ROUTE 66 CHRONICLES

A TOUCH OF EAGER ANTICIPATION, DEVELOPING PROJECTS, AND A WHOLE LOT OF ROUTE 66

2013-06-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

El Rey Inn, Santa Fe

Two weeks ago, on Tuesday evening at this exact time, as the sun was sinking into the west behind a cloud of smoke from a distant forest fire, my dearest friend and I had just walked back to the motel after finishing a wonderful dinner at the Pantry Restaurant, and were relaxing near the fountain on the restful grounds of the El Rey Inn in Santa Fe. Tonight, after a grueling eleven hour day, is the flip side of the coin, with the exception of a wonderful dinner (Pita bread burgers with spices from my wife's herb garden and goat cheese, hummus and whole grain crackers, and a tall glass of Guinness) eaten in the company of my dearest friend.

In between these two Tuesday's are a whirlwind of Route 66 adventure, work, developing projects, another manifestation of what makes the Route 66 community special, a bunch of frustrating problems, and the general maelstrom that is life. Looking toward the future I see more of the same for at least the next few months but the reward is looming on the horizon - a pending visit from Dries Bessels, his charming wife Marion, Karel Kuperus, and Hanneke Wiersma, friends from Holland, and their tour group.

A few days ago I posted a note on the Yahoo Route 66 e-group, and various Route 66 social pages, and sent a few emails requesting input for the new book. Specifically I was looking for leads pertaining to crime scenes and disasters along Route 66.

The response was nothing short of amazing. This is why when I write an article or book about this storied highway, it is always noted that I merely compile the information. The Route 66 community writes the piece.
Last week I sat with a reporter for the Kingman Daily Miner and responded to questions about my passion for Route 66, the desert southwest, and the people that make these places special. Here is a link to the published interview.
Travel, and resultant arrangements, are a common occurrence in this family. This time it is for attendance of the International Route 66 Festival in Joplin this August.
Obviously attendance and the opportunity to meet with old friends (after all, these events are almost like a family reunion) would be most enjoyable. Added pressure is being applied by various groups in Kingman who feel the city needs representation and that I should serve as that representative.
The frustration with this is two fold. One, vacation time at the office is not easily acquired and my schedule, which includes the pending deadline for the new book and meeting with a tour group from Australia, during this period is very tight.
The second issue is in regard to finances. As we just returned from New Mexico, and as we have some unexpected expenses to resolve (see frustration below) this would really put a squeeze on the budget.
As often happens in my world lately, problems such as these seem to turn into potential opportunities that tantalize the imagination. When discussing this with a friend, in response to inquiries about possible attendance, I was asked if thought had been given to giving a Route 66 tour to Joplin for interested parties.

Topping the list of frustrating problems are more issues with the rear differential in the Jeep. After months of dealing with a rear brake problem resultant of defective parts, I now have a bearing going out.

It began making serious noise on the last road trip. Needless to say, that wasn't exactly conducive to relaxing.
The radio program (Jim Hinckley's America for Alamo 1230) continues to develop and that includes me being able to round off some of the rough edges as this is a new endeavor for me. Still, even with the program being available on podcast my thoughts are that the reach is rather restricted.
The frustration in this is that my vision for the project is to use it as a promotional tool for the people and places on Route 66, as well as the back roads of America. At this time the decision is to follow this string a bit further.
Well, it looks as though I am out of time this morning. Here is to another day of adventure. I hope your day is a memorable one.

LET'S EAT

2013-06-15T07:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, in the last installment of Route 66 Chronicles we discussed lodging recommendations based upon our last adventure. Today we turn toward the gastronomical side of our adventure.

As noted previously, we kicked off the adventure with a late Sunday afternoon drive to Prescott, Arizona. After checking into the Hotel Vendome, we set out for the Firehouse Kitchen on Goodwin Street just off historic Whiskey Row and a few blocks from the hotel.

Old Firehouse Plaza in Prescott, Arizona.

We discovered this little gem on our last visit to Prescott. On this adventure I was looking for something on the lighter side. So, I selected the most delicious Firehouse chopped salad and a bottle of dark, thick beer.

In addition to delightful meals, the restaurant also offers a wide array of excellent deserts, and directly across the plaza is a gelato shop that also offers a few tasty treats.

We were mere hours from home and had yet to enter vacation mode. As a result, we decided to forgo desert and pretend that we would be able to avoid gastronomical temptations on this adventure.

Morning was a bit of a rushed affair as I had an interview on AM Scramble with Tonya Mock that required an appearance at the studio by 7:30. So, I curbed the appetite with a few of the freshly prepared treats in the hotel lobby.

