ARIZONA - NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Better late than never, or so says the old axiom. The long awaited monsoon season has been active the past few days bringing us some much need rains and absolutely stunning sunsets.

These photos were taken in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains above Fort Beale Springs. The loop trails through these delightful landscapes present the illusion of wilderness adventures even though the "metropolis" of Kingman is less than two miles to the east.

This is still open range which means cattle have the right of way. In addition there are also deer and other wildlife in these hills so be alert when driving.

Folks roar past this wonderland on U.S. 93 en route to Las Vegas and miss this little corner of paradise. This area with its loop trails is also overlooked by travelers getting their kicks on Route 66, just five miles to the southeast.

The close proximity to town makes it an ideal after work getaway. So, my dearest friend and I often find ourselves here in the evenings after dinner. More often than not we have the entire place to ourselves and the cattle.

In recent months there has been a great deal of discussion about pulling stakes and either finding a homestead in the Silver City, New Mexico, one of my favorite haunts, or really setting out on a new adventure by relocating to Alaska. The move to New Mexico has been a long held dream as this area is in my way of thinking some of the finest found anywhere.

Alaska has been of interest since I was a kid reading Jack London and Robert Service. Still, we are desert people. That is one of the primary reasons we reluctantly decided to skip looking for a small farm in the mountains of Missouri.

Alaska offers a chance to savor the free thinking independence that first enamored me to Arizona. On the other hand, Silver City is at the heart of some of the most stunning and historic real estate I have ever found.

Well, in either case now is not yet the time. Family obligations, financial constraints, and a few other ties will keep us here in Arizona for a bit longer. Besides there is no place like home.

Next week we will leave the cats and the house with our son and head fort he high country. If you happen to be in Flagstaff next Saturday afternoon I will be at Barnes & Noble signing books. It would be great to see readers of the blog face to face.

Happy trails!

COMING SOON TO ROUTE 66 CHRONICLES

As you may have noticed I have been delinquent with posts this week. I apologize and hope the building suspense of wondering what posts were waiting in the pipe line wasn't to nerve wracking.
In these troubled times additional stress is not warranted. Besides, here at Route 66 Chronicles the ideal is to provide a break from the pressures of the world with a little humor, often at my expense, and a little historical perspective to balance the perception that these really are the worst of times.
So, with that introduction lets get to previews of coming attractions.

• This weekend it is time to tune up the old Jeep in anticipation of the next adventure. An oil change and other routine maintenance is also on the schedule. As this is the most modern vehicle I have ever worked on my perspective will be provided shortly after -
• The economic climate has dealt a blow to my well laid planes. In short, my vacation has been scrubbed as there is now no one to relieve me and hold down the fort. So, the much anticipated Route 66 tour is postponed.
• Next Saturday, with the cats and house in the care of my capable son, I will be signing books at the Barnes & Noble in Flagstaff. This is also the weekend for the Route 66 Days festival. Even if a book purchase isn't in your budget, if your in the neighborhood I hope you will look me up. http://www.flagstaffroute66days.com/
• As the vacation has gone the way of the dodo plans are being laid for an anniversary celebration/vacation weekend. We are thinking it is time for a visit to one of our favorite places, Prescott, for dinner and a quiet evening. I am leaning towards the Hotel St. Michael, an old stand by. http://www.stmichaelhotel.com/
• The plans continue with me introducing my dearest friend to the treasure that is the historic Senator Highway, a territorial era thoroughfare that connected the mining camps of the Bradshaw Mountains with the the capital at Prescott that has changed little in the past century. The culmination of the drive is the old town of Crown King and the trip down the mountain via the old railroad bed. Rest assured you will be teased and encouraged to take to the road less traveled as we will surely post photos of this adventure. http://www.crownking.com/
• This Sunday I will be filling in for Pastor Harlan Dennis in Peach Springs. I so enjoy seeing friends in Peach Springs and as an added plus this means a cruise down old 66. For more on the history of Peach Springs check out the latest issue of the Route 66 Pulse.
• Another item on the plate this weekend is the next installment of The Independent Thinker for Cars & Parts magazine. This time I will be profiling C.H. Wills. As always I will post a bit from the column here. As a teaser his handiwork is on display every time you see a Model T and driving at night just wouldn't be the same without his ingenuity. http://www.amosautomotive.com/pubs/krpr/ContactUs.aspx
• Last but not least, this weekend I will post photos of the stunning sun sets we have been blessed with this past week.
• Stay tuned ...