RISING FROM THE ASHES LIKE THE MYTHICAL PHOENIX

I no longer keep track of how many times the questions is asked, "What is all of the hype about Route 66?" I always respond but no longer give a great deal of thought to the possibility there might be a language barrier that would prevent understanding of that response as the majority of these inquiries are, surprisingly, from Americans.
The Europeans are well informed about this iconic highway and the charm that defies description or explanation. Likewise with the Japanese, and Australians, as evidenced by the comments received by Route 66 Tours, a company based in Brendale, Queensland.
In recent years this company, operated by Dale and Kristi-Anne Butel, has experienced an increase in business that mirrors the rising popularity of the old road, and the resultant refurbishment of historic properties on Route 66. Their 2012 schedule offers just a glimpse of how deep the fascination for this historic highway is as there are companies and associations in Germany, England, Holland, France, Norway, and even Czechoslovakia with planned tours booked months in advance.
From Route 66 Tours website -
2012 Spring Tour - April 19 to May 9 *** Sold Call or Email for Wait List ***- Enjoy the "Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona's 3 Day Fun Run". This is a fantastic Tour coinciding with the 3 day Fun Run that attracts over 800 Classic Cars, Hot Rods & Bikes rolling with us along the longest continuous stretch of historic 66 left in the US. With the country side, including the desert, in bloom spring is a fantastic time to road trip Route 66. The Fun Run is just a Bonus at the end of our regular Route 66 Tour. Drive a Mustang* or ride a Harley, after your tour on Historic Route 66 your will never be the same. Spring is the coolest time of the year for our tours. (20 night Tour)

2012 Summer Tour - July 12 to 31 *** Over 40% Sold ***- Do you want to escape the winter in OZ or NZ, then the Summer Tour is the one for you. On a bike however this tour is not for the faint hearted as it can be extremely hot. If air-con is more your speed then feel free to take the car option. Just let us know your preference and we will endeavour to get the bike of your dreams or set you up in a Mustang*. The bikes run the same basic itinerary as the cars but with their own guide and backup van. Effectively we have 2 tours in one on every trip. (19 night Tour)
2012 Sturgis with a taste of 66 – July 30 to August 19 *** Over 40% Sold *** - Join us as we take you on a magical road trip through some of the world’s most beautiful National Parks. Ride the Rocky Mountains to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where we will take in one of the biggest bike festivals of all time. The 72nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a bike lovers dream. This Vegas to Vegas round trip includes some of the best Route 66 found in the state of Arizona, along with the magnificent Grand Canyon. With 15 days of riding and 4 nights in Sturgis, this tour holds an amazing balance and is one not to miss. (20 night Tour) email us for info
2012 Fall Tour – October 13 to November 1 *** 70% Sold ***- The Fall colours will be out as we take to the Mother Road in October 2011. Some say October is the best month to Road Trip old Route 66. It is just another chance to enjoy a classic road trip vacation, and at the same time see the Fall splendour in the North and enjoy the Desert as we journey West. This is a mild time of year & can be enjoyed on either a bike or in a car. (19 night Tour)
So, for those who wonder what all of the hype is about, my suggestion is to plan on driving all or part of this storied highway in 2012. I would also suggest you plan that adventure to coincide with one or more of the delightful festivals held all along Route 66.
One of the oldest festivals, and one of the earliest in the year, is the annual Route 66 Fun Run. More than 180 miles of historic Route 66, some of the most stunning scenery found anywhere along that highway, activities in towns all along the way, a major auto show, and hundreds upon hundreds of automotive enthusiasts from throughout the world make this the ultimate celebration of the American love affair with the automobile, the road trip, and Route 66.
In early June the entire course of Route 66 through New Mexico from the Texas state line to the Arizona state line will be transformed into a living time capsule from the era when Route 66 truly was the Main Street of America. I received this from Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in Tucucmcari, today.
"The overall event will be blanketed as the “Wheels on 66” festival in Tucumcari, NM. http://www.wheelson66.com/ but will include at least 3 events during that same time period, June 7th – 9th!
There will be the NM Route 66 Motor Tour - www.rt66nm.org/new/events/motor_tour.html - which include lots of cars coming and gathering on Thursday, a book signing set up for all you guys, artists and some sort of cruise event that night, plus there will be some vintage RV’s arriving that day and some motorcycles.
We’ll have some musical entertainment as well, we just don’t have all the details finalized as of yet. Friday morning, approximately 9am, there will be a full blown parade down Route 66, ending at the Convention Center by our Route 66 Monument sculpture, and then the NM Route 66 Motor Tour will continue it’s journey along Historic Route 66 to Albuquerque for the night, stopping at places like the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, the Antique Auto Museum in Moriarty and ending up at the Enchanted Trails RV Park with Vickie Ashcraft (President – NM Route 66 Assoc.) and a classic Drive-In movie.Each of the eight states through which the highway passes has an association or associations that organize and promote these events. Most maintain a regularly updated calendar of events. The best source of contact information for these associations, as well as current news about the many facets of this old road, is Route 66 News.
In Tucumcari on Friday, will start our own local annual Mother Road Rally - http://www.motherroadrally.com/ - which will also be in the parade with their motorcycles, and then they begin their 2 day event locally, with Biker Games, a Poker Run, Cash Raffle, vendors, music and other entertainment.
Saturday the Mother Road Rally continues locally, and the NM Route 66 Motor Tour starts at the Route 66 Casino and continues their journey along Historic Route 66 westward, stopping in Grants, and ending in Gallup with a dinner and Awards Banquet.
So that’s 3 days of cars, bikes, vintage RV’s, music, Route 66 roadies, authors & artists and more – all 3 days, either locally in Tucumcari on Route 66 or across the entire state of New Mexico!"