As a result, by the time I finished the interview, drove a bit over one hundred miles into the Mogollon Rim country, and we explored the Gold King Mine in Jerome, with only a bit of trail mix to sustain us, hunger was setting in. So, with highway 87 entering Winslow a mere block to the west of the La Posada, the decision was made to see this as a fortuitous turn of events and indulge.

The food and atmosphere at the La Posada is always excellent. However, the prices have edged up a bit since the visit last October. Now breakfast and lunch has, in my humble opinion, slipped past the high end of reasonable and is nudging expensive.

Still, you have to treat yourself once and awhile. If not, whats the point of having an adventure, especially one on Route 66.

Our target destination for the end of the day was also where we planned on curbing the evening hunger pangs with a touch of supper - the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. The Rita Moreno plate (enchiladas) was, as always, just a touch better than average in quality.
Then, as has become our custom, we basked in the ambiance of the lobby while sipping on a cold beer. What an idyllic way to end a day on the road.

However, for me it is breakfast at this beautiful old hotel that is difficult to resist as they have a little something special on the menu that I have yet to see in any other restaurant, atole and Navajo tea. For the uninitiated atole is a hearty blue corn hot cereal that is absolutely delicious with a touch of honey.

Our drive into Albuquerque was a leisurely one with many, many stops for photos and a bit of exploration. Shortly before our arrival in the historic old pueblo on the Rio Grande our conversation turned toward lunch, or dinner depending on where you were raised.

On a whim we stepped out of character and decided to see if the Route 66 Casino to the west of the Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park had a buffet of interest. In part we were hoping to save Albuquerque exploration for the return trip.

Usually casino buffets are rather predictable, with food quality that is mere steps from fast food served amidst an atmosphere that presents a sense of dining in a sterile institutional setting with colorful wallpaper and carpet. The wall murals depicting Route 66 locations past and present was a bit of a change but I must confess this buffet was an exception to the rule.
An expansive variety of international foods, better than average quality, and a price of $10.00 ensured we will add this to our list for the next trip. I should add that on the return trip, after a delightful evening at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park just up the road, we learned that breakfast is not available, only lunch and dinner.

Over lunch, or dinner, we made the decision to bypass Route 66 and shoot for Santa Fe, and the El Rey Inn, on I-25. Utilizing our Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation we decided to give the venerable Pantry restaurant next to the motel a try and we are quite glad we did.

Perfect, at least for simple folk such as us, is an understatement. The price, the quaint understated atmosphere that reminded us of the old City Cafe in Kingman and countless other little diners from our youth, the service, and of course the food, put this little gem near the top of our list for places to eat in Santa Fe.

Then, after a pleasant and restful evening, we set out to photograph the historic plaza at sunrise. Our tip of the day, if you want to photograph this area, or negotiate the twisted, narrow streets with a minimum of frustration, there is no time better than sunrise.

After an hour or so of walking the quiet streets, stuffing the parking meter and a bit of exploration in the sweet, cool morning air our appetites were adequately stimulated. So, we returned to the El Rey Inn, for a more than adequate complimentary continental breakfast that included fresh red chili salsa, warm tortillas, and a wide array of staples that we enjoyed on the patio surrounded by flowers and overhanging vines.
With our sites set on Las Vegas we motored east with a wide array of stops in between - the historic Pigeon Ranch, Glorieta Pass, Pecos National Historic Park, the Pecos River at San Jose, and a great deal of exploration in the railroad district of the other Las Vegas. A variety of healthy snacks held hunger at bay during our explorations but by mid afternoon the appetite was no longer something I could ignore.
Our original plan had been to have lunch at Estelle's on Bridge Street but after decades of operation it had closed its doors since our last visit. Flexibility is key to the enjoyment of a road trip and so we decided to try the El Rialto across the street.
Once again, the front door seemed as a portal into another time. This was a comfortable little cafe with good food and lively conversation that left little doubt this was a locals hangout and that Las Vegas was a small, friendly town where everyone knew each others families. As a bonus the food was very good and the price quite reasonable.
Dinner, and breakfast, were enjoyed in the historic Plaza Hotel. This venerable old hotel again proved to be the bargain of the entire trip. An $89.00 room rate that included breakfast (up to five dollars) ordered from the menu in the on site restaurant.
For food quality, service, and historic atmosphere, as well as price, the Plaza Hotel rates quite high on our lists of favorite destinations. As it is but a short detour from Route 66, I highly recommend this stop to every enthusiast motoring east or west on the double six.
The homeward leg of the adventure included a drive down scenic highway 104 to Tucucmcari with a few dozen stops to gather photos, and to do a bit of exploration. Counted among the interesting discoveries was a beautiful old schoolhouse, a cottage type service station, and a uniquely designed but abandoned bridge. As there was a pack of growling, mangy dogs at the north end I chose to photograph the bridge from a distance.
Lunch at Kicks on 66 in Tucumcari was a triple bonus as it was good food shared with my dearest friend, and another good friend, Nancy Mueller, one half of the duo that is infusing the iconic Blue Swallow Motel with vibrancy and charm. Good food, good friends, and a front row to Route 66, a near perfect combo.
After bidding adios to Nancy we set off for Santa Rosa, our next stop. Of course we couldn't resist a few Route 66 related side trips as the lighting and clouds made it a near perfect time for photographing the haunting ruins along this segment of Route 66.
After setting up camp for the evening at the Best Western in Santa Rosa we decided to round out the day by photographing Route 66 related sites against the backdrop of the incoming storm. Then we turned our attention to dinner at Joseph's, which again was a real delight.
I should note that the gift shop at Joseph's has a selection of autographed books, while they last. Whenever I find my books at a gift shop, restaurant, or motel, it is a tradition to sign them and then promote the business by advertising the fact that they have autographed copies available.
The focus for the next day, after a continental breakfast at the motel, was the exploration of Central Avenue in Albuquerque from east to west. To say we were quite fortunate on this adventure would be an understatement.
The traffic was relatively light, we were able to find a parking space directly in front of the historic Kimo Theater, and when it came time for lunch around noon, were able to find a parking place at the rear of Kelly's Brew Pub. Even though the menu had a wide array of tempting offerings, I cast aside budget constraints as well as distractions once my eyes locked on the bison burger with feta cheese and green chili.

