2geonomads

Usual breakfast at 7.30 although we are delayed in leaving the hotel by the old blogger taking some extra time to complete the previous day’s blog.
I continue my driving stint with Mick navigating and we start the day with a visit to the Old Town centre of Flagstaff.
First priority is for Fred, Mick and Doug to change money at an ATM. This supposedly simple process did not go according to plan. Firstly, Fred threw a wobbly when he had problems getting the money out ( this was later sorted out at another ATM ). Doug almost went into cardiac arrest when the ATM receipt showed that the balance on his card was minus $277!
A second attempt produced the desired results and a huge sigh of relief for D.
Finally, Mick’s PIN showed up as invalid. This was also sorted out on the second attempt.
Now with us all well and truly cashed up we have the best cup of coffee so far on Route 66 at the Coffee House.
After driving west to Williams we travel north and arrive at the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon about 11.00 am, along with hordes of other tourists and the 3 Amigos gain their first sight of this magnificent natural wonder. ( I had visited the Canyon on a previous occasions ). It is never anything less than awe-inspiring.

We are also fortunate to come across 3 squirrels and 6 elks during our walk along the Canyon rim.
We leave The Grand Canyon at just after 1 pm for the drive back to Williams, a journey during which we encounter yet another heavy downpour.
Lunch at the Route 66 diner in Williams is something of a disaster . The girl serving us was obviously related to the blonde waitress in Albuquerque . Our order was as follows; Fred 2 egg Big Breakfast, Mick and myself 2 egg Breakfast ( not BIG ), Doug a slice of the pie-of-the day plus ice cream. We received 3 Big Breakfasts after a long wait and minus the toast which was part of all the egg breakfasts. Constant enquiries about the toast produced no results and by the time it did arrive we had moved into another time zone and the eggs had curled and gone to sleep!
A quick drive down the Main St of the town confirmed that there were numerous far superior eateries, including a traditional outdoor BBQ. Such is life.
A memorable moment when a lady in one store says to him ” God Bless the rest of your day”. Little did she know what was ahead.
We continue west to Ash Fork and on the way, Doug, who had taken over the driving from Williams, did everything possible to run over two cute little prairie dogs but they escaped unscathed.
At Ash Fork we turn off the ramp of I 40 to a Route 66 sign clearly pointing to the right. Our Dynamo Duo in the front seats decide to follow the instructions of our now infamous guide book author Jerry and turn left. Result a U-TURN.

Not Again!

Doug drives on to the small town of Seligman with his halo somewhat off-centre.
In his well-researched notes Mick had written for Seligman ” R 66 Visitor Centre, check out whole town .” In fact, the town is no longer whole and the only place worth visiting is the original barbershop and gift store still run by a now elderly Angel Delgadillo, who has apparently appeared in some commercials.
Next stop Truxton is a cause for even more hilarity. Jerry had written in his book, and I quote, ” on the west side a weather-beaten 1950 Ford supports a bi- directional sign pointing to LA and Chicago. In front stands a pole festooned with boards pointing the way to all the towns named in the song “Route 66”. All gone to meet their maker like most of Jerry’s gems of wisdom.
Near the community of Valentine we drop down into a wide gorge with some stunning scenery and take a quick side-trip into Hackberry. The Hackberry Gen Store is stocked with all manner of memorabilia, including some old style spittoons, photos from the world of music and film and an original Wurlitzer Juke Box. However, the main feature is apparently ( I didn’t go in there ) the men’s loo with the ceilings and walls covered with scantily- clad ladies but , as Mick cutely put it “not a nipple in sight!”

http://www.hackberrygeneralstore.com/History.html

In search of a cheaper hotel in Kingman we check out Jerry’s suggestion of the Brunswick Hotel, now in the middle of renovation and remodelling. He’s starting to become predictable.
Find a Days Inn at $ 68 per room and stock up on food at Bashas store, as we have decided to eat in our rooms.
Just a note to end the day. I have been on a long search for an Indian T-shirt the same as Mick had bought earlier in the day. He kindly pointed out that the man in hotel reception looked American Indian and may be able to help me. On checking this out I was confronted at reception by a man who turns out to be decidedly more New Delhi than Navajo. Mick now has the dubious distinction of offering advice on a par with that of dear old Jerry McLanahan.

Mick “enjoys” Calf Testicles

Off to Vegas today with Doug reluctantly in tow . ( he hates cities )

Cheers
The Obese Ferret