A Route of Whimsy...

Route 66 is seen as many things...dusty, deserted, hopeful, and eccentric.  One of the last things I saw last night in Gallup, NM before calling it a day was the Road Runner Motel washed in the neon glow of it advertisement.  It made me think about all that I have seen on this trip...people struggling to keep the Route alive, signs of failure and success, neon announcing The Mother Road is alive and well, and whimsy (Mike likes to call it schlocky). Desperate people are not inclined to whimsy; where there is the whimsical there is hope.

As we said our good-byes to Gallup and headed west, the scenery made a drastic change...long miles with little to tell us whether we were in a town or just on the open road. Mesas rose out of the flat, scruffy land in vibrant shades of taupe, terra cotta, pink, and red. The sky was so blue I couldn't believe that it was real. And every once in a while a sign of whimsy told us there was life.



A trip to Fort Courage re-assured me that somethings never change on Route 66; my first stop to the alleged home of "F-troop" was in 1968. I was travellig with my family from Tennessee to my dad's new base in Riverside, California. My dad was not one for unnecessary stops, but to him (since he loved the tv show "F Troop") this stop was a must. I can remember spending the day bored to death with the only bright spot being the promise of a souvenir. Mike is right; this one is schlocky!

Tepees and giant jackrabbits were next on the agenda...definitely whimsical! It seemed that every gift shop and trading post we passed had a tepee out front - some colorful, some faded; but all there with the intent to lure in the tourist. The most unique gift shop was The Jackrabbit. It's lure was no tepee, but (you guessed it!) a giant jackrabbit statue. Mike and I couldn't resist.

Next stop; Winslow, Arizona - as in the song "standing on a corner in..." This busy little town tastefully embraced its claim to fame. A statue on the corner of 2nd and Kinsley beckons all to have there picture made. The backdrop is nothing less than "a girl in a flatbed Ford".  What a great photo op!

Two more stops off the interstate were on our agenda, Two Guns with it ruins and Twin Arrows with, what else but, two giant arrows planted into the ground. We have heard the rumors that Russell Crowe purchased Two Guns; there are hopes that this will bring a re-newed interest to this desolate placed. Ghostly echos of laughter, eggs frying, and tourists asking directions could be heard at Twin Arrows. The remains of a Valentine Diner announce hamburgers, malts, and breakfast.

Any sadness we were feeling from the decay of Two Guns and Twin Arrows quickly vanished as we arrived in Seligman. This town is the epitomy of whimsy! Our first stop was at the Snow Cap Drive-In. Along with treats of ice cream, malts, and burgers customers are served antics and practical jokes. Out back is Juan's Garden - a whimsy lover's delight with it smiley-face chair, colorful flags, old stoplight, and toilets used as flower pots.

With our spirits lifted, we decided to stay at the Supai Motel. It has a great neon sign and was just renovated. Our choices for dinner tonight include The Road Kill Cafe with menu choices including Splatter Platter and Highway Hash!

I don't know what tomorrow will bring as it seems everyday on Route 66 brings new sites, new emotions, new advetures; but for tonight a little whimsy brings a smile.