in Albuquerque.

In between are plans to gather photographs for the current project at a relaxed pace. At this juncture the rough game plan is to follow the pre 1937 alignment through Santa Fe, explore the area around Romeroville, and, of course, a stay at the historic Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas.

Well, as they say, stay tuned for details. See you at the fun run?

LOST CHAPTERS IN THE ROUTE 66 STORY

2013-04-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Age and time are funny things, especially for those individuals with a fascination for history. Even though the dawning of Route 66 predates me by about three decades that period of time seems like recent history resultant of the hours spent in unraveling its story for books, lectures, and feature articles.

As a result I am often astounded by how little is actually known about the highways early history. Of course I also am amazed by how little is known of its history during the 1950's.

In short, the time spent in researching the history of Route 66 magnifies the awareness of just how little I really know about it. So it should come as no surprise to learn that I am always fascinated by new discoveries, and the stories of those who take the time to unravel mysteries. Case in point, the most intriguing adventures of Nick Gerlich.

Adding depth and context to the Route 66 experience through the sharing of its history in books, articles, and now video, is the primary reason I strap myself to the office chair for long hours at a time. Simply put, I derive a great deal of satisfaction from being able to provide fans of the double six with a bit of a voyeuristic look at the highways history with all of its spots and blemishes.

The current video project, the first installment in the Jim Hinckley's America series takes this a new level. In this episode I will introduce fans of the double six to an almost always overlooked but pristine segment of the pre 1920 alignment of the National Old Trails Highway, the course for the 1914 Desert Classic starring Barney Oldfield and Louis Chevrolet.

As this episode focuses on Kingman and Route 66 between Hackberry and Oatman, I will have an opportunity to share little gems from the areas rich history that should really encourage travelers to slow down and take a second look. Lets see, we have the tong assassination and the resultant gun battle along the National Old Trails Highway, the Kingman Army Airfield, the history of Ed's Camp tinged with personal recollections, and the story of Cool Springs, to name but a few of the featured stories.

Next, a schedule update. I will be in attendance at the annual Route 66 Fun Run in Kingman, and the special edition of Chillin' on Beale that Saturday evening.

On June 7, we are off for a book signing at Bookworks in Albuquerque. Initial plans also call for a visit with friends in Tucumcari, a little R & R in Las Vegas (the other Las Vegas, the peaceful quiet one east of Santa Fe), maybe a detour to the Midpoint Cafe for some pie and coffee, and a little exploration of forgotten Route 66 in eastern Arizona.

FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA - THE ROUTE 66 COMMUNITY

2013-04-23T14:35:00.002-07:00

In 1926, Route 66 was just one of many newly minted U.S. highways. As with so many of those other highways, it was also knit together from auto trails, historic roads, and even old cow trails.

Even though Route 66 wove the 20th century National Old Trails Highway and Trail to Sunset, and historic roads including the Santa Fe Trail, the Wire Road, Pontiac Trail, Mormon Road, Mojave Road, and Spanish Trail into one linear highway, initially there was nothing to set it apart from the other roads in the U.S. highway system.

In February of 1927, all of that changed. Cyrus Avery grabbed the reigns of the newly formed U.S. Highway 66 Association and charged into the creation of an advertising campaign that centered on proclaiming the highway signed with two sixes was "The Main Street of America."

The rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward almost a century. Technically Route 66 no longer exists, at least officially. Yet it lives on in the imagination, in the very fiber of American society, and in the dreams of countless people throughout the world who equate the old road with rock and roll, tail fins, and the freedom of the open road.

Manifestations of the roads allure, its mystery, and its magic are found most everywhere. Those familiar with its charms know that this old highway that connects the shining sea of Lake Michigan with the shining sea of the Pacific Ocean is a linear community unlike anything in the world.

Those unfamiliar with iconic Route 66 are baffled by this fascination and struggle to understand why people would spend their hard earned money to spend a holiday on a broken, truncated highway lined with broken vestiges of better times, refurbished time capsules where colorful neon casts a haunting glow, and in towns with ghostly empty streets.

Yesterday, I granted an interview to Sarah Bergeron-Ouellet, a travel writer for Canoe. I can no longer count the times effort have been made to explaining the magic of Route 66. As with the majesty of the Grand Canyon, mere words or photographs are inadequate descriptors. Both must be experienced.

