Route 66

A bit weary from scaling the grand canyon, we went ‘easy rider’ and cruised the route 66 back to Vegas. We nearly ran off the road avoiding tumble weed (really, there was tumble weed), and debated over picking up a hitch hiker to make it authentic, but a sign said not to – something about a penitentiary nearby, so we carried on along a seemingly endless stretch of empty road.

So it was, in search of a 50s diner and a milkshake, that we wound up in Hackberry. I’m sure you’ve heard of it so I won’t go into details.

If you argue over English:

I said 'fairy' but Claire heard ‘ferry’

You might miss your turn

And end up in Hackberry

(Burma Shave)

Okay, so that was my attempt at the classic Route 66 Burma Shave advertising rhymes. Each line spaced on a red sign a few hundred yards apart. Entertainment on the drive and they’re still posted for the enjoyment of tourists (pictured).

We didn’t find a milkshake, but we did find the next best tourist sight – some authentic Harley Davidson bikers stopped at Hackberry’s only business, the general store (pictured). After checking out all the old cars and relics from the heyday of Route 66, Claire chatted up the bikers (of course), and I tried to impress them with our PT Cruiser.

Feeling disheartened – the bikers weren’t impressed – we drove on back to Kingman, and found that classic diner – Mr. D’z – and an excellent milkshake (pictured). The only disappointment there was I really wanted to check out this old steam engine, the ‘Santa Fe,’ but Claire wouldn’t let me – something about having seen enough for a couple of lifetimes.

The day wasn’t quite complete, however, until we provided evidence for some psychology study somewhere I’m sure, as for some reason, succumbing to the common reflex of thinking of large bodies of flowing water, such as Niagra Falls, or the Mississippi River, we both had to stop and use the restrooms on the Hoover Dam (pictured – the dam, not the restrooms).