2019 WB Day 15 - Where It All Began

Our fifteenth day on the road was very special. It started with breakfast at the Wild West where owner and local Mayor John W Moore explained how important Route 66 travellers are to Williams and the things that needed to happen to keep his town alive.

Through Ashfork there is no doubt about why this small hamlet is the capital of flagstone...

...but sadly Zettlers store is closed and up for sale. Nothing is easy out here on the old road.

The road to Seligman parallels the rail line that is in constant use... this time trains in both directions again highlights the huge quantity of freight that moves cross country.

We're on the acknowledged first historic section of Route 66 thanks to the actions of one man. Angel Delgadillo didn't lie down for long when they did bypass his barber shop.

He stood up and was counted and we got that loud and clear when he made a personal appearance to explain the background of how the modern take on the historic Mother Road has come to be.

Euan even had to feel the privilege of his steady hand (at 92+) for a cut throat shave he'll likely never forget. Angel's is a story of how the little guy can make a difference and that we mustn't take 'no' for an answer if we really believe in something.

Next door at Angel's brothers Snow Cap diner we were entertained with the tricks that have made this place famous for decades... "you only want a small cone... how's this?" or 'just looking... sure, would this do?"

Grand Canyon Caverns was our next stop and we explored a different cave system, this time a dry cavern 23 stories below the surface.

It also doubles as a fallout shelter, complete with stores for more than two weeks, for up to 2000 people should there be such an impending disaster... and if you want a special night's accommodation you can even book their 'cave' motel.

Lunch was a simple affair under the tree back out by the main road where the neon signs have definitely seen better days. Mind you watch out for the cops hiding behind the trees on the way out!

Hackberry General Store was special for Barry.

He was surprised to recognise a set of Burma Shave signs on a fence from years ago when he and son Steve travelled this way en route to Phoenix.

It was also a great chance for some more shopping and a look at some rusting hulks as we near the end of our desert journey.

The remainder of the day was descending from the hills onto the relative flat plains of the Arizona desert.

El Travatore Motel in Kingman (with her themed vintage rooms) is the overnight stay but a few slipped off to the Dream Machine shop which specialises in restoring and modifying some of yesteryears great wheels.

Kayelynn Johnson proudly showed off the GT500 he restored from ground up 17 years ago, still in pristine order under his watchful eye.

It was one of several cars on the lot, many of which are for sale... although for sure some of these are not!

Dinner at the Steakhouse appeared back to front when Liz ordered a pre dinner cocktail that looked more like her desert... perhaps the cream on top of what has been one of the most interesting days we've experienced since leaving Illinois over two weeks ago.