I am quite confident my words and photography were the portal to Sarah's voyage of discovery. However, as she was on the road to Williams, with planned stops in Hackberry, Peach Springs, and in Seligman to visit with Angel, that is where the awakening will occur.

If you have been puzzled by the allure of this storied old road, or are a veteran traveler eager to know more, I have initiated a service to assist. It includes various tours of the Kingman area that run the gamut from day trips to an evening of relaxed conversation, as well as assistance in planning a Route 66 adventure tailor made to your special interests, or that of your tour group.

Here is to a year of adventure on the double six. Here is to the allure of the open road.

PROJECTS, PROJECTS, AND MORE PROJECTS

2013-04-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

I was never one of those folks who at age eighteen charted the course of their life from college to the invitation list for the fortieth wedding anniversary party. Still, dependent on the level of optimism at a particular time, which was based on finances or the crisis of the day, there were goals.

Some were rather lofty. Others were more focused on simply making it to Friday. With the passage of years that became decades, the focus on goals narrowed and now there is really but one. What can I do,legally, to avoid spending my seventieth year on this planet as a greeter for Walmart?

In recent years that narrowed line of thought has led to some of the most interesting adventures, and a few memorable detours. It has also led to such an immersion in projects that on occasion there is a sense that I might actually drown.

To date the childhood dream of becoming a writer when I grow up has been made manifest in the publication of seven books, and the completion of one more that is awaiting publication. Another book is finished with the exception of a final edit and the writing of captions, and one is under construction with a deadline of December 31. Additionally my byline has appeared on several hundred feature articles for a wide array of publications.

Reaping financial reward from these endeavors on the level of Stephen King or Tom Clancy remains a bit elusive. However, the people met on this quest, as well as the adventures spawned and doors of opportunity opened, are truly priceless.

It has also ensured the curse of boredom and tedium will never shadow my doorstep. As an example, here is a succinct look at my schedule in April and May.

Filming scenes for the first installment of Jim Hinckley's America, a new video series currently under development. Here is a teaser, the rough intro for the first video that will highlight

the wonders of Route 66 between Hackberry and Oatman, Arizona. In addition to stunning scenery the video will feature stories about obscure but fascinating history on this segment of the road - the tong war assassination in 1926, the propane explosion in 1973, the Cactus Derby of 1914.
Friday night, April 5, I met with Melanie Stengele of Germany. She was researching ghost towns of the southwest and was in need of information about Signal and Swansea.
On the weekend of April 6, we gathered photographs for a new book along the Route 66 corridor in the Los Angeles metropolitan corridor, and signed books at Auto Books - Aero Books in Burbank. On Tuesday, the 9th, I spoke before a group from Switzerland visiting Arizona.
That morning,before work, there was an hour long discussion about ghost towns and the ghost towns of Route 66 for a radio program, Otero Then and Now,in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The interview is on pod cast (follow this link, scroll down to Otero Then and Now, it is the April 9 program).
Then there were a series of meetings. One was a planning session for a monster multi-event version of Chillin on Beale in August of 2014 that may serve as the platform for the International Route 66 Festival, and another was to develop a press kit for personal promotion.
Three Jim Hinckley tours that had been developed for Vayable received approval. As result there were various meetings to discuss marketing.