Housed in a vintage Ford dealership, Kelly's should rate high on the list of stops for anyone visiting Albuquerque. We plan on a return visit when we can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of an evening there while sampling a couple of their craft beers.
With reluctance, at about 5:00 we abandoned our explorations that included a visit to the museum hosting the Titanic exhibit, and set out for Bookworks on Rio Grande Boulevard NW for the book signing and, hopefully, supper at a nearby restaurant. Quite fortuitously, as we were unfamiliar with the neighborhood, directly next door to the book store was a Flying Star Cafe.
To say the very least the menu was eclectic, healthy, and, for the most part, reasonable. Our evenings dinner (rosemary chicken with couscous and risotto, and a morning sundae consisting of vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, walnuts, house made granola, and honey)was quite tasty. Our one complaint was that the asparagus was under cooked and tough, a relatively minor issue.
The last day of our trip was a bit of a harried affair as there was a need to be back in Kingman by Saturday evening. So, for most of the 480 mile drive from Albuquerque we stuck to I-40 with but three exceptions - breakfast at Grants (1st Street cafe that is not on 1st Street), photographing the Querino Canyon Bridge, and a late lunch at Miz Zip's in Flagstaff.
I can suggest the 1st Street Cafe for decent food at reasonable prices. I can even sugest it for the service. If, however, your looking for something memorable or unique, this isn't the place to find it.

Miz Zip's is always a dependable stop for a hearty lunch or supper with traditional old fashioned road food, a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and moderate prices. For us it was great way to close out another gastronomic safari on the old double six.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

2013-06-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

As I have memories of road trips that date to the era of .24 per gallon gasoline (.19 once during a gas war in Mississippi) the concept of spending more than $20 per night for a motel room is just a bit difficult to adjust to. So, from that perspective imagine the difficutly I have in spending $50 to $100 per night.

Okay, I know that in the modern era rooms in this price range are considered as "moderate" so lets start from that perspective. Here is my list of where we found a home away from home on the last trip, my impressions, and my suggestions.

First on the list is the historic Hotel Vendome in Prescott, Arizona that dates to 1917. With tax, our bill came to $99.99, which for the Prescott area is almost a bargain rate.

Hotel Vendome, Prescott

As it is mere blocks from the beautiful courthouse square that serves as a venue for a wide array of festivals throughout the year, Sharlott Hall museum complex and historic Whiskey Row, the location is ideal. As the owners have gone to great lengths to preserve historical integrity without sacrificing the amenities modern travelers have come to expect, the atmosphere and ambiance was most delightful.

A beautiful neighborhood, including a high end restaurant next door, a wine bar with a variety of craft beers in the lobby, a pleasant but simple continental breakfast, and a pantry with free coffee or soda available to guests twenty-four hours per day round out the package. Overall, we had a very pleasant stay but my suggestion is an upstairs room (no elevator) opposite the side overlooking the square.

Next on my list, the venerable old El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, an icon in the era of resurgent interest in Route 66. Harness the power of the Internet and you will be able to keep the room rate under $100.

In comparison to the ornate ranch house style lobby, the halls seem almost institutional and the rooms sparse. The bathrooms are almost small enough to be comedic.

