Courtesy Historic Vehicle Association

From the Edsel Ford journal, “Kingman, Arizona, Friday July 16, 1915 – Stayed around town all day until 4:30 on account of heat. Met party in Stutz from St. Louis – Mr. and Mrs. Scott and 3 children, also Mr. Hillerby. Arrived at Needles 8:30 P.M. after being informed that highway men were along the road. Heat very oppressive. Slept on porch of hotel. Stutz crew half hour after ourselves. Day’s run 72 miles.”
During their stay in Kingman in the summer of 2015, the association was visited by highwaymen. The support trailer was broken into and thousands of dollars in equipment were stolen. 
Edsel’s trip, and the associations, as well as their purpose for undertaking the adventure, were stories that needed to be shared. So, I called a few old contacts and have penned features for Old Cars Weekly and Hemming’s Classic Car.  
Kingman is not the only Route 66 link in Edsel’s journey that took place eleven years before that famous highway was certified.
“St. Louis, Missouri, Sunday June 20, 1915 – Breakfast at ten: drove to Curlees at Kirkwood. After dinner went for ride. Got Berkeley Sloan off train from Valley Park. Heavy thunderstorm prevent our leaving at a reasonable hour. Finally stopped and were able to leave at 1:00 A.M. Found Art Hickman in our room asleep, on our return. Day’s run 30 miles.” 
“Williams, Arizona, Thursday July 15, 1915 – Found Cadillac and Stutz crews at Harvey Hotel at Williams waiting for us. All got supplies at garage. Talked to Ford agent. Got going about eleven. Had lunch at Ash Forks. Loafed along; found it very hot. Bought some gas and oranges at Seligman. Stutz broke another spring about 15 miles out and returned to Seligman. Cadillac and Ford went on to Kingman, arriving at midnight, Brunswick Hotel. Very rough and dusty roads. Wired Los Angeles Branch for axle parts. Day’s run 146 miles.” 

I have also completed the revised edition of Backroads of Arizona, and coordinated photography with Kerrick James. This was long overdue but the timing for the project wasn’t ideal as there were an array of pressing issues that required immediate attention, or sooner. 
The self publishing endeavor has proven to be an adventure in itself. First there was learning to navigate the template, and the writing of the text. Then there was the discovery that the template utilized was not the ideal one for the project, and it could not be resolved with cut and paste. 
Still, step one, part two is complete. Next is editorial assistance and some honest critical evaluation (once again, thank you Mike Ward). Then comes the addition of photos, and publication. 
The deadline of June 1 has obviously been adjusted. Now, I am shooting for a release by the end or summer, or early fall. If you know an incurable road trip addict, and are looking for a unique gift…
The first podcast, starring Toshi Goto of the Japanese Route 66 Association (thank you, Toshi!) is in a similar state of limbo. It is also moving forward, with editing and the addition of introductions, taking place now.
This morning I received word that a proposal submitted a few weeks ago has received approval. Next, the budget process. Once those issues are resolved, work will begin on another Route 66 related title. This one will be unlike anything I have previously attempted as it will be more intimate portrait of the road and the people that give it such a sense of addictive vibrancy.
On occasion, in recent weeks, this unfolding chapter in life leaves me quite tense with a feeling that I am juggling chain saws with one hand tied behind my back while straddling the third rail. There are, however, occasions when I find myself grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Historic journeys, epic odysseys, and grand adventures pale in comparison to the grandest adventure of all, the adventure of life itself.