This evening I will be photographing Chillin on Beale, the kick off for a new season. As a bonus I will be having dinner with acclaimed author Roger Naylor.
Monday, the 22nd of April, I am scheduled for an interview by Sarah Bergeron-Oullet, a travel journalist from Montreal. On the evening of May 8, I will meet with a journalist from Berlin who is writing a series of articles about Route 66.
The weekend of May 3, is the annual Route 66 Fun Run, an event I cover for several magazines. The following morning I will be signing copies of Ghost Towns of Route 66 and speaking with Dale Butel's first tour of the year from Australia. On the 11th, I meet with another tour from the land down under.
On the 13th, I meet with Zdnek Jurasek and his group from the Czech Republic. As they are a most enthusiastic tour that is always full of questions, this should be most interesting.
Before kicking off June, which includes a signing in Albuquerque at Bookworks on June 7, and the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour, and meeting with a representative from the fledgling Polish Route 66 Association as well as fans of the double six from Holland and Germany, I need to track down owners of restored tractors. The new editor at Antique Power, Brad Bowling, and I worked together during his tenure at Old Cars Weekly and Cars & Parts and now he is asking that I write features for this publication.
The primary challenge isn't my limited knowledge of the topic. After all, I have spent a few hours pulling drop plows and harrows behind tractors in my youth.
The biggest issue is that I live in western Arizona. Farm tractors, restored or otherwise, are not something we see on a regular basis.
So, if you have a restored tractor and would like a few minutes of fame, drop me a note. Any tractor manufactured before 1970 would work.
If I can just stay in the saddle for a bit longer, I am quite sure it will be possible to avoid servitude at Walmart during my golden years, and avoid starvation as well.

ROUTE 66 HERE, ROUTE 66 THERE, ROUTE 66 EVERYWHERE

2013-04-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

At every turn it seems there is a sign, a reference to, or a photo from Route 66. In Australia, a tour company specializing in Route 66 tours is inundated with phone calls. Hundreds of miles from that storied highway a photo of the Blue Swallow Motel hangs on a restaurant wall. In China they watch Cadillac commercials filmed on the old double six.

This amazing old highway seems to be woven into the very fabric of the American experience. As a result, like the Statue of Liberty or the White House, there is an almost universal international recognition of Route 66 and the freedom it represents.

I only have to look at my schedule for the next six weeks or so to see the international fascination with this highway turned icon made manifest. On May 4 and May 11, I will speak with Australian tour groups. On the evening of May 8, it is dinner and interview for a German magazine.

On May 13, I meet with members of the Czech Route 66 Association. Plans are being made for a meeting with representative from the Polish Route 66 Association on June 5, and a meeting with Route 66 enthusiasts from Holland is set for June 25.

A recent video interview on Jay Leno's Garage shines the light on Sal Santoro and Bob Waltons wonderful Route 66 book. It also gives Harley and Annabelle, the Munger Moss Motel, and the Wigwam Motel in Rialto a brief moment in the spotlight.

Route 66 even sneaks into seemingly unrelated news stories. Yesterday a motel renovation and conversion project in Albuquerque garnered national attention as a news story linked it to the formation of Microsoft, and Route 66.

A local story about an obscure, closed business on Route 66 where a misplaced Easter Island type head casts long shadows was picked up by a staggering array of news services. Do a quick Google search for Giganticus Headicus and see what turns up.

The producer of an award winning Route 66 video recently asked if I would consider developing a series entitled Jim Hinckley's America. As a teaser I posted the rough segment that will serve as the intro on my Facebook authors page and was inundated with excited notes about memories invoked by the section of the highway seen in the video from all corners of the world.

In August the world will gather in Joplin, Missouri for the Route 66 International Festival. This celebration of the old road and all it stands for, and a family reunion for enthusiasts, will literally attract visitors from throughout the world.

As Kingman is a leading contender to serve as host city in 2014, plans are underway to transform Chillin on Beale, a wonderful little event held on the third Saturday evening of each month, April through October, into something spectacular next year. Rest assured, the event, regardless of title or affiliation will place Kingman in an international spotlight as Route 66 is still the cities "Main Street."

What an amazing old road. Somehow it brings people together even though there are differences in culture and language. Somehow this highway that officially ceased to exist almost thirty years ago still has the power to excite emotions and send forth the call to adventure.

If your not familiar with the legend of Route 66, there is no time like the present for a voyage of discovery. If you are familiar with its charms this is the year to rediscover, to reawaken, and to renew with an adventure on the legendary double six.

TONG WARS, CAR WRECKS, AND OTHER DISASTERS

2013-04-16T15:49:00.002-07:00

Norm Fisk has completed the edit for the segment on the October 1926 murder of Tom King. I had concerns about this portion of the video because when were shooting there was a sense of being stiff, largely the result of it being a new type of endeavor for me.

I must confess, it came out rather well. As a result there is a renewed excitement about this project, the fist installment in the Jim Hinckley's America series.