Topping our list of exciting events to attend in 2012 is Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri. On our last trip we fell in love with Cuba and are quite excited about the opportunity to experience the beautiful little community when it pulls out all stops to celebrate its association with Route 66. This event has been selected as the venue for the debut of my latest book, Route 66 Encyclopedia & Atlas.
So, if you wonder what all of the hype is, perhaps 2012 should be your year of discovery. Share in the excitement of witnessing this old road, like the Phoenix of mythology, rise from the ashes.

SO THE ROAD IS BIT MUDDY, WE HAVE A JEEP

Perhaps my obsession for dirt roads, empty two lane highways, and ones that are a bit of both, stems from those golden days of summer when the old dusty tracks that stretch across the wide Sacramento Valley, and the pre 1952 alignment of Route 66, were my playground. Surprisingly, this fascination never waned with age, and even more surprising, I never purchased a 4x4 until the mid 1990s. Needless to say, there are more than a few stories in those adventures.
Several years ago my dearest friend, also an avid fan of the road less traveled, and I acquired a 1998 Jeep Cherokee and resolved the limitations we had imposed upon ourselves through the ownership of stalwart two wheel drive vehicles. Well, to say the very least it has been quite interesting.
With next weeks interview on AM Arizona in Prescott, and informal business in Williams as well as Flagstaff pending, that familiar hunger for some real adventure is beginning to build. Here is the excuse needed to explore more than sixty miles of raw, rugged Arizona back country and I can even justify it as a shortcut!
For obvious reasons I have to stay on the main road to the studio. Usually we make the return trip on the Williamson Valley Road, forty miles of beautiful rocky rutted trail between Prescott and Seligman.
On this trip we will most likely have to skip that drive but that does not necessarily mean we will have to stick to the trail made safe for hybrids, econo boxes, and small foreign sports cars. As it so happens I know of a beautiful old road that winds it way from Chino Valley, into the deep forest, and then into Williams.
Sure, the elevation will near 8,000 feet in places, Sure, we just had a winter storm that dumped snow measured in feet in that area. Sure, there is supposed to be a warming trend that will transform large segments of the road into gumbo. Sure, the last time I drove it in similar conditions we got stuck several times but it was beautiful country.
However, that time I was driving a 1946 GMC. This time we have a Jeep. Besides, I am quite sure it is a shortcut.
Stay tuned for details -

WINTER ADVENTURE

The winter storm that rolled through on Thursday and Friday left me chomping at the bit to take to the road in search of interesting photo opportunities. The striking contrasts of snow covered peaks, stark desert plains, and towering spires of multi hued stone never cease to fascinate or excite me.

