... and the Journey Ends

13 days of driving Route 66

2354 miles

8 states

2 craters

1 dust/sand storm

a couple of dodgy roadside cafes

multiple lizards

AND...  we're still friends

Day 13 - Barstow CA to Santa Monica CA - 155 miles

Barstow CA

Old Route 66 runs right through the heart of this dusty town.  Old motels that have seen much better days and a few murals line the corridor. I tried to crop out the hobos in these pictures.

Oro Grande CA

Elmer's Bottle Ranch is a glorious little attraction in the middle of the desert. It's taken Elmer Long over 17 years to construct his masterpiece and there is no doubt he will continue to grow it.

Even a creepy doll on a sink for you fans of creepy dolls.

Victorville CA

A somewhat booming town that is covered in dust from a couple of large cement plants just as you enter town, the old route cuts right through with little fanfare.  There is the California Route 66 Museum.

... and at least one vintage motel/sign.

Rialto CA

As we begin our descent into the Greater Los Angeles area there are still a few remnants left of the old Route 66.  Some are abandoned and falling apart, but some are maintained and even refurbished. Witness the second of two remaining Wigwam Motels on the route.

Rancho Cucamonga CA

Amongst the numerous strip malls and chain store fronts is this beauty.  Opened in 1915, this Richfield Station (Pre Atlantic-Richfield Company) predates Route 66.  It was closed in 1970 and sat abandoned until 2000, when a group raised funds and refurbished it.

Santa Monica CA

All roads come to an end and this one stops at the foot of the Santa Monica Pier.

Day 12 - Needles CA to Barstow CA - 171 miles

Needles CA

Technically, we didn't stay in Needles.  We ventured north for Amy's birthday and stayed the night in Laughlin NV.  However, this is where our Route 66 trip stopped for the evening.

The route leaving Needles parallels Interstate 40 for several miles before it branches off and begins its desolate path into the Mohave desert.  Today was definitely more about the scenery and not the stops.

It's not the destination... it's the adventure... and sometimes that adventure throws you a curveball. When it does??  Just hop back on the Interstate for a bit.

Amboy CA

A small oasis of a town in the middle of the Mohave desert, Amboy is a shell of its former self. When Route 66 was booming, Roy's Motel was a popular stop in an otherwise desolate road.  Now... it's vacant, but slowing being brought back to life by investors.

Across the street from Roy's was a utility pole that people have nailed items to as "proof" they were there.  A ladies' bra, one flip-flop, beer cans, bottles...  numerous different items.  Nails and a large rock are even available to those that want to add to "monument".

Not to be left out, Delia and I dodged a brief dust storm to add our "mark".  All we had available in the car was an almost empty Pringles can, but beggars can't be choosy.  We signed it and nailed it to the post.

Just west of Amboy and visible from Route 66 is the Amboy Crater.  A registered Natural Landmark, sitting in its lava field, it is a 250 ft tall volcanic cinder cone that is 1500 ft. in diameter.

Newberry Springs CA

Another spot in the middle of nowhere. The Bagdad Cafe, made somewhat famous by the 1987 German movie of the same name is a popular spot for a photo, especially among the Europeans. Quirky... not so clean, but tolerable... that is if you don't mind the flies (After all, it DID receive a "B" Rating from the health board). I CAN say that as of this writing, I have survived eating a grilled cheese sandwich and fries at The Bagdad Cafe.

Day 11 - Flagstaff AZ to Needles CA - 215 miles

Leaving Flagstaff after a long day visiting the Grand Canyon and hopefully the last of the cool/cold weather.  It was 38 degrees this morning.

Seligman AZ

Dropping off Interstate 40 we enter this jewel of Route 66 lore. We first stop at The Road Kill Cafe for Amy's birthday breakfast. Featuring the offering of "You Kill It, We Grill It" since the 60's, this place offers decent food in an awesome atmosphere.

Seligman is by far NOT a one horse town.  Built in 1953, The Snow Cap Drive-In is still serving up burgers and malts.

Not to mention The Rusty Bolt, offering the usual Route 66 memorabilia with a unique twist.

... and also several classic motels and their signage.

After Seligman, Route 66 departs the interstate and begins to take on the path of the original route.  Scenery takes the place of campy stops.

Hackberry AZ

The town itself has almost vanished completely, but the Hackberry General Store still is active and draws a ton of visitors (it was PACKED with motorcyclists and motor homes when we visited).

The outside windows and doors are covered with stickers from visiting motorcycle groups and tour groups.

Antares Point AZ

Just past Hackberry is this little stop that attempts to attact customers with its Giganticus Headicus. 

Clever... but I found the side street more photogenic... but that's just me,

Kingman AZ

Kingman has no problem claiming to be the "Heart of Route 66".

Among other Route 66 themed businesses, it hosts two vintage motels.  The 1939 El Trovatore Motel with its themed rooms.

... and the Hilltop Motel, built in 1954.

Leaving Kingman, we begin what turned out to be the most interesting stretch of road. Fun for some, not so much for others.

Cool Springs AZ

Before we enter the Black Mountains and what some consider the most scenic part of ALL Route 66, we encounter this small oasis. Closed when we passed, but offered souvenirs on the honor system,

Black Mountains AZ

Winding, climbing and scenic... it was both amazing and white-knuckled nerve wracking.

Oatman AZ

Unfortunately for us, we dropped out of the mountains and into this little mining town... just in time for rush hour.