The clash between the Hop Sing and Bing Kong Tong that resulted in Tom King's murder was a media sensation resultant of a colorful legal battle and the Mohave County Sheriff overlooking a little matter of Constitutional rights when he began raiding houses and seizing guns. This incident will be detailed in my next book, a Route 66 historic atlas.

However, with video it is almost as though I have the opportunity to take the reader with me on adventures and voyages of discovery. Adding this to the writing, photography, tours, and speaking engagements provides a new venue, and almost unlimited possibilities for introducing depth and context to mundane or common subjects, and for giving work a more personal touch.

The now forgotten King murder is but one of the little gems that will be featured in the first video that focuses on Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman. Other tidbits include Ed's Camp, with a few personal notes as a first job was for Ed, an often overlooked and pristine segment of the National Old Trails Highway, and some portraits of the eccentrics that once peopled the Sacramento Valley along the pre 1952 alignment.

The target goal for release is the weekend of the Route 66 Fun Run, May 3. I will keep you posted on a release date.

Don't get to busy or distracted today to give thought to those in Boston who have suffered loss or injury. Never forget what is really important in this life.

TRYING TIMES

2013-04-15T19:40:00.001-07:00

My intent this afternoon was to share a few exciting updates from my corner of the world on Route 66, a bit of good news, and other notes that I thought you might find of interest. However, in light of the tragedy that is unfolding in Boston most of what I had to share seems flippant and unimportant

So, instead I will share the good news and, with all due respect, simply ask that tonight you give thought to those in Boston who have suffered loss or been injured, meditate on what divides us as a people, how we may overcome those divisions, and what it will take to heal this nations wounds.

Now the good news. I received a note from Annabelle (one half of the legendary Mediocre Melody Makers) of Erick, Oklahoma. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy but is still fighting, is still optimistic, and is still an inspiration.

EVERYTHING SEEMS TO GO BETTER WITH A DOSE OF ROUTE 66

2013-04-14T11:51:00.002-07:00

It has been a most trying week, a whirlwind of good and bad news, hectic schedules, and resultant stress. Somehow these tribulations and trials of life seem to be easier to swallow with a dose of Route 66.

Last Sunday at this time (the day after an exhausting eighteen hour adventure of photography, driving, and a book signing) we were crawling through the congestion of traffic that is a fact of life in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area on the homeward trek. This Sunday is pleasantly lazy and quiet, the type of day made for reflection on blessings and catching up on loose ends.

"Light traffic" on Sunday morning
along Santa Monica Boulveard.

In between are six days that are almost a blur. Hence the realization that a Sunday with time for taking a breather and a bit of relaxation is a true blessing.

We arrived home late on Sunday evening and after unloading the Jeep still had time for about five hours of sleep. Monday at the office was chaotic as usual with trucks parked everywhere and customers lined up.

For reasons unknown this still frustrates me to no end. It is clearly posted on the door that we open at 8:00 but on most Monday mornings customers follow on my heels when I open the door.

Frustration number two is trucks returned over the weekend. We have a large paved return lot at the west end of the property but every Monday there are two or three trucks blocking the driveway or preventing customers from getting their cars off the property.

Tuesday commenced with a flurry of correspondence resolved over breakfast. This was followed with an interview on an Alamogordo radio program (scroll down to Otero Then & Now, it is the April 9 podcast).

The it was off to the office which was followed with a most interesting evening that included dinner and speaking with a group from Switzerland about the wonders of Route 66 and the American southwest. One aspect of this particular adventure that I found most intriguing was the drive.

