Wherever the Road Leads. Wherever the Wind Blows.

[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