El Rey Inn in Santa Fe

Surprisingly, during the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's this was a haven for the rich and famous as evidenced by the staggering array of autographed celebrity photos on the upper mezzanine, and the names on the room doors.
The on site restaurant is excellent (atole, a blue corn meal, and Navajo tea for breakfast) and the bar is pleasant. This is the proverbial frosting on the cake.
If your looking for a four or five star resort, the El Rancho Hotel will disappoint you. If, however, your looking something unique with a pleasant ambiance and a restful night, this is the only place to stay in Gallup.
As the destination for day three was Santa Fe, we decided to give the historic El Rey Inn a try. Again, use the internet and you can keep the rate under $100.
The heart of the El Rey Inn is the original motel built in the mid 1930's when Cerillo Road was Route 66 that has been refurbished with an eye to historic detail. In 1973 the owner acquired a 1950's motel next door and combined the two establishments into one complex.
Again, the modern amenities expected by the modern traveler are available, as is a most delightful breakfast (included in the room rate) that is served on the patio when the weather allows or in the beautiful lobby. All of this, however, is merely just a small part of what makes the El Rey such a special place.
The expansive five acre grounds are a labyrinth of Spanish styled corridors that wind among flower gardens, and landscaped grounds with fountains that serve as a bird sanctuary.
The El Rey Inn is truly an urban oasis as well as a time capsule. As it is but a few miles to the historic plaza it is also centrally located to the sites and attractions that make Santa Fe special.
Our next sop was the absolutely delightful Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico. As this is but a very short detour from the pre-1937 alignment of Route 66, or a scenic 100 mile drive from Tucumcari on highway 104, I strongly suggest that every Route 66 enthusiast add this to their list of "must stop" locations.

The view from my room in the Plaza Hotel.

Not only is the hotel built in 1882 at a cost of $250,000 an historic masterpiece, it is well managed, spotlessly clean, and is centrally located to one of the most astounding historic districts (over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places). Here is the kicker - our room was $89 for the night but this price included breakfast in the historic on site restaurant overlooking the plaza.
As an example of how much history is on display here consider that this hotel was the first stop in Teddy Roosevelt's recruitment drive for the Rough Riders during the Spanish American War, and was the venue for that organizations first reunion. The saloon, appearing as it did a century ago, is where Doc Holiday shot a man during a disagreement in a card game.

The plaza in Las Vegas, New Mexico

Lined with a beautiful array of late 19th century buildings, Bridge Street, also the original Santa Fe Trail, connects to the shaded plaza. Next to the hotel is a non nondescript row of shops with a cornice added in about 1890. The exact date of construction for these adobe buildings is unknown but in 1846, on the parapet of what is known today as the Dice Apartments, General Kearney announced that the New Mexico Territory was a part of the United States of America resultant of the Mexican/American War.
Our next evening was spent in Santa Rosa at the Best Western next to Denny's. Even though it is a relatively modern property in comparison to our previous accommodations, it is a bit dated.

Still, it is always clean, the rates acceptable (especially when one considers that an ample continental breakfast is included), and it is in a good central location on Route 66 that is easily accessed from I-40. For us the bonus is the fact that my dearest friend and I have stayed here so often that when we call, the owners know us and give us the same room.
The last evening of our adventure was the most unusual as it included a campy 1957 movie shown outdoors and shared with Route 66 enthusiasts, and a motel room that was originally a small 1956 Yellowstone trailer. To say the very least, we will have fond memories that spark a smile of our stay at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park for a very long time.
The proprietor, Vickie Ashcraft, has transformed this old trading post west of Albuquerque into something truly magical. While the primary function of the property has been changed to meet the needs of the modern recreational vehicle traveler, it is quite evident that it is firmly rooted in Route 66 history.
The original trading post, with a few additions, serves as a gift shop, laundry, showers, and lounge. The fully restored vintage trailers near the swimming poo are tastefully decorated with period touches.

The 1956 Yellowstone, our home away from
home for the evening.

Again, if your looking for a five star resort, or you don't have a sense of adventure, you won't be happy here. As an example, even though every thing was functional in our trailer, including vintage appliances, the owners request that showers be taken in the old trading post in an effort to preserve the historic integrity of the trailer.
Current offerings for trailers transformed into motel rooms run the gamut from a minuscule Winnebago Dot, to big forty-foot units, and even a vintage Airstream. According to the owner, plans are to make additions soon, including a very rare 1942 model.
As our trailer was rather compact we were provided with more than a few instances for a good laugh. Still, I slept well in, as my dearest friend referred to the Yellowstone, our little clubhouse and awoke with an urge to watch The Long, Long Trailer.
If there was a lesson learned on this trip it would be that if you have an adventuresome spirit, you don't have to put it away at the end of the day, especially on Route 66. Of course, I already knew that but it was nice to have a reminder every night at the end of a long day on America's most famous highway.