The host is a property developer and the event was held at an off the grid model home at his Greenwood Village development. This is about forty miles from Kingman, and twenty miles south of Route 66.
An interesting aspect of the evening was my ability to surprise the host by talking about a windmill in a canyon to the north of his house. As it turns out I had worked this country about thirty five years ago when my income was derived from polishing saddle leather with the seat of my pants for the X-Bar-One ranch.
The remainder of the week, through Friday, was a mix of the daily grind at the office, compiling materials gathered on the weekend trip, and creating a photo file for the Route 66 travel guide. The latter was a mixed blessing.
My wife and I love sharing the wonders of Route 66, as well as those found on the road less traveled and the beauty of the desert southwest through photography. Still, these files were necessitated by a trusted associate who had promised assistance and then not followed through. Compounding the frustration and sadness over this was the fact he did not even afford me the common courtesy of a note or phone call, just silence.
Saturday was consumed with the shooting of the final segments of what will be the first video in a new series, Jim Hinckley's America. For this episode we focused on Kingman and Route 66 between Hackberry and Oatman.
I am rather excited about this venture for a wide of reasons. In addition to providing a new venue for me to share the wonders of the nations lost highways, it will also allow me to share information and stories in a more personal format.
Enhancing our adventure was yesterday was the meeting of Graham O'Reilly and his wife, Sarah, from the UK at the site of Snell's Summit Station on Sitgreaves Pass. It was their first trip over this segment of America's most famous highway and their enthusiasm and awe was most invigorating.

I have been traveling this section of old Route 66 for more than thrity-five years and have yet to tire of it. Now, I have an opportunity to share its wonders in a whole new way.
With that note, I will close by calling your attention to a little something new, our first tour. Don't let the price scare you as there is a discount for large groups, and besides, I guarnteee an original adventure.

TO HELL AND BACK ON ROUTE 66 - PART THREE

2013-04-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, the second day of our Route 66 in California, dawned clear and bright. Well, at least the haze was thin enough to allow a view of the mountains, an event that seems to constitute a clear day in the greater Los Angeles area.

To get the blood flowing as well as to stimulate an already sizable appetite we decided on a short walk of one clock to breakfast at Olive's Bistro. It was as close to a perfect breakfast as I could imagine - excellent food (Greek omelette), and good coffee all shared with my dearest friend. As a bonus the staff was professional, friendly, and honestly happy.

A sincere effort was made to slow the pace and simply savor the moment but the thought of the adventure that awaited us made that rather difficult. Further fueling our desire to get on the road was the knowledge that every minute that we delayed our departure would result in an exponential increase in the traffic hell that is travel in this most amazing metropolis.

Traffic was surprisingly light as we set out on Olive Avenue toward U.S. 101. The basic battle plan was to follow the 101 to Highland Avenue, and then catch Santa Monica Boulevard for a drive to the pier.

The "light" morning traffic was like rush hour on Stockton Hill Road in Kingman on steroids. The mere thought of dealing with this, and worse, on a daily basis leaves me amazed that more people don't snap out. Perhaps this explains the rising percentage of medicated people in America.

The silver lining to this was we seldom worried about parking to photograph locations on our list. We spent almost as much time moving as we did driving and so were able to obtain some nice images from the comfort of the Jeep.

Perhaps it is a result of our years spent in the desert but my dearest friend and I find something almost magically peaceful about a visit to the coast even if it is often as crowded as a stockyard when feed prices soar. Magnifying the refreshing properties of the ocean washing gently on the sands is one of our favorite stops, the historic Santa Monica Pier.

Technically the pier is not on Route 66. In fact it is several blocks from the western terminus of that storied highway. Still, this is Route 66 and as a result, tradition and whimsy almost always trumps starched reality.

In spite of traffic delays we arrived early enough to park on the pier itself. This, however, did not mean we had it to ourselves, nor would we want it that way.

Musicians and artists, acrobats, and trained parrots, are an intricate part of the Santa Monica Pier experience. Likewise with the fishermen and pulsing crowds speaking a wide array of languages.

I was surprised and excited to discover a tribute to Bob Waldmire at the end of the pier. As it was simple and understated it seemed rather fitting.

Dan and Jessica Rice's shop wasn't open at the early hour of our visit and as a result, I was unable to sign books in their inventory. It may seem a bit silly but I always regret it when things like this happen as stopping to sign books gives me an opportunity to visit, to get a feel for the pulse of the road, and, I like to believe, contribute a little something.

With the drive to Kingman (about 330 miles) hanging over our head, as well as the need to photograph a few dozen locations along the way, the visit to the pier was much shorter than we would have liked. As we retraced our steps along Santa Monica Boulevard the crush of traffic again allowed for a wide array of photographic opportunities.

