It would seem that with all of the labor saving devices at our disposal in this modern era we would have more time for savoring life, for simply hanging out on the front porch with friends and neighbors. Still, try as I might, it seems harder than ever to live life in the slow lane.

If I am not rushing to meet a deadline, or to get to work, or to get home from work, or to get back to work from vacation, I am trying to make up for lost time resultant of internet or computer issues, or am working my way through a maze of press one, press two, and press three only to find myself on hold.

The resultant frustrations and tensions, exponentially compounded by tax season and the knowledge that it is impossible to find your way though the tax code labyrinth, makes it look like becoming an Amish farmer would be an advantageous career move. Of course more than a few “friends” have noted that this transition wouldn’t require much of a lifestyle change in our house.

Still, in all honesty and in spite of my whining, I am old enough to know that more than a few aspects of the modern era are an honest improvement. As an example, I can not imagine tackling a project like The Route 66 Encyclopedia, Ghost Towns of Route 66, or the current project, The Route 66 Historic Atlas, without the internet for research or email. Moreover, as I kicked off my quest to fulfill the childhood dream of becoming a writer on a 1948 Underwood typewriter, with carbon paper, there is no doubt in my mind that the word processor is nothing short of a miracle, even if it has decimated the ability to spell.

Now what, you may ask, does this have to do with Route 66, or the international fascination with the vast landscapes of the great American southwest. Well, my theory is that it is this increasing frustration with the harried pace of our increasingly impersonal, cold, sterile, electronic world which leads people to seek the slow lane, that special place where the pace isn’t as rushed and there is time to savor fireside conversations, a sunset, or just

coffee and pie with friends.

In our world my dearest friend and I are not trying to rediscover a world that moves at a slower pace. We are trying to hold onto a world that moves at a slower pace by limiting our exposure to what constitutes the modern equivalent of normal.

As a result we are often just a bit behind the curve. Case in point, we succumbed to necessity and acquired cell phones before our adventure last October.

Is it any wonder we travel Route 66, talk about Route 66, write about Route 66, photograph Route 66, and promote the simple wonders of Route 66 when we are not traveling the back roads of the desert southwest, talking about the vast empty of the desert southwest, writing about the desert southwest …

On a more serious note, we are contributing to various endeavors that we hope will restore some of the color and vibrancy of Route 66 to our corner of the world. To that end we are auctioning a few of our prints with a percentage of the proceeds to be donated to the Old Trails Garage project. Here is a link for more details.

Speaking of legendary Route 66 (surprise!), the latest edition of the Economic Development Journal of Mohave County is reporting that construction of the long awaited Topock 66 Spa & Resort at Topock on the Colorado River is in full swing. Phase one, the 5,000 square-foot restaurant and bar is scheduled for opening in late April or early May.

Last, but not least, don’t forget the Route 66 Fun Run scheduled for the first weekend in May If you are not sure what the Route 66 hype is about this is the event that will make everything clear. If your a fan of the double six this event shouldn’t be missed.

Here is the press release from the tourism office –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 6, 2013

Historic Route 66 Fun Run anticipates over 800 registrants – The 26th annual drive event on Arizona’s All American Road takes place May 3-5, 2013

Kingman, AZ – Celebrate the history and intrigue of Route 66 at the 26^th Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run May 3-5, 2013. The Fun Run is not a timed race, but a 140 mile pleasure cruise of classic and custom vehicles that traverse the Mother Road from Seligman, AZ to Topock/Golden Shores, AZ.

Things get underway Friday, May 3 in Seligman with participant registration, live music, entertainment and an impromptu parade through town. For those driving into Kingman on Friday, participants register at the Kingman Powerhouse and can enjoy a drive-in movie showing of American Graffiti at the Staples Plaza, Downtown Kingman’s First Friday of the Month, Sand Drags and Mud Bogs at the Route 66 Motorsports Park, or Kingman Family Fun Festival featuring BMX races at the Mohave County Fairgrounds.

The first leg of the journey officially begins at 9am on Saturday, May 4 with a jaunt from Seligman to Downtown Kingman. The drive routes participants through the attractions and communities of Grand Canyon Caverns, Peach Springs, Truxton, Valentine, Keepers of the Wild, Hackberry and Valle Vista.

Upon arrival in Downtown Kingman, participants will line up their cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, buses and vans on Route 66 (Andy Devine Ave) and Beale Street for a show & shine viewing and judging. Here, participants and thousands of spectators enjoy vendors, entertainment, food and the museums in Kingman’s historic district all afternoon until 6pm. After the show & shine, participants can attend a live auction dinner at the Powerhouse or any one of the many other activities taking place in Kingman.

The second leg of the journey begins Sunday morning May 5. Departing from Kingman, participants head to Topock/Golden Shores for the final gathering and awards ceremony at 1pm. This scenic back-road winds passed Cool Springs, Gold Road, Sitgreave’s Pass and Oatman before heading down the backside of the Black Mountains for the shores of the Colorado River.

Registration for the event costs $50 per vehicle ($55 per vehicle after April 19). The fee includes T-shirt, dash plaque, commemorative license plate and entrance to the Kingman show-n-shine and Topock/Golden Shores award ceremony. For more information or to register, visit www.azrt66.com or call 928-753-5001.

About the Kingman Visitor Center: The Kingman Visitor Center provides information on Kingman area events, points of interest and statewide attractions as an Official Arizona Local Visitor Information Center. Located in the Historic Powerhouse near the Interstate 40 and U.S. Hwy 93 interchange, the Kingman Visitor Center receives 90,000-100,000 tourists annually. Surveys indicate that 68% of our traffic participate in a Route 66 experience, 59% visit the Grand Canyon National Park and 17% visit Grand Canyon West®, Home of the Skywalk®. We are open daily from 8am to 5pm, and are closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas.

CONTACTS:

Joshua Noble, Director of Tourism

Kingman Visitor Center

928.753.6106

josh@gokingman.com

Jan Davis, Director of Operations

Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona

928.753.5003

azrt66@frontiernet.net

If you would like more images, or higher resolution images, let me know.

Joshua Noble

Executive Director of Tourism