AND THAT CLOSES OUT ANOTHER WEEK
Last weekend I started out with good intentions but after hauling one load of material we succumbed to the delightful weather and turned a blind eye to the tasks that required our attention, at least for an hour or two. We packed a picnic lunch and headed for the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains and like a couple of lizards on a rock, basked in the sun letting the warmth melt away the stress of the previous days.
That, my friends, is an excellent way to close out one week and to prepare for the next.
This weekend the focus was almost entirely on the homestead and once again old Barney the Wonder Truck (our tried and true ’68 Dodge Adventurer) was pressed into service. Now the sun is sinking in the west and a cool breeze that is scented with the fresh cut sage and rosemary is stirring the trees. That and a bit of physical labor as well as an ample helping of chicken enchiladas has left me feeling comfortable and just a bit sleepy.
Between the enchiladas and the picnic was a long frustrating, productive, rewarding, and tiring week. In other words, situation normal.
Counted among the highlights were a delightful conversation with Renee Charles in Galena, Mike Ward in Arizona, Rich Dinkela in Missouri, and Brad Nickson in Oklahoma, and email correspondence with Connie Echols, Laurel Kane and friend scattered along the double six. These conversations were a manifestation of the outpouring of response to the request for information submitted to Route 66 associations, business owners, and folks with a vested interest in the old road.
It looks as though the envisioned report about the state of the road from the perspective of the people who own businesses or fight the battles that keep the gems of the double six from being erased is coming together. The initial anemic response to my request had me a bit concerned.
Even better, only one business owner responded in the negative. Apparently they interpreted my request for a view of the road from their perspective as a business owner as another self serving initiative. In addition they proceeded to tell me why the future of Route 66 is being jeopardized by endeavors such as the development of the Route 66: The Road Ahead initiative. Inadvertently they gave me their view from the road and it wasn’t pretty.
Meanwhile, it looks as though the big event on the double six this year will be in Edwardsville in spite of the on again off again development. In addition to what is shaping up to be a fun filled weekend the indications are that the Route 66 community will be moving one step closer toward development of an annual convention where folks can focus on the business of Route 66.
Even better, only one business owner responded in the negative. Apparently they interpreted my request for a view of the road from their perspective as a business owner as another self serving initiative. In addition they proceeded to tell me why the future of Route 66 is being jeopardized by endeavors such as the development of the Route 66: The Road Ahead initiative. Inadvertently they gave me their view from the road and it wasn’t pretty.
Meanwhile, it looks as though the big event on the double six this year will be in Edwardsville in spite of the on again off again development. In addition to what is shaping up to be a fun filled weekend the indications are that the Route 66 community will be moving one step closer toward development of an annual convention where folks can focus on the business of Route 66.
Last Wednesday, I attended a meeting pertaining to Kingman area developments. Resultant of travel and a tight schedule I am a bit out of the loop but indications are that the Best of the West on 66 event scheduled for the weekend of September 25 is on track.
This annual event which is a tweaking the traditional Andy Devine Days, which in turn morphed from the historic Diggin’ Doggie’ Days noted in the now classic guide to U.S. 66 penned by Jack Rittenhouse, holds great promise for the city, participants, and organizers. The short descriptor of the event is that it will blend a celebration of western heritage (rodeo, dances, etc.) with a celebration of Route 66.
Meanwhile, an annual event in Tucumcari is rapidly developing into a major attraction. Even better, Rockabilly on the Route is attracting a younger demographic to Route 66.
Our schedule prohibits attendance. However, we will be attending the 2nd annual Route 66 Festival in Holbrook, Arizona. Yesterday reservations were made for the Globetrotter Lodge and was informed that they were now booked for that weekend. My hope is that this is indicative of how busy the city will be on the weekend of June 13.
With the making of those reservations, I closed out another week. Now the focus turns toward new adventures.
This annual event which is a tweaking the traditional Andy Devine Days, which in turn morphed from the historic Diggin’ Doggie’ Days noted in the now classic guide to U.S. 66 penned by Jack Rittenhouse, holds great promise for the city, participants, and organizers. The short descriptor of the event is that it will blend a celebration of western heritage (rodeo, dances, etc.) with a celebration of Route 66.
Meanwhile, an annual event in Tucumcari is rapidly developing into a major attraction. Even better, Rockabilly on the Route is attracting a younger demographic to Route 66.
Our schedule prohibits attendance. However, we will be attending the 2nd annual Route 66 Festival in Holbrook, Arizona. Yesterday reservations were made for the Globetrotter Lodge and was informed that they were now booked for that weekend. My hope is that this is indicative of how busy the city will be on the weekend of June 13.
With the making of those reservations, I closed out another week. Now the focus turns toward new adventures.