Wherever the Road Leads. Wherever the Wind Blows.

[Southwest Dave]

It's always good to be reminded that their are nice people out there, willing to help others with kindness ! A shame about your braking problems, but so fortunate that they failed at the time and place they did.

Already clocking up the miles I see !

Happy travels.

Dave.

[Lifemagician]

Now that I had done all I needed to do, (the last being picking up my certificates at TMI HQ in Rancho Santa Margarita) it was time to start crossing some things off my list. Initially I had not expected to find myself in the southwest during this trip, but, due to matters beyond my control, it is where I ended up. It's more than half a decade since I was anywhere near the southwest. During that time, and especially since Christmas Eve 2008, the list of places to check out has grown rather long. Route 66 is one of these.

During my trips I have stumbled upon remnants of the Historic Route 66 in MO, NM and around Flagstaff, AZ. But I had never driven the oft recommended section between Kingman and Seligman. I had to check it out.

As I headed northeast out of So California, taking 177 and 62 from I-10 to the AZ border, I figured I should check out London Bridge as well. This ended up being the biggest disappointment so far - glad I did not go out of my way for it. There simply was nowhere you could drive to where it was visible. Or if there is, I could not find it. Guess I had expected it to be a tourist attraction, and not an everyday part of the town's infrastructure. Nice town though, in a lovely desert setting.

As I headed north to I-40, to pick up the historic route, I noticed that I was a mere eight miles from where Route 66 starts in AZ. I decided to head west to Topock where 66 meets I-40, at exit 1. The large sign said it all... Where the Mother Road meets the Colorado. I figured I was where I wanted to be. Somehow my enthusiasm for sightseeing, which had been sadly lacking, returned.

As I headed out of Golden Shores the information at the roadside told the story of this National Back Country Byway. This section known as the Black Mountains section of Route 66 is 42 miles long and takes 75 minutes to travel - without stops. It took me twice as long. It really is essential to stop and read this information. Not only does it give vital information for the journey, but I think it really helps one appreciate the route's history.

(Not sure if this can be read on the forum. maybe folk can enlarge it. It is just so informative.)

The scenery along much of this section is akin to that of Death Valley. I did later drive to Seligman as well. There is just no comparison. The latter is another nice, off interstate road, but really nothing spectacular. Whereas the former is a real Route 66 experience. It gave me the feeling as if I was driving it when Russ Freeman immortalised it in song.

Paved, and a good road, I doubt that it has been upgraded since the middle of last century. For a truly authentic experience, as authentic as it can be today, this section surpasses all others. Imagine.... the refugees from the dustbowl in the '30s; the post war adventurers in the '40s; and the families going on vacation to the arid south west in the '50s. Imagine.... driving it in the vehicles and conditions of that time, especially at Sitgreaves Pass - 3550'.

Since this section is deemed suitable for vehicles up to 40', it is a perfect alternative when an RV rental agreement forbids travel in Death Valley. In fact, I have already suggested it to two parties of roadtrippers I met, who were in that predicament.

I really don't know why it is not recommended more often when folk request information on Route 66. It is a section which will give a much more realistic experience of what the roads and journey would have been like when Nat King Cole and others were having their 'kicks, on Route 66'.

And I haven't even mentioned the lovely old historic town of Oatman, with its burros in the main street.

Lifey

[Southwest Dave]

Lifey.

The Seligman section is most referred to as it is an easy detour for the highly popular journey between LV and GC with little demand on time. However the section through Oatman has been on my 'to do' list for a while now and am looking forward to it even more thanks to your report.

Dave.

[Mark Sedenquist]

As I headed northeast out of So California, taking 177 and 62 from I-10 to the AZ border, I figured I should check out London Bridge as well. This ended up being the biggest disappointment so far - glad I did not go out of my way for it. There simply was nowhere you could drive to where it was visible. Or if there is, I could not find it. Guess I had expected it to be a tourist attraction, and not an everyday part of the town's infrastructure.

It's actually a very cool tourist attraction, with lots of shops and a very cool museum with a bunch of historic photos. Here's a field report we published a few years ago, but we've been back a few times.... And here's a photo we captured in 2011 with more information.

So... next time, you'll know where to go!

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

Oatman and Seligman are two towns we covered extensively on RTA.

For a quick overview....

Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In - Seligman, Arizona, by Peter Thody

More burros and information posted by Dennis Goza

A scenic drive written by Bob Schaller that covers much of this route.

Mark

[Lifemagician]

Thanks Mark, I actually saw all those shops, the promenade, the places where you can park, etc. What I could not find is a spot where I could take a photo sitting in my car. There are times when walking even a few steps is just too much. I had hoped to be able to see it from my car. But alas.

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

Many will by now be aware that one of my interests on roadtrips is to attend Toastmasters meetings wherever I can. Well, today was something special.

