Life on Route 66 Across Arizona
The absolute best part of any travel is meeting wonderful, entertaining and special people along the way. As we drove along the “historical route 66” little could we have imagined the fantastic people and the fun evening we were about to have. We pulled into the campsite at Seligman and Stephanie the owner handed me a key chain that said, “I survived the night of a1000 trains.” As we set up camp, we watched and heard the trains rumble past us and decided if we are going to have a noisy and possibly sleepless night, we may as well go out and meet some folk.
Adventurouspirits on Route 66
We walked across to the Stagecoach Motel and into the pizza restaurant. A sign on the door said,
“If you are in a hurry, this may not be the place for you.
House rule #1 Eat. Drink and Be Happy.
Rule #2. If you drink, too much we get to take you home or you may get a room.
Rule #3. What happens here…………………….”
Elvis is in the House
Anne-Lise the owner greeted us like a long lost friends. Greg and Pat were playing guitars and singing, an old jukebox stood against the wall from which hung photos of family, friends and local events. Jokes and short stories placed beneath the plastic tablecloths for the diner’s enjoyment, and everyone eating the biggest and best pizza ever. It was as if stepping back into the 1950’s, no blaring TV with sports and fast food, but great live entertainment and home made food. We ordered our pizza and settled in for a night of laughter and dancing with new friends.
Party Time at Stagecoach Motel
Greg and Pat were great, we loved their music and could not resist the urge to get up and dance around the restaurant, soon the other customers were also on their feet, the cook came from the kitchen to join in the foray clicking away with her tongs. Anne Lise beat out the tune with two large spoons and an elderly couple held each other closely and danced the night away. It was spontaneous, folk yelling at Greg and Pat for “more” and requesting their favourites songs. We ate pizza, drank more beer and chatted with everyone in the restaurant. Finally exhausted we returned to the camper and despite the rumbling of 1000 trains, we slept the night away.
Greg and Pat
Kitchen Back Up Musicians
The following morning we joined Anne Lise and Trisha for coffee and sweet rolls and listened to their stories of a life on route 66. Anne Lise proudly showed off her Harley Davidson bike that she rode across Canada on her own for her 60th birthday. Trisha a wonderful artist proudly showed us the beautiful murals she had painted in the “theme rooms” of the Stagecoach Motel owned by Anne Lise. The Harley Davidson room, the Norwegian room, John Wayne room, and the most touching room the Marine Room decorated with memorabilia and photo, and pictures created by a Vietnam veteran. The guest book on the table, signed by vets and their families who had stayed in the room, sharing memories and touching stories. Sadly, it was time to leave our new friends and get back on the road. Inspiring people, all working hard to keep the spirit of Route 66 alive and well in Arizona
Anne-Lise With Norway Theme Room
Route 66 Seligman Arizona
We arrived at the Hoover Dam by crossing the Colorado River on the newly opened Mike O’Callaghan –Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge spanning the Black Canyon. We walked back across the bridge that has a wonderful view of the Hoover Dam an engineering wonder drawing hydroelectric power from the force of the Colorado River. Driving across the actual dam wall, we imagined just how chaotic the traffic must have been before additional roads and bridges were opened, as it is a main thorough fare between Arizona and Nevada.
New Bridge Across Colorado River
Hoover Dam
We camped that night at Boulder Beach at the Lake Mead National Park. We met up again with Roger and Mirjam the Switzerland overlanders also heading for South America. Tom spent the evening chatting with some German visitors while I went to bed early.
Lake Mead National Park
The following day we headed off to explore the area, pulling off at a stop we were confronted by an agitated man with a knife so we moved on, no need to hang around. However shortly after we were pulled over by the police. I watched in my rear view mirror as the officer cautiously approached the truck, moving slowly along side until at my window. He glanced at me and then said I was being stopped as I failed to stay in my lane. I stared in disbelief what on earth did he mean I asked.
“Just give me your driver’s license, insurance and registration papers,” he said.
He returned to the police cruiser and shortly after returned back to our truck.
“Generally when people don’t stay in their lane they are under the influence,” he informed me.
I burst out laughing, “You mean you thought I was drunk.”
Still serious he kept questioning me. Where did we stay last night? I had to ask Tom. What day is it? I had to ask Tom, Where did we come into the park? Again, I had to ask Tom.
Tom was not amused and kept muttering to me under his breath, “Stop laughing, this is serious.”
Finally, the officer relaxed and let me off with a warning.
We stopped for lunch at a little spring and to our delight watched as two turtles swam about, little fish swimming around them, a little oasis in the middle of the desert. The strangeness of the day continued when we saw a naked man walking across the highway and into the desert. No wonder the police are nervous in this area, strange people roam about.
Lake Mead Colourful Rocks
We arrived at the Valley of Fire State Park, which derived its name from the red sandstone formations. It is stunning and we could not wait to hike down some canyons. We spent several hours exploring the area before we knew it was time to leave and head for Las Vegas. We could no longer put it off; we had to leave the natural wonders and go see for ourselves what this sin city is all about.
Valley of Fire State Park
Another Geology Heaven
We arrived in Las Vegas and headed for the large asphalt parking lot of the KOA. It was our first campsite we had seen with its own dog bath and doggie playground. After a shower and as the sun began to set, we began our long walk along the famous strip. Oh boy!!
Living it Up in Las Vegas?