So, on Saturday after closing the office at noon, I rushed home for lunch and to load the gear in our stalwart old Jeep. Then it was off to cruise one of my favorite sections of Route 66 - the pre 1952 alignment across the Sacramento Valley and into the Black Mountains.
One of the challenges that comes from familiarity with a subject is the ability to see it from the perspective of the first time visit. This old stretch of road presents that challenge in spades as I have been up and down this section of highway countless times in the past forty-five years. I have been a passenger, driven in a staggering array of vehicles from hay truck to dune buggy, from convertible to antique truck, and have even walked it a time or two.
Even though it was an unseasonably 34 degrees when we left Kingman the hope had been to unwind from the long week with a climb on the Mesa Trail near Cool Springs. However, by the time we made the far side of the valley the winds were beginning to blow and once we reached the summit they were howling.
My dearest friend sensibly decided to take a few photos and enjoy the view from the Jeep. I, on the hand, couldn't resist climbing to the top of the ridge for a better view of the spectacular panorama that unfolds to the east of the pass.

I was wearing long johns, a sweater, coat, and my insulated coveralls from work so the body was rather toasty. The hands and face were another matter as the winds were strong enough to make standing a chore and there were puddles of ice in the shadows.
Surprisingly, in spite of the weather the old road was quite busy. There were even others who chose to brave the cold to savor the awe inspiring views awarded from the site of Snell's Summit Station and Cool Springs.
Undaunted by the weather and the postponed hike, we took our time on the way home. Time and again we pulled over to to soak in the raw beauty of this majestic land, and to allow a sense of awe to gently erase the stress and pressures of the week. It was just what the doctor ordered.
Our next winter adventure will be a bit longer - just over 300 miles. I am scheduled to be the guest on AM Arizona broadcast live from Prescott, Arizona.
This means we will have the excuse for another visit to one of our favorite cities, and, if the road isn't to snowy or muddy, another opportunity to experience one of our favorite drives, the Williamson Valley Road from Prescott to Seligman. Also on our list, lunch at the Pine Country Restaurant in Williams.
This should serve quite well as the carrot at the end of the stick that is the work week.

MEANWHILE, ...

When hearing people talk of killing time or being bored, I am always amazed. Time is the one precious commodity that it is impossible to get more of and boredom is something that I last experienced when Gerald Ford was president (of course, I was in high school at the time).
Life is so full of excitement, frustration, depression, laughter, adventure, friends, family, holidays, loss, road trips, discoveries, illness, and the endless possibility for more of these, that boredom seems like such an impossibility. Likewise with a need to kill time, a commodity that I never have enough of.
If I was to see this outlook as a fault, and wanted to blame someone for it, it would have to be my dad. When he was born my grandfather was in his sixties and my grandmother in her forties.
Resultant of this, I grew up in an odd world where the events of the 1960s swirled all around us but we were locked in the 1930s and 1940s, a world where kids began driving as soon as they could see through the spokes of the steering wheel and reach the pedals, and the work day began at 5:00 sharp. The day was divided between chores and school, if you had spare time there were always more chores or something to learn, like how to repair a garage wall after mistaking the throttle knob for the choke. 
With the exception of a few years in my youth where an effort was made to shake off what I perceived to be shackles, I have always found a project to plan for, to complete, or to think about. I offer this long winded preamble as an explantion for an inquiry about how I find enough time in my day to write books and have a full time job.  
While we are on the subject of books, here is the latest Ghost Towns of Route 66 report from Amazon.com -
#5 in Books > Travel > United States > Regions > Midwest


#20 in Books > Travel > United States > Regions > West

#24 in Books > Travel > United States > Regions > South


I am always glad to see a book is being well received. What I can't see, and hope for, is that the book will add depth as well as context to the Route 66 experience. Of even more importance, I hope it inspires folks to make their own voyage of discovery along this storied old road.
The report on Ghost Towns of the Southwest leaves me with similar hopes. It also leads me to believe that the subject of ghost towns and Route 66 are rather popular.
#26 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Arizona


