As usual the long list of things I hope to accomplish in a weekend did not get done. However, I did manage to finish most of the Illinois and Arizona, and some of the Texas, sections for the next book, Ghost Towns of Route 66.
Other neat little items accomplished this past weekend include a long walk with my dearest friend to one of her favorite places high in the Cerbat Mountains near the old COD Mine and ghost town of Stockton Hill, not something that took a great deal of prompting.
I am digging up all kinds of neat stuff for the new book. Did you know that the founder of McClean, Texas, home of the great barbed wire museum, died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912? Did you know that until the 1920s the town of Shamrock, Texas, was dependant on hauled water?
I enjoy sharing these odds and ends through writing even more than I enjoy the research and discovery. With that in mind I am counting the days until Sunday, the scheduled date for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble store in Prescott.
This coupled with an interview on AM Arizona will be the kick off for the release of the latest book, Ghost Towns of the Southwesthttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760332215&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr. I really have to hand it to the layout and editorial folks for this one, they did an excellent job.
The photographic artisty of Kerrick James, an Arizona Highways and Sunset Magazine contributor really make this thing pop. On every project I thank God that Kerrick is with me.
I have a a couple of teeth missing on a gear and as a result often second guess my work. This book is different as it seems to leap from the shelf. I suppose the quarterly sales report will see if other people feel the same way!
As with previous books, I would be pleased to sign copies for anyone who stops by my office/unofficial visitor center/automotive advertising museum on their way east or west on Route 66. Just drop me a note in advance so I don’t miss you or check out my schedule on the tab above, perhaps I will be in your neighborhood soon.
If you have an event or sell books I have written and would like my participation or for me to sign a few copies please let me know. Likewise if you would like to order a signed copy.
The homestead and the old cats will be left in the capable hands of my son. One of these days we may just surprise him with a post card that reads, “We hope you enjoy the new house, payment book is in the cupboard, don’t forget to give the cat his medicine.”
Adding to our excitement is the prospect of another trip down the Williamson Valley Road that connects Seligman on Route 66 to Prescott. The last time was a surprise, this time on the return leg we will really explore a bit. Of course that depends on the mud and/or snow depth.
The warm weather and the growing drone of Harley’s on Route 66 in front of the office present the illusion spring is at hand but I know better. There is more winter to come and in the high country there is still penty of snow.
If all goes according to plan (something that would be unique to say the very least) we have a late May Route 66 cruise to Missouri in the works and in early summer a drive to Crown King on the historic Senator Highway. Both of these will be a first for my dearest friend and both are something I have wanted to share for quite sometime.
One of the most exciting sites to catch my attention in awhile is the historic Johnson Canyon railroad tunnel on an abandoned line in the mountains between Ashfork and Williams. To say the very least, the prospect of this adventure has me chomping at the bit.
If you are fascinated by ghost towns there are two great sites for you to check out. Legends of America is a veritable cornucopia of all things related to ghost towns and adventures on the great two lane highways of America. The Ghost Town site is pretty much self explanatory but don’t be surprised when you loose an hour or two exploring.
As a final note of the day I share this little gem and make a small request. On the evening of February 1, I missed a phone call. Suffice to say, I was a bit surprised to hear this message, “Jim, this is Jay Leno. Sorry I missed you. I will try catching you later.”
