I have some very exciting developments to share, a few requests to make, and updates that may be of interest. So, since my weekend schedule is quite full lets get right to it.
First, Kevin Mueller, one half of the duo that has transformed the iconic Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari into a destination and an oasis through their friendly smiles, smores, cozy rooms with a personal touch, and catering to the needs of travelers as well as guests took a bad spill this past week. He was evacuated by air to Albuquerque and is suffering from multiple fractures of the hip and pelvis.
Cards and letters would go a long way to speeding Kevin’s recovery. Use this link for contact information.
The next items of interest are a bit closer to home (Kingman, Arizona). The Route 66 Cruizers are expanding and revamping their website. If your planning a trip to the Kingman area this is an excellent site to learn about events large and small. The site also features an extensive resource page with a staggering array of links for car clubs, blogs, Route 66 associations, and other sites of interest.
Yesterday morning I participated in a conference call with Rich Dinkela, the Indiana Jones of Route 66 exploration, and Josh, his website designer. The topic was the tweaking of the Events on Route 66 website and ensuring this site becomes an integral component for promoters developing Route 66 related events as well as for those planning an adventure on the old double six.
The lag time between posting and publication was among the primary topics of interest. Still, for this site to become the valued resource envisioned it needs to be used. So, sign up, sign in, and post event information. If you happen to own a business on Route 66, I also suggest evaluating the advertising rates that represent an incredible promotional bargain.
Rich Dinkela, known world wide as Roamin’ Rich has a Youtube channel that will surely inspire an adventure or two. He is also spearheading the initiative to save the recently closed Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri, a picturesque and historic Route 66 bridge with a very uncertain future.
In coming weeks I will provide details on how you can become involved with this initiative. The historic bridges of Route 66, the subject of a pending book by author and historian Jim Ross, are one of that highways most endangered components.
Yesterday I received minutes form the World Monuments Fund and National Park Service Route 66 Preservation Corridor facilitated steering committee meeting that took place in Albuquerque a few weeks ago. I also received copies of the mission and strategic outcomes and goals that were unanimously approved at that meeting.
I will review these to refresh my memory, and share highlights in the coming weeks as in the first months of 2015 a public outreach strategy will be developed. To be absolutely honest, this initiative represents an historic moment in the history of the double six.
In my humble opinion this could very well be the most exciting development on Route 66 since creation of the U.S. Highway Route 66 Association in 1927. It is also a concept with incredible potential for the international Route 66 community.
As always, I would like to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. We, the Route 66 community, are in this together.
There is never a dull moment on Route 66 but it looks as though things are about to get very exciting and quite interesting.
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