Adios 2023, hello 2024. Once again the team at Jim Hinckley’s America is reflecting on 2023, and making plans for 2024. Sharing highlights of the year that is about to become history, and highlighting projects planned for the coming year are a December tradition. But this year is a bit different as a number of projects and initiatives are linked to the fast approaching Route 66 centennial.

Adios 2023

A simple adage that I live by is this, every day is good. However, some days are just a bit better than others. That outlook on life sums up how I review a year come December.

Travel is a primary focal point of what we do at Jim Hinckley’s America. We share America’s story. And we inspire road trips by telling people where to go.

But we try to tell people where to go if we have been there first. As our tag line says, we taste the enchiladas and test the pillows.

2023 Adventures

This year the travel schedule was a bit lighter than in 2019. Still, it was an improvement over 2020 or even 2022. And there is clear indication that 2024 will be even better.

We kicked things off with a short trip to the Route 66 Info Fair in Needles, California. It is always good to see old friends, and to inspire a road trip or two. And Needles on the Colorado River during the months of winter are delightfully sunny and warm.

A speaking engagement in Apache Junction provided an excuse to drive through Phoenix, our first visit in more than 15 years to a city that seems like a desert suburb of Los Angeles. To date, with near full capacity of the 350 seat theatre, that was the largest audience that turned out to see me beat my gums, and tell stories.

Colorado In February

I greatly enjoy Colorado. But I am a man of the desert, so a visit to a Coloorado ski resort city in February isn’t my idea of a great holiday escape. While other conference participants took time to ski, snowmobile or even avail themselves of a massage, I chose to read, engage in lively conversation and simply enjoy the sights from in front of the fire.

The conference was quite fascinating and thought provoking. And to be asked to particpate as well as speak before such an August group was a distinct honor. Speakers, and dinner companions, included John Foley, a former lead solo pilot for the Blue Angels, and Fatema Hamdani, the co-founder/CEO of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace Inc.

Of course, the journey to Colorado provided an opportunity make a few new discoveries. One of these was the charming and delightful Grand Junction Palamino Inn, a little vintage place on U.S. 6 in Grand Junction, Colorado. And the return trip included seeing Monument Valley dusted with snow, and experiencing a frosty sunrise in Kayenta, Arizona.

Old Friends and An Old Saloon

A highlight of the year was an opportunity to visit with some friends from Germany in Prescott, Arizona. Over the course of the past forty years or so my dearest friend and I have made lots of memories in the old territorial capitol. But being able to share a few of the highlights, such as the Palace Saloon on Whiskey Row, the oldest saloon in Arizona, with our friends made for a delightful evening.

This old saloon has a connection to the legenday Earp brothers, and to our honeymoon. And it figures promininently in the 1972 movie Junior Bonner staring Steve McQueen, a movie that inspired me to try my hand as a saddle bronc rider.

Prescott has been overwhelmed by the onslaught of generic suburbia. But the historic heart of the picturesque old town with towering courthouse on the square is unchanged from when I was working ranches north of town more than 45 years ago. With its historic hotels, saloons, eclectic shops, diverse restuants, and fascinating museums, Prescott remains one of our favorite destinations.

Adios 2023, Hello 2024

The annual fall Route 66 tour was was also an opportunity to bid adios to 2023 with some friends, and to say hello to 2024 in planning sessions with associates. The focal point of the tours are the Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference.

As is our custom during the drive to and from, we visit with friends in the tourism industry. This enables to get a better feel of upcoming tourism trends, which in turn helps us plan for 2024. And we try out a few new motels and restaurants, and check out some old favorites.

Plans are already being made for the fall 2024 tour in October I have agreed to speak at the MIles of Possibility Route 66 Conference which will take place in Edwardsville, Illinois. And as I am currently working on two new books, there is a chance that I will have an opportunity for a series of signings.

Hello 2024

We will be kicking off 2024 with a trip to southern California. A book signing at Auto Books Aero Books in Burbank is confirmed for January 20, 2024. And I am hoping to confirm at least one more appearance. To that end I am in discussion with a book store in Pasadena.

The trip will also be an opportunity to check out some new restaurants and motels. And even if I haven’t figured out the GoPro, I will also be gathering photos to be used as illustrations in the new books, including a Route 66 centennial anthology. There are also plans to create some videos for our YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, before I can say hello to 2024, there is a doctors appointment and a visit to the optometrist. And of course there is the holiday season.

Lots of exciting plans for 2024. So, stay tuned.