Historic Route 66


Most people who find themselves within 80 km of the Grand Canyon probably would flock there.  Today, that is not what we did.  We decided to partake in a little bit of nostalgia, Historic Route 66.

Route 66 was first designated as a highway in 1921.  It ran from Chicago to Santa Monica, California.  This route is firmly established in the annuls of Americana.  The lure of the road paints a romantic picture of a simpler time.  It conjures images of travelers in classic cars traveling through quaint little towns being catered to by ‘Mom and Pop’ motels and 60 style diners with their soda fountains.

All good things, however, must come to an end in the name of progress.  Interstate 40 replaced old highway 66.  The quaint little towns were bypassed.  Chain Hotels and fast food places have become the order of the day.  Most of these small towns have virtually died.  Some are desperately trying to hang on.  We spent some time in 2 of them today, Williams and Flagstaff.

Williams, in 1984, has the distinction of being the final town on Route 66 to be bypassed.  It has always been a tourism town.  It has had the advantage of being the ‘gateway’ to the Grand Canyon as well as being on Route 66.  Walking down the old main street is almost like stepping back in time.  Diners have re-invented themselves, old gas stations are full of memorabilia, and shop after shop are trying to peddle Historic Route 66 stuff.

Flagstaff, on the other hand, was a railway town long before Route 66 was established.  A major east – west rail line still runs through here as witnessed by the 6 Santa Fe freight trains that rumbled through the heart of town while we were enjoying lunch on the patio of the Lumber Yard Brewery.  Speaking of micro breweries, there are 9 of them in Flagstaff. That will tell you that this is still a major tourist town despite the demise of Route 66.  Jan and Chris, Mary Lou and Ken, maybe we need to take a Historic Route 66 road trip.  Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the ski resort just outside of town…yes arid Arizona has a mountain almost 13,000 feet high with lots of snow in the Winter.

Distance Traveled = 136 km.  Wildlife Sightings = Barn Swallows, House Sparrows, Western Kingbird, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, House Finch.


These signs are everywhere...at least in Williams


Typical 1950's and 1960's motel sign on Route 66...note $5.00 a night


Re-invented Diner...still busy


Gas Station memorabilia museum

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