DESERT SNOW AND DAWN OF A NEW ERA
*CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGEThe past few days have been interesting to say the very least.
We received some much needed moisture and were blessed to have it delivered in the form of snow. Unlike with the poor folks who reside in some of those nasty “M” places (Minnesota, Montana, etc.) we in western Arizona only see one or two snows a year and often a day or two later the temps rise to sixty or so.
Its rarity coupled to the natural starkness of the landscapes around here enable us to see snow as a wondrous thing. In addition to the moisture provided it also adds a certain surreal beauty, softening the harsh edges
and adding deep contrasts to the browns and reds of the deserts.
As I was at work through most of the storm these are the best photos possible. The first is of Barney the Wonder truck as it appeared in the parking lot after work.
The next is of the car lot in front of my office that fronts onto Route 66. The photo of Route 66 is looking east from in front of the Martin Swanty Chrysler lot.
The last photo is of Route 66 looking west, this was taken on the drive home. I thought the palm trees in snow added a nice touch.
Last night was the general meeting of the Route 66 Association of Kingman and judging from the note received this morning it is the dawn of a new era.
“We had a great meeting tonight!
Joe Powskey is a Hualapai Indian artist introduced to us by Jim Hinckley. Joe showed a story board of murals that he has done depicting the history of the Hualapai people beginning with the creation story flowing through the times at peace into the wars with the cavalry. His depiction of the loss of their culture is stunning. Included was a piece about the trail of tears. This was a forced march which for many would mark the end of their life. This is the event that we have discussed memorializing on the wall at 1301 Beale St. which is only a couple of miles from the site of the internment camp where the march began.
He has already surveyed the the building and says that it is a big job but with some help it can be done.
Next we had presentations from two web designers. Unfortunately one of the men had some trouble with his lap top and could not show us the sample web pages that he has built. They are going to send me their presentations for us to review at the next board meeting. We will bring them to the next general meeting for a vote.
I would encourage everyone to try and make the January general meeting. The web site is critical. It serves as a portal through which Rt 66 enthusiasts will discover Kingman and it will provide the funds needed to accomplish our goals. I will send an email with the date.
Thanks for all of your hard work and support.
Tim – Our mission is to promote all of Kingman locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”
In other business Jim Hinckley was “elected to the chair of the Historic Sign Committee.”
This project is quite unique and exciting. The concept is a simple one – preserve Route 66 heritage and add continuity to a walk along Route 66 by lining the south side of the highway with vintage signs refurbished utilizing LED tubing rather than neon.
If you are interested in joining the Route 66 Association of Kingman or would like more information here is the address for email.
kingmanroute66association@gmail.com
Unfortunately I was unable to attend last evenings meeting. It would appear that in my head I am still twenty but the body knows otherwise.
As a result of a severe problem with gallstones I spent early Thursday morning as well as the rest of the day and most of the evening in the hospital. I am evaluating options, causes, etc. in an effort to prevent further recurrence and perhaps glean some knowledge that will help others with this affliction.
The saga or comedy of errors, dependent on point of view, of discussing the Doble with Jay Leno continues. As noted previously I missed him by mere minutes at the book signing in Burbank at Autobooks-Aerobooks http://www.autobooks-aerobooks.com/
Then we had a small bit of phone tag. The postage fell from the letter I sent care of the book store so it was returned marked postage due. The next letter was shredded by the post office leaving only the envelope and a fragment. The last letter was put in the box but never picked up due to the storm. I decided to try again this morning.
While all of this was taking place I wrote the feature on Abner Doble and his amazing steam car for my column, The Independent Thinker, in Cars & Parts magazine. http://www.carsandparts.com/ To meet the deadline I was forced to leave out the impressions of Mr. Leno as he is one of the few men alive today who has worked on and driven one of these amazing automobiles.
If you would like more information about the Doble or steam cars in general catch my column in the April issue or check out this website. http://www.steamcar.net/lsr.html