SIX DAYS ON THE ROAD AND 1,500 MILES - A WORKING VACATION, AGAIN

2013-06-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

Laptop issues and the dire need to take a break from the schedule, and the world of instant communication that in turn necessitates the need for an instant response, are my excuses for the lack of updates this past week. However, as is often the case after one of our grand adventures, I have a great deal of exciting information to share, as well as a few thousand photos from the road less traveled and Route 66, some dining and lodging recommendations, and other exciting developments.

Unfortunately I won't have time to share everything with you this afternoon. So, instead I will provide a few of the highlights with more detailed information to follow in the coming days.

For the first time in at least six years, my dearest friend and I took to the road this past week with a leisurely schedule that was almost unnatural - a mere 1,586 miles in 5.5 days. This was quite a change from last October's outing that included the introduction of The Route 66 Encyclopedia at Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri, and the resultant opportunity to visit with old friends, a lunch with my pa in Michigan, the acquisition of several thousand photos, and driving almost 5,000 miles in nine days.

The historic Hotel Vendome in Prescott,
Arizona.

The adventure kicked off late Sunday afternoon as the destination for day one was Prescott, Arizona, a drive of less than 150 miles. We rolled east on Route 66 and stopped to visit with Frank at Seligman Sundries, and, of course, Angel.

Well, Frank was closed and Angel was out. As a result we ended up in Prescott a bit earlier than planned but as this is one of our favorite cities there was little concern about how we would fill the extra time.

For this trip we decided to try, for the first time, the historic Hotel Vendome a few blocks from the courthouse square and legendary Whiskey Row, as well as one of our favorite restaurants. Details will be forthcoming but suffice to say this hotel is a simple yet charming time capsule that earned a repeat visit.

The next morning was an interview on Morning Scramble with host Tonya Mock, followed by a scenic drive over Mingus Mountain into the ghost "city" of Jerome. Our destination was the Gold King Mine, a monument to a mechanical hoarder of epic proportions, and a search for tractors suitable for feature articles in Antique Power magazine.

To list the highlights would take hours if not days. Vintage trucks that ran the gamut from a late teens Packard to a Federal, FWD, and a herd of Studebaker models, roosters and chickens of most every description, a functioning century old saw mill, an operational 1902 Studebaker electric car, antique chainsaws, and piles of discarded mining equipment ensured hours of exploration.

Our next stop, after a drive through historic Camp Verde and into the tall pines of the Mogollon Rim country, was the La Posada in Winslow for lunch. As always, the food was excellent and the setting without equal but the prices are sneaking toward impractical for our budget. More on that later.

As we had a pending request for photos of the 1923 bridge south of I-40 at Allantown, Arizona (accompanying photo) that carried Route 66 traffic across the Rio Puerco until 1931, and the bridge of similar vintage at Sanders, these were our next stops. We also had a request for current photos of the Querino Canyon Bridge built in 1930 but as it was nearing sunset decided to photograph that one on the return trip.

The day ended at the delightful El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. For a place that once served as a haven and playground for the rich and famous the rooms seem almost sterile and the hallways have an institutional quality.

Still, the lobby is without equal as is the atmosphere. As food and culinary experiences are an integral part of our adventures and road trips, a stop at this venerable old hotel almost always includes atole, a traditional Navajo blue corn cereal, and Navajo tea for breakfast.

With Santa Fe the destination for the next day, we had an opportunity to really explore Route 66 as well as a few detours. Our haven for the third evening was another new experience, the El Rey Inn on Cerillos Road.

I will post an extensive review of this most delightful property in a future post. Suffice to say that a well preserved 1930s Route 66 motel combined with a well preserved 1950s motel that is nestled in five acres of charming landscapes, which also serve as a bird sanctuary makes this a very special place indeed. Add in the fact that it is but a short distance to the historic plaza, and that there is a wonderful 1940s era cafe, the Pantry, next door and you have a perfect base camp for exploring old Santa Fe.

The next days schedule called for an even shorter drive, less than 100 miles to Las Vegas and an evening at the historic Plaza Hotel, a property that dominates our top ten list of favorite places to stay. That allowed ample time for exploring this segment of pre 1937 Route 66 including Pecos National Historic Park with vast ruins of a once glorious city dominating a ridge that provides for stunning views, and the equally imposing ruins of the mission built in 1717.