#60 in Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Tourist Destinations & Museums
 
I wrote the Route 66 encyclopedia with a two fold purpose in mind. One, I wanted to create a resource that would chronicle a very large portion of that highways history, present that highway in a broader context through the concise history of each town along the highway, and portray the road as a tangible link that connects the future, the present, the past, and even the distant past.
Two, I am hoping it will spark curiosity about the highway and places along the route. Additionally, I am hoping that spark of curiosity will translate into exploration for Route 66 in its modern incarnation has transformative powers that are difficult to describe. As crazy as this may seem, I am quite convinced, especially after the last trip in October, that keys for the restoration of the nation are to be found in the people, the mom and pop enterprises, and the sense of community found along Route 66.
And that leads me to the next book projects. The one being bandied about with Voyageur Press, the publisher for the past five books, is a travel guide with a twist.
I could never hope to compete with, or even create a better guide than, the EZ 66 Guide by Jerry McClanhan. However, I could craft a companion title that would add some zest to what is arguably the most exciting opportunity for adventure in America.
What I envision is a guide that will enable the traveler to immerse themselves in the rich and colorful history along the way, as well as provide them with the keys for unlocking wonderful treasures found with the shortest of detours north or south of the highway. Examples of the latter would be Hualapai Mountain Park and lodge, 15 miles south of Kingman, or the Cave Restaurant, about the same distance north of the highway in Misosuri.
But the book I would really like to write would be a bit different than any of the other eight published titles. I would like to write a travel guide laced with my trademark dry wit to add some comedic overtones to a search for America that can only be found on Route 66.
I want to find, and introduce readers to, the America I remember. This is not the America that made the Negro Motorist Green Book a necessity for a large segment of the population but the America that negated its need.
My search would be for the America where individuality trumped generic corporate offerings. It would be for the great mom and pop enterprise that ensured each community had its own distinct personality.
In either case, it is my hope to take the time capsule feel of Route 66 to a new level next fall. Hence my quest for a vehicle manufactured by Nash, Hudson, or Studebaker between 1948 to 1953, and businesses interested in having their business tied to Route 66 through some advertising sponsorship.
Bored, not a concept I understand. Wasting time - sorry but I don't have time.

WINTER AND THOUGHTS OF SPRING

I received a succinct inquiry yesterday that simply asked, "What is all the hype about Route 66." After careful deliberation I attempted to answer in an equally succinct manner.
"That is a very good question. It is not the most historic or the most scenic. However, from its very inception it has had the best hype. Meanwhile, here in Kingman, it is a rather frostry day. To the north, the clouds hang heavy and dark over the mountains casting the canyons into deep shadows. To the south, the snow covered flanks of the Hualapai Mountains stand in stark contrast to the thick black clouds that obscure the summit.
Today the old road has transcended its original purpose to become an icon of epic proportions. You might say the myth is becoming the reality (I borrowed that from Joe Sonderman, a fellow author).
It is a time capsule chronicling almost a century of American societal evolution with an overlay of Disneyland glitz. It is America's longest attraction. It is the very essence of America. It is nothing short of amazing.
Only on Route 66 can mom and pop enterprise compete, successfully, with chains and franchises, which makes it the last bastion for these type of endeavors. There are beautiful 1930s era stone cabins, fully refurbished with just a thin veneer of modern amenities, restaurants owned by the same family since the 1920s, museums, trading posts, refurbished neon, ghost towns of the 20th century, and stunning landscapes.
Does this answer your question? May I suggest you take a drive this next spring or summer and discover, or rediscover, the joy of a the all American road trip."
I shared this on Facebook and asked if anyone had something to add to this. It would seem Europeans and Australians have a very deep understanding of what a unique treasure this old road is. Americans, however, seem to be largely unaware or uninterested. I find that interesting as well as sad.

Technically winter is still weeks away but weather wise, it is here. Heavy clouds, snow, and a distinctly damp chill are not the only manifestations of winters arrival. Another would be my thoughts that keep drifting toward spring and summer adventures on Route 66 as well as the road less traveled.
Providing the balance, the tether that holds the thoughts to the present, is approval for the new exhibit, Route 66 in Mohave County, that we will be supplying photos for. I really want this exhibit to grab the visitor, to draw them in and make them part of the adventure, but most of all I want to inspire them to set forth on their personal voyage of discovery along this amazing highway.