Our next stop was the fascinating Hollywood Forever Cemetery, an often overlooked Route 66 attraction. I had run out of time to obtain proper authorization for photos to be used in our book before leaving Arizona, and the office was unable to assist on a Sunday, so we simply explored the grounds. Counted among our discoveries were a vintage Rolls Royce hearse, and the grave of Toto.

The time consuming crush of traffic forced a bit of an adjustment to our plans. So instead of exploring the Figueroa Street corridor, we utilized the Glendale Freeway from Sunset Boulevard, and continued the Route 66 adventure in Pasadena.

This at least allowed us an opportunity to photograph and explore the 1913 Colorado Boulevard Bridge. Parking at the small park at the east end of the bridge allowed us access as well as other opportunities to photograph this landmark from various angles.

We succumbed to hunger, convenience, and time constraints with a stoop at Coco's in East Pasadena for dinner rather than look for something unique. For us this is always a sign of the creeping awareness that time allotted for an adventure is running short.

It was those time constraints that forced us to reluctantly forgo exploration in Monrovia that was supposed to include a stop at the Aztec Hotel. Instead we followed the 210 to the Foothill Boulevard exit in Laverne before resuming our Route 66 odyssey.

As I had promised to sign books for Kumar at the charming Wigwam Motel in Rialto. As Kumar was away on business we were privileged to share an interesting conversation with his mother while signing copies of Ghost Towns of Route 66, and The Route 66 Encyclopedia.

With the sun rapidly closing the distance to the western horizon we chose to forgo further exploration and instead followed Mt. Vernon Avenue to the interstate highway, and then over the Cajon Pass with but one stop to photograph the historic trail monument located at the end of a truncated segment of Route 66 accessed by exit 131, the junction with highway 138.

At Barstow we again succumbed to time constraints, as well as hunger, by indulging at Coco's for supper after topping off the tank. Even though time was now of the essence, I was just not able to bear the thought of a long drive home on the interstate highway.

So, we ordered two slices of pie for the road, and at Newberry Springs again took to Route 66. Several miles to the east, out near Pisgah Crater we found a suitable spot to watch the sunset as we savored our pie and each others company in the desert we so enjoy.

I had hoped to sit under the desert sky but the winds were beginning to blow rather fiercely and so we decided it best to enjoy the show from the comfort of our stalwart old Jeep. Knowing that our adventure was nearing its end tempered our desert with a hint of sadness.

It should be noted that this segment of highway, almost all the way to Ludlow has really deteriorated and is very rough. An example of just how bad the road is can be found in the fact that at times I drove on the shoulder because it was smoother, and I was driving a Jeep.

At Ludlow, I rejoined I-40 and the rat race. However, even though it was nearing midnight, I found it impossible to not make one more stop.

At the Kelbraker Road exit I pulled off into the desert, turned off the engine, and stepped out into the wind. The dust stinging my face did nothing to dampen the sense of awe that only comes from standing under a desert sky with a canopy of stars.

TO HELL AND BACK ON ROUTE 66 - PART TWO

2013-04-11T16:03:00.002-07:00

Even though I lean toward the redneck side of life (surprise!) and as a result may appear to be a rube to some urban dwelling folk, I negotiate big city traffic fairly well for an amateur Apparently on this last trip I was doing well enough to fool the locals as evidenced by the fact that on two separate occasions people asked me for directions. This was in spite of the Arizona license plate on the Jeep.

Well, we rolled into Burbank without incident and had no real problem locating Olive Avenue. Of course locating our motel, the Safari Inn, on Olive Avenue was another matter.

As it turned out there was a festival and parade on Olive Avenue, which resulted in street closure. Well, after touring the lovely tree shaded neighborhoods of historic Burbank for most of an hour in a valiant but futile effort to find another way to access the motel, we decided to head for Auto Books - Aero Books even though it was still several hours before the scheduled start of the Road Trip Day event.

An hour or so before the commencement of festivities we learned that Olive Avenue was open and made a mad dash to the motel in the hope of catching a shower as well as to avoid trying to figure out the complexities of checking in after a nineteen hour day. Then we met the desk clerk, a charming elderly gentleman who was knowledgeable and helpful as well as incredibly long winded. Apparently he was also stymied by the mysteries of replacing a printer cartridge.

