Day 6 - May 4, 2011

Day Six Stats

Miles Traveled: 439 miles    States Traveled: New Mexico, Arizona

Origin: Grants, NM    Destination: Kingman, AZ

Time of Departure: 9:20 AM (MDT)    Time of Arrival: 9:20 PM (MST)

Highest Observed Gas Price: $4.10/gallon in Winslow, AZ    Lowest Observed Gas Price: $3.63/gallon in Gallup, NM

Day Six Summary

Day six was another special day.  We awoke in Grants, NM at the Southwest Motel to chilly weather of 28 degrees – brrr!  However, by 9:00 a.m. it was in the 50s and our high topped out at 82 degrees – just gorgeous!  On our way out of town, we saw the Uranium Café, once known for its yellow-colored pancakes that paid homage to the uranium mined in the area.  We were surprised when we passed by the Uranium Café and looked back to see the other side of the café’s sign – it reads, “Nana’s Café.”  We got a picture for you Nana!  A short ride down the road and we were in Gallup, NM where we did a quick tour of the El Rancho Hotel Motel.  Dozens of celebrities have slept here and walked up the double staircase in the grand lobby – very impressive.

Late morning we crossed into Arizona and gained an hour, as the state does not observe Daylight Savings.  Midday found us in Holbrook, AZ where Dad was excited to see a Wigwam Motel up close and in person.  We hope to stay in the only other surviving Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, CA.  Lunch was at Joe & Aggies Café – honored in the closing credits of the movie Cars as “Hottest Chow on the Mother Road.”

Another memorable stop was Winslow, AZ.  The statue “Standing on the Corner” pays tribute to the Eagles’ song “Take it Easy.”  In addition to a bronze statue of a man and his guitar standing on the corner is a mural of a girl in a flatbed Ford slowing down to take a look at him.  To complete the scene, a giant Route 66 shield is embedded in the center of the intersection – really cool stuff.

It has been amazing to meet so many incredible folks along Route 66.  The Mother Road is full of interesting, genuine folks who are friendly and full of life.  On previous days we met great people like Gary Turner and Bob and Ramona Lehman.  Today we had the great fortune to get to know several special ladies at Joe & Aggies Café in Holbrook, including the granddaughter of Joe and Aggie.  Mauricio was also tremendous at Angel & Vilma’s Route 66 Gift Shop.  This was also Angel’s Barber Shop and Mauricio took our picture in Angel’s famous barber chair.  Special things happen on America’s Main Street.

Also saw some great Burma Shave signs today (if you are not familiar with Burma Shave signs, take a look at this site).  Our favorite, and some sage words we would like to pass along to you, was this one:

He Tried to Cross … As Fast Train Neared … Death Didn’t Draft Him … He Volunteered.

Today we logged over 430 miles, met some fantastic folks, and saw some incredible landscapes.  The Arizona dessert is tremendous and the rock outcroppings are impressive.  Riding to Kingman tonight was a great visual experience with a sliver of a moon hanging just above the jagged mountaintops.  What a marvelous Creator we serve!  Our final stop today (and first tomorrow) is Kingman, AZ where we will get some rest at the Hill Top Motel – a classic Route 66 icon.  Challenging road lies ahead tomorrow, with Sitgreaves Pass and the Old Trails – seriously winding sections of Route 66 – should be awesome.  Here’s today’s summary:

·         Grants, NM – Nana’s Café (the former Uranium Café – known for its yellow “uranium” pancakes).

·         Gallup, NM – El Rancho Hotel Motel; Rex Museum;

·         Lupton, AZ – Another Route 66 Ghost Town.

·         Holbrook, AZ – Joe & Aggies Café; Wigwam Motel.

·         Jackrabbit, AZ – “If you haven’t been to Jackrabbit, you haven’t been in the southwest”; Jackrabbit Trading Post.

·         Winslow, AZ – “Standing on the Corner” Statue; Giant Route 66 in roadway; La Posada Hotel; Highway Diner.

·         Meteor City, AZ – World’s Longest Map of Route 66; Meteor Crater.

·         Winona, AZ – Old Iron Bridge.

·         Flagstaff, AZ – Museum Club – southwest’s largest log cabin; Miz Zips; Western Hills Motel.

·         Williams, AZ – Rods Steakhouse; Pete’s Gas Station Museum; Twisters 50’s Soda Fountain; Red Garter Bed and Bakery; Grand Canyon Hotel.

·         Ash Fork, AZ – Desoto’s Beauty and Barber Shop; Route 66 Grill.

·         Seligman, AZ – Birthplace of the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona; Route 66 Visitor Center; Snow Cap Drive-in; Angel & Vilma’s Route 66 Gift Shop; Copper Cart Café.

·         Kingman, AZ – Turning in for the night at the Hill Top Motel – “Best View in Kingman.”

What I learned from my father today: Life is Good

Yesterday Dad and I were talking about the big decision points of life – college, marriage, kids, etc. – and we specifically discussed how blessed we both are with wives that love us, stand by us, and put up with us.  Dad said, “There is nothing better than knowing that you married the woman the Lord intended you to marry.  Your mother has been there for me every step of the way.”  I pondered this again this morning and realized how right Dad was.  Gale, I love you and so appreciate your love and support.

What I learned from my son today: It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This

I realized as we were traveling today, watching the scenery, enjoying 50’s music on Pandora Radio, listening to the Atlanta Braves win both games of a double-header, and enjoying quality time with my son – it just doesn’t get any better than this.