Las Vegas is nothing short of spectacular. In fact, after a day of exploration that included photographing the impressive but abandoned Hotel Casatneda built in 1899, enjoying a thunderstorm from the saloon that offered a fine view of the historic plaza, discovering an abandoned AMC dealership with signage, sampling excellent food in multi-generational owned restaurants, and basking in the cordial atmosphere of a community where pride is evident in every smile, I found myself browsing real estate advertisements and employment listings.

After a wonderful day of exploration, and a restful evening, we bid adios to Las Vegas and headed for Tucumcari on highway 104 under cloudy skies. I will talk more about this highway in later posts but if you enjoy Route 66 and stunning vistas, this road should not be overlooked.

Our short visit to Tucumcari was three parts pleasure and one part business. The latter was to sign books that will be sold in the gift shop at the Blue Swallow Motel. The former was to see the painstakingly restored suite at the historic motel, to photograph the latest automotive treasure (an extremely rare 1957 Hudson Hornet sedan purchased new in Tucumcari) uncovered by Kevin and Nancy Mueller, the motels owners, and lunch with Nancy.

As often happens on Route 66 adventures, friends are met and friends are missed. While photographing the Hudson we were met by highway explorer extraordinaire Nick Gerlich, and learned we would miss Jeroen Boersma, by mere hours since we had an appointment in Santa Rosa.

On the road to Santa Rosa we photographed fast vanishing road side remnants, and then had dinner at Joseph's where I signed books for the gift shop, followed by an evening of photographing neon. With storm clouds to enhance the sunset, a lightening and thunder show that lasted late into the night, and the original Creature from the Black Lagoon showing uncut on television, the day ended on a most spectacular note.

The following day was short on miles driven and long on hours as the destination was Albuquerque and 7:00 PM book signing at Bookworks followed by an outdoor shoring of the 1950s campy classic Hot Rod Girl at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post and RV Park that was part of the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour festivities. First, however, was the latest installment of my new radio program, Jim Hinckley's America,that included an interview with Kevin Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel who was in Gallup, New Mexico with the Route 66 motor tour.

We spent the rest of the morning photographing sights along Route 66 as well as Central Avenue, the course for that highway in Albuquerque after 1937, and had lunch at Kelly's Brew Pub housed in the historic Jones Ford dealership. More on Kelly's later but suffice to say this stop should be included in every visit to this city.

Original plans had been to spend a large portion of the afternoon photographing the historic Old Town district but a special event being held there made parking almost an impossibility, and the crowds hindered framing shots. So, we went to plan "B" and headed for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, an excellent way to beat the heat. As a bonus the museum was hosting the astounding R.M.S. Titanic display.

After leaving the museum we headed north toward Bookworks on Rio Grande Boulevard, into rush hour traffic with the ever increasing sound of a failing rear wheel bearing playing the accompanying tune. As with the entire trip, however, we were most fortunate (no bearing failure and we even made it home) and arrived at the store with just over an hour to spare, something that allowed ample opportunity for a gastronomical adventure at Flying Star Cafe next to Bookworks.

The event at the book store, a wonderfully eclectic mom and pop shop, was well attended, and the audience was full of questions which ensured a lively evening. As a bonus, Mike and Sharon Ward, and Gary of Baby Boomer Radio stopped by.

After the signing I topped off the gas tank, and set out for the Enchanted Trails Trading Post. That was about the time all of the instrument panel gauges ceased to function, an event remedied with a severe blow to the dash (more on that later).

Undaunted, and with no other option, we drove to the trading post for the evenings activities, and our final destination of the day. Vickie, the charming proprietor, has collected an array of vintage travel trailers, had them restored, added a few amenities as well as vintage touches, and rents them as motel rooms. Our home for the evening was a 1956 Yellowstone model.

The last day of the grand adventure started with the loading of the Jeep, visiting with Vickie, Kevin Mueller, Mike Ward, and others that were traveling Route 66 as part of the motor tour, and signing books. Then it was off to Grants for breakfast at the 1st Street Cafe, which is not on 1st Street, a stop to photograph trading posts at Lupton and the Querino Canyon bridge, a late lunch at Miz Zips in Flagstaff, a pit stop in Williams, and home before the sun sank into the west.

And that is the condensed version of our latest adventure on legendary Route 66.

ON THE ROAD

2013-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

The keys have been passed to the caretaker (our son) and the cat is aware of our impending departure and is not pleased (as evidenced by various devious cat tricks and manipulations). A recent check up gave the Jeep a clean bill of health, at least for a vehicle that now hovers just under 130,000 miles, and it has a full tank of fuel as well as a spare tire with air.

Next, the loading of gear that to the average person would seem just a bit nutty, especially for a five day trip of just over 1,500 miles. Still, I am well aware of the fate of the crew and passengers on the S.S. Minnow. Besides, my dearest friend and I have a tendency to detour onto a dirt road or track simply because its there, or search for old alignment of Route 66 because someone mentioned it on Facebook, or just because we were curious.

