For the first time, Arizona will provide the big Christmas tree that graces the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C., reports the Williams-Grand Canyon News. That tree will be transported through the Route 66 town of Williams before heading to the Beltway. The Capitol Christmas tree will pass through Williams at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and be … Continue reading Capitol Christmas tree to cruise Route 66
Meet at the Pier
The Santa Monica (Calif.) Daily Press has a preview story today about the ceremony Wednesday morning that will name the Santa Monica Pier as the official western end of Route 66. The actual endings of U.S. 66 was in downtown Los Angeles, then later at Olympic and Lincoln boulevards in Santa Monica (about a mile … Continue reading Meet at the Pier
Veterans Day tribute
Here is a list of military personnel from Route 66 towns who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve also added informative links to each of the fallen, wherever possible. ILLINOIS Chicago Staff Sgt. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina, died May 1, 2004 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, died April 5, 2003 Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps, died March … Continue reading Veterans Day tribute
LA Marathon includes parts of Route 66
The annual LA Marathon in March will include parts of Route 66 in its 26.2-mile course -- including the western end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, it was announced today. From the news release: Along the way, runners will pass signature sites, including El Pueblo de Los Angeles (the city's birthplace), Los Angeles City … Continue reading LA Marathon includes parts of Route 66
Book review: “Dollars to Donuts”
Dawn Welch's story of as a young Oklahoma woman who became the successful owner of the historic Rock Cafe, served as the inspiration for Sally in the hit Disney/Pixar animated film "Cars," and then resurrected the restaurant after a devastating fire last year, would serve as compelling material for a book. But her first book, … Continue reading Book review: “Dollars to Donuts”
Notes from the road
Megan Carter e-mailed a few days ago to report that she's suspending her quest to ride a part of Route 66 on horseback until spring, simply because winter will inevitably set in. However, it's too bad she didn't continue her riding for another week or two; the weather in the Midwest has been incredibly nice … Continue reading Notes from the road
It’s a beautiful day
Don't let it get away. Put some soul in the world.
“The Road Song”
Here's a haunting song by Mel Shaker, who is photographed by Edward Mance among the ruins of abandoned properties along Route 66. An index of more of Mance's photos of Shaker along Route 66 can be seen here. The photos reportedly will be part of a book titled "Route 66 Abandoned."
Classic Arizona diners
The Arizona Republic published a listing of the state's favorite comfort-food diners. Of the six listed, three are on Route 66 -- the Galaxy Diner in Flagstaff, Mr. D'z in Kingman and Goldie's Route 66 Diner in Williams.
A visit with Bob
Longtime roadie and Chicago Sun-Times columnist Dave Hoesktra this week visited with Bob Waldmire as the terminally ill Route 66 artist hunkered down in a converted school bus near his hometown of Springfield, Ill. Waldmire talks about his favorite Route 66 things (one is in Oklahoma) and about cremation arrangements after he dies (half his … Continue reading A visit with Bob