Then, as is the case with each book, will come the time of eager anticipation to see how well it will be received. Why this aspect is the most unnerving is a mystery.

Here is the preliminary prerelease cover. There may be a bit of tweaking before final publication but if so, I will post the changes as soon as they become available.

The latest instalment of Route 66 Chronicles, a monthly feature that links the past with the future in the automotive industry, for the on line edition of the Kingman Daily Miner was posted today. As always I would be most appreciative for shared comments.

This morning I had a detailed conversation with Kerrick James about our current partnership, a book profiling the ghost towns of Route 66. He recently completed a drive from Chicago to Albuquerque photographing sites for inclusion and the excitement was palpable in our discussions.

I look forward to seeing this book in print. I am quite confident it will enhance any adventure on Route 66 as well as inspire the armchair traveler to take to the road.

Just when I resign myself to putting off the grand adventure on Route 66 until next spring something comes up that has me chomping at the bit to hit the road regardless of weather concerns. This time its a showing of Bones of the Old Road in the historic Coleman Theater in Miami, Oklahoma, on November 24.

This award winning documentary by Route 66 icons Jim Ross and Jerry McClanahan is but part of the lure. Additionally there is the opportunity to immerse myself for an evening with fans of this legendary highway in a beautifully restored historic theater that has piqued my interest for a very long time.

News pertaining to another legendary Route 66 figure, Bob Waldmire, is not good. Bob has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Bob and his amazing art work are Route 66 fixtures recognized by fans of the old double six throughout the world. His VW bus was the inspiration behind the Fillmore character in the animated film, Cars.

My association with Bob dates to his acquisition and refurbishment of the old general store in Hackberry, Arizona, on Route 66. His philosophy and lifestyle were far removed from mine but his easy, friendly manner, sharp intelligence, and passion for the simple things in life bridged all gaps.

After selling the store our visits were not as frequent but I could count on him stopping by at least once a year as he made his pilgrimages along Route 66. Few things attest to his honest love for people more than the fact that on each trip he always had something for my son.

There is little doubt that Route 66 will be a much poorer place without Bob on the road. He exemplifies all that this road was and is.