So, into the Jeep goes a small floor jack, basic tool kit (socket set, screw drivers, Allen wrenches, and an assortment of open end wrenches), four-way lug wrench, a case of bottled water, tow straps, short handle shovel, binoculars,first aid kit, electric lantern with spare battery, an atlas, the EZ 66 Guide (thank you Mr. McClanahan), the Route 66 Dining Guide (thank you Mr. Knudsen and all who contribute to this guide), the note book with schedule and addresses, portable camp chairs, briefcase with assorted items need for book signings and speaking engagements, and our miniature road kit. The latter consists of tin cups, bowls, and plates, forks, spoons, whole grain crackers, canned herring, a variety of tea, honey, instant oatmeal, a jar of dried fruit and nuts, a variety of bird seed sticks (flax seed, almonds, whole oats, etc.), and paper products that may be needed resultant of eating said bird seed sticks.

In the morning we toss the rest of the goods on board - suitcases, cameras, camera equipment, and a couple of cases of books (Ghost Towns of Route 66, Backroads of Arizona, Route 66 Backroads, and The Route 66 Encyclopedia). Hopefully this answers questions about why I don't travel in something a bit more fuel efficient. It might also provide an indication as to why I am looking toward Chrysler or Jeep dealers to sponsor the multi-faceted endeavor that is Jim Hinckley's America.

Unlike most of our recent marathon excursions (nine days to Chicago and back again) the pace for this adventuresome will be a bit more leisurely in nature. In fact, even though it will be a working holiday we have but two scheduled stops, Monday morning in Prescott for a television interview with Tonya Mock, and a book signing at Bookworks in Albuquerque at 7:00 PM on June 7, and then the radio show on Friday morning.

The rest of the adventure will be dedicated to leisurely adventure and exploration, gathering photos for the current book project and a forthcoming photo exhibition, a little anniversary celebration with my dearest friend, and opportunities for visiting with friends. One of the highlights of the adventure is bound to be an evening at the Enchanted Trails Trading Post & Rv Park on Friday.

We have been wanting to try out one of the vintage trailers transformed into motel rooms for quite some time. As a bonus, Friday evening the trading post is the centerpiece of activities for the New Mexico Route 66 Motor Tour.

Reports from the road may be a bit spotty as I have a tendency to get lost in the adventure and forget about email, the lap top, and similar trappings of the modern era. On occasion I still send post cards!

However, when we return there will be lots of photos, new stories to tell, and recommendation for great food as well as lodging.

FROM CASABLANCA TO PEORIA

2013-05-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a new one. I receive a regular report about the blog that lists the most basic of information including the city and country of who logged in, and then, if they dug into the archives. If so, it also informs me of the topic the reader was searching for.

My dearest friend and I really enjoy looking through the locations list as it presents a most interesting snap shot of the international fascination with Route 66. This morning the listing contained a first - Casablanca, Morocco.

What makes this particularly interesting is the timing. Last evening as we were gathering supplies at Walmart for the New Mexico adventure my eyes were drawn to the discount DVD rack as I noted a few classics at the top. Long story short, we purchased two great films starring Humphrey Bogart, The African Queen and, you guessed it, Casablanca.

One more item that may be of interest, particularly if you adhere to my pa's adage that it is better to fill the head with useless knowledge than no knowledge at all. Our Route 66 enthusiast from Morocco was searching for information about Route 66 in the movies, the second most popular search since the blog launched. The first is Radiator Springs.

A week or so ago I noted an odd coincidence involving a University of Oklahoma Project developed by Gary Gress that centered on Route 66, that involved some most enthusiastic students, and that included my office that is housed in the former cafe at the Hob's Truck Stop. Here are the vintage photos I mentioned in that post.

Oddly enough this old truck stop, as with Route 66 itself, has been linked to a great deal of my life. We stopped here in 1966, just a few years after these pictures were taken.

I was but a kid but remember because we were just moving into Kingman and my dad met the new landlord here. Later, during my John Wayne period, this was usually my first stop when I came to town from the ranch.

It was relatively easy to get into with a truck and trailer, and the huevos rancheros was something I fantasized about during the long weeks at the ranch near Hackberry. Fast forward a lifetime or two to my initiation in the world of white collar work.

The old cafe had been transformed into an office, and the truck stop into a service center for the Chrysler dealership next door that also sold RV's. When that job petered out, my next job, for another company, was in the office I had started in!

At every turn it seems the old double six and I are forever entwined. Sometimes it is difficult to remember a period in my life that wasn't linked to, or touched by, this old highway.

