NOTES FROM THE ROAD, FESTIVAL UPDATES, AND A FEW ITEMS FROM MY CORNER OFTHE WORLD

I am a living terror for those who hate mornings and can’t even think about starting a day before having several cups of coffee and a shower. In our homestead the alarm is never set, my feet hit the floor around zero five hundred hours, and the first cup of coffee is savored about three hours later.

This morning was a rare exception. I awoke at the usual time but without the energy.

In my head I am still twenty but mornings such as this serve as a reminder that this is an illusion. The long week of early morning meetings, evening meetings, a radio interview, meeting with Harry Smith, breakfasts shared with friends on the road, a grueling five days at the office, a previous weekend spent with home repair, and the pressure of looming deadlines has left me worn a bit thin.

The lines of a few country songs came to mind as I limped down the hall to meet the day. The limp was another reminder that my 20th birthday was quite some time ago and that between then and now were a lot of miles. This, however, is a story for another day.

I brewed up a cup of Navajo tea, a little something we always pick up at the trading posts under the cliffs on the New Mexico state line, made some toast and set to work on project number one. The illustrated gatefold maps that will be a key component for the forthcoming Illustrated Route 66 Historic Atlas and the final edit requires that I evaluate photo placement is correct – by Monday morning.

Next, on the list, running the gauntlet better known as shopping for food and other staples such as hard apple cider (it is going to be long weekend). This afternoon I tackle the final edit for the text itself, a project that will most likely continue in the morning.

Of course this will leave little time for completing the first chapter for the new book that just happens to be due by July 1. No complaints, these are the dues to be paid if the childhood dream of being a writer when I grow up is to be fulfilled.
My dearest friend saved the day with the installation of fixtures and the medicine cabinet. To be honest putting the bathroom back together AND completing the final edit may have required more a mere weekend.
I joke a great deal about the pursuit of a childhood dream. The fact of the matter is that I am quite blessed in that this pursuit has been richly rewarding. Through my writings we have been able to encourage folks to do a bit of exploration, provide assistance as they plan adventures, and to make friends from most every corner of the globe.

I can think of few things more rewarding in life than an evening spent with friends and folks wearing an ear to ear grin after a fun filled day of Route 66 adventures. This photo (courtesy of Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association) was taken during a dinner shared with a tour group from the Netherlands.
Okay, I promised a few festival updates and notes from the road. Lets start with the festival.
Yesterday, I confirmed that Wolfgang Werz of the German Route 66 Association has been added to the roster of speakers for the Route 66 Crossroads of the Past and Future conference, and that Akio Takeuchi of Japan will be introducing a new book at the exhibition of Route 66 authors and artists.
The organizers of the festival are working to confirm speakers before posting a detailed schedule that will allow attendees to pick and choose topics of interest. The tentative list includes Dries Bessels of the Dutch Route 66 Association, Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce, Ed Klein of Route 66 World, Jerry Asher to discuss the Plug Share website, Michael Wallis, and representatives from most state and international Route 66 associations.
Meanwhile, the event in Holbrook that is the other book end for a tremendous week of adventures on Route 66 is shaping up quite nicely. Of course the big event there will be the guided tours along a seldom seen section of Route 66 through the Painted Desert National Park. Here is a link from the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce where you can get more information.
I should have confirmation this week but it looks as though there are activities being planned for Seligman and the Grand Canyon Caverns as well. So, mark your calendars and put in for vacation time.
As a final note, let me address concerns about the weather. Today the temperature in Kingman is 90 degrees and the humidity is less that 25%. Last Fourth of July the high temperature was 79 degrees.
Yes, temperatures in Kingman have on rare occasion topped 110 degrees. However, just thirty miles to the west, you can add ten, fifteen, and on occasion, twenty degrees to that.
Summer evenings in Kingman are about as perfect as you can get. Eighty degrees, light humidity, and a gentle breeze are the order of the day.
August, however, is also our monsoon season. So, there is a chance of rain, and as a result, higher humidity. When a summer storm does blow through it is often quick with an almost immediate drop in temperature.
The bottom line, don’t let concerns over summer heat keep you away from one of years premiere events on Route 66.
Now, its back to work. Then, this evening, its dinner with friends and a relaxing evening at Chillin’ on Beale.