The recent snow fall in the surrounding mountains has me eager to load the Jeep, have my dearest friend in the passenger seat, and the cameras on board to capture scenes most Route 66 enthusiasts never see. These thoughts often lead to ones about what other seldom seen seasonal wonders we can provide glimpses of.
For stunning beauty, winter is perhaps the best time of the year in northwestern Arizona. The dramatic contrasts of deep snows on mountains as a backdrop for some of the harshest landscapes on the planet never ceases to inspire a deep sense of awe and reverence.
Even though I find great visual pleasure in desert winters, my preference is the days when the temperatures hover in the triple digit range. And there you have another reason why I no longer reside in places like Michigan.
On December 12th we will be driving to Prescott as I will be the featured guest on AM Arizona in Prescott, one of our favorite little cities. Hopefully this will not provide to many opportunities for a refreshing of my icy road driving skills.
I also hope that the mud and snows in the high country will not keep us from making the return trip on the beautiful but remote Williamson Valley Road the connects Prescott with Seligman, one of our favorite drives. And there you have the reason I drive a Jeep instead of a sports car or hybrid.
The rest of the month looks relatively quiet with the exception of the grand kid invasion of December 25. That, however, is but one of the perks of surviving all of those years as a parent.
In the next few weeks I should be able to provide more detail about the pending vintage car odyysey on Route 66. I hope to also be able confirm a few details about
Cuba Fest and the debut of the next book - next fall.

A FEW BRIGHT RAYS OF SUNSHINE ON A COLD WET DAY

In my corner of Route 66 it is a cold, wet day with snow dusting the mountains and hillsides. Still, in the past six hours or so there have been so many exciting developments it is almost as though bright rays of sunshine are piercing the winter gloom.
I do not have details as of yet but Josh Noble, the area tourism director, has informed me that work is now underway on the El Trovatore Motel, a Route 66 landmark since 1939. Apparently this restoration will include the towering neon sign on the bluff behind the motel. Details will be provided as soon as they become available.
Mr. Noble is also spearheading an exciting geocache program along Route 66 from the New Mexico border to the Colorado River. This will be part of a series of Arizona centennial projects.
For several weeks I have alluded to a photography assignment for a tourism center. This morning the project received final approval and as a result, I can now provide a bit more detail.
The Powerhouse Visitor Center in Kingman will be transforming much of the second floor mezzanine into an interactive photo exhibit that will serve as a virtual tour of Route 66 in Mohave County. I am both humbled and honored to announce that my dearest friend and I have been selected as the photographers for the project.
The scheduled date for completion has not been established but a tentative time frame would be early summer. In the mean time, the exhibit will be displayed in stages as it progresses with much of it being in place by the time of the annual Route 66 Fun Run.
Not all news received this morning was good. One little item matched the weather perfectly, the announcement that a pending book deal is on hold until the end of the month or the first of the year. So, that leaves me with two writing assignments this month, one for Old Cars Weekly and one for 66 The Mother Road, the new online magazine.
At some point in the not to distant future I will be working my way through the final edit for the Route 66 encyclopedia and writing the captions for something close to 1,000 images. I am quite sure that will keep me busy for a bit.
Plans for this books initial release are still in the works. As a result little can be said with certainty but work is moving toward having the debut for the book at the annual Cuba Fest in Cuba, Missouri. As they become available details will be shared.
Attendance at two other major events, one in Tucumcari in June and the international Route 66 festival in Victorville, is also in the works. These would be to promote Ghost Towns of Route 66, Route 66 Backroads, and Ghost Towns of the Southwest. As is my custom the promotion of the books would also serve to promote the event, the road, and the people who make it such a special treasure. Details for these events will be posted as soon as they become available.
One more Kingman related note of interest. I have it from a reliable source that the 2012 season of Chillin on Beale Street, an event held on the third Saturday evening of each month from March until October, will be the most exciting yet. Again, stay tuned for details.