A Route 66 adventure started with a meeting at Tpock 66 resort on the Colorado River. ©Jim Hinckley’s America
Another Route 66 adventure consumed most of the day. But the worst day on a Route 66 adventure, especially if it includes a visit with old friends, is better than a day most anywhere else.
Another Route 66 Adventure
The impression may inadvertently be given that I suffer from Route 66 myopia. In general my life revolves around road trips of any kind. As inspiring road trips by telling people where to go is a cornerstone of Jim Hinckley’s America, road trip adventures figure prominently.
But Route 66 figures prominently as that highway has been a focal point of most everything in my world since about 1959. As a result it gets a bit more attention than US 6, US 12 or other two lane highway.
So, it comes as no surprise when I have an opportunity for another Route 66 adventure. The incentive for this particular outing was the Mohave County Economic Development regional tourism meeting. This brainstorming session was held at Topock 66, a resort complex on the Colorado River near the site of the pre statehood hamlet of Topock.
Aside from another opportunity to drive one of my favorite sections of Route 66, and networking, this was also an opportunity to get a look at phase one of the new hotel at Topock.
Needles, Arizona
Topock has a rather interesting history. It was established as a steamboat landing and supply center. The distinctive rock formation known as the Needles located to the south was the name selected when a post office appliction was submitted.
When the town faded and the post officce closed, the name Needles was used by a railroad construction town that was blossoming on the California side of the river. Fast forward a couple of years. Needles, Arizona was given a new lease on life and once again a post office was established. But as the name Needles was in use, a Mojave word fro river crossing, Topock, was selected.
Topock in 1952 was a small desert oasis for Route 66 travelers. Steve Rider collection.
During the era of the National Old Trails Road, predecessor to Route 66, a ferry operated near Topock. Before opening of the National Old Trails Road Bridge in 1916, a secondary river crossing used by motorist was planing on the railroad bridge.
Dawn Of A New Era
Topock 66, the modern resort complex, has been evolving over the course of the last twelve years. With addition of the hotel, 25 rooms in phase one, it will quickly become a destination for Route 66 enthusiasts.
The hotel is being built using an innovative modular method. Units are manufactured in Henderson, Nevada, and assembled on site.
The hotel features spacious rooms, easy access dedicated parking, micorwave, refrigerator, and large bathroom. And the rooms also offer panoramic views of the Colorado River Valley, and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
The resort also offers a good restaurant with indoor or outdoor seating, and a small general store. There is a swimming pool, a private marina, and outdoor stage. An added bonus is that it is conveniently located just off I40.
A Route 66 Adventure
Part two of the Route 66 adventure was a drive to Oatman, and over Sitgreaves Pass in the Black Mountains. I have been making this drive for nearly sixty years and never tire of the stunning landscapes.
The rooms at Topock66 hotel will provide guests with expansive views of the Colorado River Valley. ©Jim HInckley’s America.
The stop in Oatman included a brief visit with old friends. It also gave me an opportunity to sign books at Fast Fanny’s and Jackass Junction. And as the town was busier than Time Square, I also spent some time answering questions and telling people where to go.
The adventure wrapped up with an opportunity to share the drive with a friend and business associate. And that is alsways a bonus.
All of this sparked plans for the next adventure on Route 66. That will be the subject of the next installment of In Search of Lost Highways, a new series of programs on the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel.
