Left to right, my dearest friend, Anne Slanina, and author Jim Hinckley.

As the lightening illuminated towering monsoon season storm clouds on the western horizon and rain scented winds whipped dust along Route 66, my dearest friend and I talked late into the evening on Friday with Anne M. Slanina after enjoying a most delightful dinner (I heartily recommend the Greek salad) at Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner. Anne is the creator of the charming Annie Mouse series. I was quite pleased to learn that at the Miles of Possibilities conference and festival in Edwardsville, Illinois, Anne will be making a presentation about marketing and developing Route 66 as a destination for families with children.

Hackberry General Store.

The new owners of the historic property have been renovating the complex with a goal being the development of the cities only Route 66 resort. To that end they are adding tour packages for the Route 66 corridor as well as the Kingman historic district. 

Author Jim Hinckley signs books for visitors traveling Route 66 with Dale Butel.

This coming Tuesday the first of these ceremonies will take place when Dale Butel of Route 66 Tours stops for lunch at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner for lunch. That will ensure the week kicks off on an adventuresome note. 
The day will actually start with a morning meeting that has piqued my interest. Steve LeSueur of My Designs, a new company in Kingman is spearheading development of an area marketing campaign and I may be providing service as a consultant.
At this juncture a bit of self promotion might be in order. To date I have provided service as a Route 66 tourism development consultant to Ramada Kingman, the Route 66 Association of Kingman, the organizers of several events, and a few tour companies such as Adventure Caravans. If your organization or community can use my input and experience, please drop me a note. 
To close this out today, I would like to respond to some recent inquiries. 
For information about the Route 66 Association of Kingman (pending events, murals, membership, etc.) call (928)753-1314 or stop by the office at Dunton Motors next to Mr. D’z. 
For vendor information during the Best of the West festival, contact Dora Manley at (928)279-4560.
For our friends in the land down under contemplating an adventure on Route 66, contact the fine folks at Route 66 Tours. 
For our friends in the low countries who want the best in a Route 66 adventure, contact U.S. Bikers (tell them Jim sent you).
For information about developments at the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum in Kingman, contact the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation.
For the most reliable information pertaining to Route 66 road closures and similar updates, purchase a copy of EZ 66 by Jerry McClanahan and check out his website.
As always, if you have Route 66 related questions, drop me a note. If I don’t have an answer my bet is that we can find someone who does.