Epilogue

I never finished the entry for the final leg of my journey to Washington DC and back. So even though its been several years, I guess I’ll finish it now.

The route from Kingman to home is actually pretty familiar territory. I’ve driving this part of Route 66 many times.

One of my favorite spots along the Mother Road is The Hackberry General Store. The best part is the pretty eclectic collection of “stuff” laying around the outside of the store.

A little further along the road is Roy’s Motel and Café in Amboy. When I first saw Roy’s it was pretty run-down. The motel rooms were in bad shape, the doors missing, paint almost gone. I’m sure the only ones living there were desert creatures.

In 2003 the motel and café were purchased by Albert Okura who has been slowly restoring the site.

From Amboy it was a uneventful drive the rest of the way home.

I was glad to be back, but was disappointed that my trip was cut short.

Almost Home

With the entire world closed, it looks like it may be awhile before I can do any traveling. With that in mind, I’m re-posting from my original blog. This section follows me and my son's trip from California to Washington DC for a temporary assignment. 

Return Trip Day 5:

Today I was up and out of the hotel by about 8:30. Drove to old town Albuquerque and looked around. Seems like it would be a very interesting place, when the stores are open and the weather is nice.

Left and headed west along old Route 66. Drove for quite a while, stopped at several “trading posts” once I got near the Indian reservations.

I have noticed that if the billboard for an “Indian” shop advertises cheep tobacco, it is most likely run by actual Native Americans. If the store does not advertise tobacco, it is run by non-natives. The big deal here is at the non-native store, you are just a likely to find products made in China as made by real Native Americans. There are some exceptions, but they usually loudly proclaim their tribal affiliation on the signs. I, for one, like to buy my trinkets from the real deal.

As I approached Flagstaff, AZ, it started to snow, and it kept snowing. I got onto the highway and headed out of the area as fast as I safely could. They are expecting about 10 inches of snow today, 10-16 inches tomorrow and about 5 feet more by the end of the week.

Staying tonight on old 66 in Kingman, AZ. Tomorrow I head home. I can’t wait.