We arrived at the signing with minutes to spare. It is always a pleasure to meet with fans of the double six that have been inspired to be adventuresome by something I wrote but on this particular evening Miss Penny Black proved to be the highlight of the evening.

Even though the signing kicked off at 4:00 the real festivities were set for 6:00. This allowed us just enough time for a quick but intriguing wrap from Urban Eats just up the street on Magnolia Boulevard.

I am unsure exactly what was consumed but do know it had fresh, whole asparagus, mushrooms, grilled chicken breast, Greek olives, onions, avocado, tomato, and an interesting but unidentifiable sauce. Washing it down with a Mexican Coca Cola in a big cold glass bottle seemed to enhance the flavors. Perhaps that was due in part to the fact that my last Coke was in Amarillo when we had dinner with Bob Lile last October.

Even though conversation among the attending authors was lively I found myself drawn to discussions about the ridge route with Harrison Scott. I was mesmerized and entranced by stories about this roads history and development, as well as his recent adventure over this historic highway in a Model T, and deeply saddened by his tales of working in Watts for more than thirty years.

Even though we were long past weary, we took the time to stop at a most pleasant neighborhood market near the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Buena Vista for a few late night snacks and mango tea. And, of course, we took time to photograph the motels beautiful neon sign.

With eager anticipation for the day to come, we snuggled into our quiet refuge and with dreams of adventure on the double six dancing in our head, slept the night away.

TO HELL AND BACK ON ROUTE 66 - PART ONE

2013-04-09T14:39:00.003-07:00

On Saturday morning we rolled from the driveway just a few minutes later than planned but it was still early enough for us to clear the Colorado River before the first faint light of dawn painted the Mojave Desert with that washed out grey that precedes sunrise. This provided me with an opportunity to savor the stark beauty of the desert transformed by dancing shadows as the sun cleared the eastern horizon at Kelbaker Road, the road that connects Kelso with Amboy.

The break was a short one as the ever persistent schedule was calling and so after five minutes or so we saddled up for the rest of the drive to Barstow with a slight detour to photograph a few locations in Newberry Springs, California. As much as we would have enjoyed a cruise into Daggett, I had to forego the luxury of Route 66 but the knowledge that our time spent speeding along the sterile interstate highway would be mercifully short served as a balm for the soul.

As I had promised to sign books for Debra at the Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum when we were in the neighborhood, we surprised her with a visit. Then we took the time to photograph this architectural gem accentuated by beautiful flower beds and colorful trains emblazoned by the American flag.

After topping off the tank we set our sights on a hearty meal at the Summit Inn, a little something to hold us over until dinner time. Immersed in our pleasant time capsule cocoon we paid little heed to the modern world that whizzed past the window and instead focused on coffee, laughter, friendly banter between the waitress and regular customers, and an opportunity to simply relax.

As we again joined the fray on the interstate tension quickly eroded the mellow embrace of the Summit Inn and soon we were caught up in the rush toward anywhere and everywhere that spurs the modern world on. I, however, refused to succumb so easily and at the Cleghorn Road exit we immersed ourselves in the serenity of a drive along Route 66.

The original plan had been to follow Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) from Upland to Colorado Boulevard at Arcadia. However, as often happens with a Route 66 adventure, time slipped away without notice as we made one stop after another to photograph flowers, to watch trains, and to simply enjoy each others company on a journey through the Cajon Pass.

As a result we skipped to plan "B" and played the game of rush to stop on the 210 all the way to Pasadena. There we rejoined the old double six masquerading as Colorado Boulevard.

Of course seeking out the wonders of Route 66 in a harried urban atmosphere is not like an adventure to the Painted Desert Trading Post or even like a little urban exploration with friends in Tucumcari. To compound the problem, my dearest friend and I are simple, small town folk. As noted on many occasions, I began to feel crowded in Kingman about the time the city added a third stoplight.

But we have an adventuresome spirit and so we crawled through the city and over the stunningly beautiful 1913 bridge suspended above the Arroyo Seco. I wonder why we don't fill our urban landscapes with such artistic renditions of the mundane any longer?

Then we again joined the battle on the 134 as we turned our sights on Burbank, a surprisingly delightful small town hiding behind generic urban sprawl.