The meeting was held at lunch time in a meeting room at the firm where most members work. The theme of the meeting - of which I was not aware beforehand - was 'RoadTrips'. During the impromptu speaking part of the meeting I was called upon with a topic, which I am sure those present had no idea was right up my alley.

"Please speak for 2 mins on an essential to take along on a road trip?" Not sure what they expected, but from what had preceded me, I am sure they were not expecting me to respond the way I did.

MAPS!! Good paper maps are the most essential thing to take along on a road trip. Your life may depend on it. This gave me a great opportunity to weave in RoadTripAmerica.com and its active forum.

I assured them that my Garmin is also a great tool, especially in cities, as it had got me to the meeting on time, despite having missed the exit off the interstate. But for the big picture, good maps are essential.

Mentioned 'death by gps' and other tragedies which have resulted from folk not knowing where their electronics were leading them. Encouraged them to google it and read the results.

Typically!! (lol) went a little over 2 mins, but the response from those present was very positive. Many also commented afterwards that they would look up that web site.

A most enjoyable meeting.

Lifey

[Lifemagician]

The journey took me north from Kingman, stopping off at Hoover Dam, especially to view the new bridge, and straight through Las Vegas onto Cedar City. Then 14 to 89 and 12 to Bryce Canyon. The journey was as enjoyable as Bryce was spectacular. Stayed the night at the Red Rock Welcome Centre, along with other travellers... right near the two arches over the road. (Couldn't find the entrance to the campground.) In the morning I was told that motorists are welcome to park overnight in their car park.

[It is also here that another motorist walked up to my van and took a close up picture of the RTA car sticker.]

My next night, after Bryce, was spent at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Such a lovely little campground with excellent amenities for tents, vans and RV, complete with pull throughs.... and all for a mere $16. I noticed that they also have cabins, though I did not make any enquiries about those. It was a treat waking up in the shadow of the hoodoos. A perfect spot for those looking to camp along highway 12. Spent some time next morning to explore this little mentioned park, before continuing on along Hwy 12.

The Million-dollar Road. (Not to be confused with the Million Dollar Highway.)

Next day it was off to enjoy highway 12 across Utah. How anyone can drive this and enjoy all it has to offer, in one day, is beyond me. I ventured a short way down Hole in the Rock Road, but then became concerned that it may be too remote. I was not prepared and decided to turn back. Maybe another day. In the end I followed the advice of the lovely lady in the visitor centre in Torrey. Managed to get to Green River before sundown, having driven through Capital Reef NP without stopping.

Next time I plan to check out many of the side roads off 12, which the folk at Red Rock Canyon Welcome Centre recommended.

Lifey

[Southwest Dave]

Thanks for the update Lifey, driving Utah 12 and visiting Bryce, Capital Reef etc brings back good memories. We really enjoyed our walk in Red Rock canyon, we had it to ourselves that day ! Hopefully I will get to drive this route again one day soon !

Dave.

[Lifemagician]

Now, in my last month, I am wondering where all the time went. This trip seems to have been one issue after another, one appointment after another, flying back and forth across the country to get things done and keep appointments. To get breakdowns repaired. On top of that I spent a day in the ER followed by 48 hours of bed time.

On the other hand, it must have been naive of me to think that this trip would be anything like last year. When you've been to the top, experienced the pinnacle of road trips, been over the crest, there's only one way.... and that is down.

That's not to say that I did not do any sightseeing. I did. Experienced a couple of detours I found which were incredibly interesting and scenic routes. Did some things and visited some sights, I had not done or seen before. 'The Moth' in St Paul was probably the high point. (I will have the DVD of it in a week. If I can dub the audio of it, I will consider sharing it.)

As well as a new master cylinder on the brakes, my van now has a new 12v outlet, and the new wiring for the fridge.... and a new altenator! The old one gave up the ghost at a busy intersecetion on route 7 in Schenectady NY. A stranger appeared out of nowhere. The sort of person so often judged on looks alone. Not the sort of person who would be picked first for any task. Yet he instantly checked that I was OK, diagnosed the cause and liased with passing police, who parked behind me with their lights flashing to make sure I would not get hit.

Twenty four hours later, and $400+ poorer, I was on my way again.

The fridge too gave me problems... much more so than ever before, and not related to the battery. Fortunately it was replaced under warranty.

Spent four days in a Motel 6 in Dubuque where the back seat and carpet were taken out of my van and replaced with a level wooden floor and a bed frame. Grandson (11) in Ft Lauderdale helped put a coat of polyurethane on it all. We stitched an old sheet over a piece of upholstery foam (cut to size) to make a proper mattress. It is now even harder to wake up and get out of bed. End result is that I am very comfortable and have tons more space.

Now, if I can just convince son in Boston to make me a nice cabinet to fit, in which to keep all my essentials. He is very good at woodwork, and likes doing it. I have asked, but he did not answer. At least, he did not say 'No!'.

I shall post reports of the most interesting parts of the trip when I get time, and more importantly, when I feel inspired to do so.

Lifey