Now it has become our portal to world travel and we have yet to leave home (the U.S.A.). On a regular basis (sometimes at the office)I meet with fans of the double six from every corner of this world.

To say Route 66 is amazing would be akin to saying Duluth is a bit chilly in January. Even more amazing is the fact that I have been privileged with a life long adventure on this old highway, and a damn good friend to share that adventure with.

WILL THE WORLD FLOCK TO KINGMAN IN 2014?

2013-05-29T12:40:00.002-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plans are moving forward for the city of Kingman to garner the nomination to serve as the host for the 2014 International Route 66 Festival, and to ensure that the event showcases the wide array of amenities and attractions that will make Kingman a vacation destination. At a recent organizational meeting a rough framework for the event was drafted, and a wide array of business owners as well as residents volunteered to ensure that the city is well represented.

The events being planned for the 2014 festival include a film festival showcasing movies filmed in Kingman or along Route 66, or starring Andy Devine. Rob Chilcoat has volunteered to coordinate this with Brendan Theaters.

Kristi Turman will be lending her expertise and experience to bring vendors to Kingman for the event, and the owners of Desert Diamond Distillery, Stetson Winery, and Alpacas of the Southwest will be developing special events to be held in conjunction with the festival. As the extensively promoted car show that will be a part of the festival is to be an expanded version of Chillin’ on Beale, the organizers of that event, Ralph Bowman, Pauline Rowe, and Ron Giebrecht, have volunteered to develop this event.

In addition, discussions pertaining to sending a representative from Kingman to the International Route 66 Festival in Joplin was initiated, a need magnified with the receipt of an invitation from the Route 66 Alliance for the Route 66 Summit Meeting.

“Interest in the Route’s preservation, history and legislative matters form the agenda of a Summit Meeting held Friday morning of the festival weekend. This year’s Summit will focus on economic development. We are also open to adding other items to the agenda now in development.

This meeting brings together the National Park Service, the eight state associations, and other Route 66 influences, including individuals and other interested parties to discuss concerns and achievements in keeping the historic route alive. “

For more information, to volunteer, or to include your business for an event, or as a sponsor, contact Steve Wagner at 928-377-2239 or Jim Hinckley at 928-530-7899.

MURDER, MAYHEM, DISASTER, AND GOOD TIMES

2013-05-28T13:33:00.002-07:00

With a deadline for the Route 66 historic atlas looming on the not so distant horizon, and a New Mexico road trip in the wings, I decided to devote most of the past weekend to work. So, for at least five hours each day, I transformed my notes on murder, mayhem, disaster, and good times on the old double six into something coherent.

I am feeling quite confident that this work will really add depth and context to the Route 66 experience. My hope is also that, as with the Route 66 Encyclopedia, it will spark conversation that leads to new discoveries, will encourage exploration, and that it will solve a few mysteries.

This weekends work focused on Texas and Oklahoma, and going blurry eyed over reading old newspaper accounts that chronicled flooding near Hydro that washed away cars, buses, and trucks in 1946, the string of robberies in Wildorado between 1926 and 1930, and the daring escape of a German POW. Of course it wasn't all doom and gloom. After all, this is Route 66.

One article that I found particularly interesting was from 1959. It appeared in an Albuquerque newspaper as a reprint from a London, England paper.

It chronicled the travels of an English visitor who drove U.S. 66 from St. Louis to Los Angeles. Everything he found "tasteless," "garish," and "pathetic" is, ironically what fans of the double six seek today.

Through his eyes the neon corridors, the fake trading posts with made in Japan Indian trinkets, and motels that presented the illusion of being tepees or bunkhouses were examples of the shallow, culture less American society that transformed the roadway into a circus sideshow with each vendor trying an innovative way to take the rubes hard earned dollar.

The rest of the weekend was spent in a most unusual way. According to my dearest friend the term for this fascinating endeavor is relaxation.

What an odd and interesting concept - just spending a couple of hours without taking notes, blogging, making phone calls, pouring over maps, fixing something, planning on fixing something, planning what to blog or write, organizing or editing photo files, reading a book related to research, organizing the schedule, organizing tours, giving tours, or being called into the office. The way our version of "relaxation" worked was simply sitting on the back porch next to my dearest friends herb garden and enjoying each others company, watching a movie, and having a few quiet and simple dinners together. I could really get used to this!

Now, however, its back to the real world. That means the usual after holiday mess at the office, finalizing arrangements for New Mexico, ensuring the caretaker has everything they need, confirming reservations and appearances, organizational meetings to move things forward for the proposed 2014 International Route 66 Festival in Kingman, more research, and more time on the treadmill i an effort to afford more time to enjoy this thing called relaxation.

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.