Route 66: It has been called the Glory Road;
America's Main Street. For all its titles, Route 66 helped shape a culture. From Illinois to California, the 2,200 mile highway was a ticket to a freedom for the American drivers.It wasn't until the 1940's that paved roads linked the east and west coasts, with route 66 being one of the major highways of that system. It linked the plains of the heartland, the desert southwest and finally coming to rest at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
In the 1950's Americans had put the World Wars behind them and took to the road! It was during this time that "fast" food came into being, and created the American craze for hamburger stands and malt shops. Service stations competed for business by offering friendly attendants and clean restrooms. ( Do you remember when you did not pump your own gas? Your oil was checked with your fill up? Battery and tires were checked?) Era of a time gone-by!!!!! Route 66 was a major part of this.
On Route 66 the joy of traveling was not so much the destination, but the journey itself.
Williams, AZ. was the last town that was bypassed by Interstate 40. However Williams can still enjoy the ambiance of soda fountains, shops and motels from the glory days along this Arizona Scenic Highway.
The passing of route 66 to "progress" reminds me of the movie "Cars", by Pixar. where the interstate bypasses the town of Radiator Springs. If you have not seen this movie it is cute and worth your time, not just a kids movie!
After we left Arizona we headed to Durango, Co. for a few days to rest before continuing our trip back home. More later,
Candy and Johnny
