It has been difficult to find time to spit, pee, or pay attention this last week. So, it seemed like a perfect time for the long promised photo contest (see the following post), a little something to add fun and zest to the blog for you, and something to give me just a bit more time for other pressing projects.
The contest ends tomorrow and we do no have a winner. I did find it interesting that an overwhelming majority of the respondents got nineteen of the twenty correct. Based upon this, I would be willing to make the assumption that those who follow this blog are intimate with Route 66.
Among the many things that has consumed large qualities of my free time is the “new” camera, a Canon EOS 50Dhttp://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001EQ4BVI&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr. It was purchased several months ago but there has been little time to master its intricacies.
Now the pressure is on. In less than six weeks we again take to the road and there are two primary objectives, promote Ghost Towns of Route 66 and gather images for the Route 66 encyclopedia.
Additional incentive for learning how this thing works came from an unexpected direction, Bob Bell of True West magazine and the feature article about Ghost Towns of Route 66 published in the August issue. “…written by Jim Hinckley with photography by Kerrick James. Both are recipients of True West’s 2011 “Best Photographers of the Year” honor.”
The camera was a primary focus (please pardon the pun) this past week or so but there were others. These included finishing the first draft of the encyclopedia and sending it to acclaimed author Dave Clark, the Windy City Warrior, historian Jim Ross, Los Angeles historian Scott Piotrowski, and author Joe Sonderman so they can apply their expertise and ensure the accuracy of the overall work.
Then there are the travel plans and promotional venues for the October trip which also consumed large chunks of “spare time.” It was during this endeavor that I stumbled upon the Cave Restaurant in Richland, Missouri, just north of Route 66 and I-40.
I just had to add this to the list of stops. If anyone is familiar with this establishment I would appreciate some input.
It is just not in my nature to be consumed by work. So, I broke up the crushing schedule of the day job and the pursuit of a career as a writer and photographer by visiting with friends.
On Tuesday evening, August 9, my dearest friend, my son and his family, Dries Bessels and his wife Marion, and the tour group from Holland they were leading, had a delightful dinner at Redneck’s in Kingman. I was quite moved by the presentation of a pair of wooden shoes Dries had made.
Sunday evening, the 14th, I met with Dale Butel and the group from Australia that he was leading along Route 66 at the Dambar. It is always a delight to visit with Dale as well as his tour groups.
Tomorrow evening it will be another installment of Chillin on Beale Street. This fun filled evening blends is one part cruise night, one part auto show, one part small town get together, and three parts fun and surprises. 
One of the really enjoyable aspects of the event is the creative theme that accompanies each months edition. Counted among my favorites, in regard to originality, was Topless Fun on Route 66, a salute to the convertible, last summer.
If you are in Kingman on Saturday evening, come on down and have some fun. If we don’t see you there perhaps our paths will cross on the old double six this fall.
Don’t forget about the photo contest. There is still a full day to enter.
On a final note, I still have an opening or two in the schedule for the October trip. If I may be of service in regards to a fund raiser for your group or organization, or if you would like to schedule a book signing, please let me know.
