(post delayed due to WiFi going down at motel)
Leaving Kingman after a diversion to Starbucks. Entering the desert with endless views of the road ahead, crossing washes, and rements of garages, gas stations and motels. We start to climb after Cool Springs.
This is the most fun so far. Hairpin turns, sheer drop offs (no guardrails or shoulders), one after another. Carcasses of wrecked cars that didn’t make it can be seen below. We did not pass another car on this stretch and glad.
Shortly after the summit at Siltgreaves Pass is Oatman. Lots of shops, bars, and just plain funk. It appears our brethren from the edge have taken up residence in another old deserted town, took advantage of Route 66 fame and saved it from oblivion. Wild donkeys have also taken a liking to the town. We passed a group of them headed into town for a Saturday visit.
Started the drive down towards Golden Shores. You can actually see AZ, NV, and CA from up here. What is that grinding noise coming from the front of the car?
Crossing over the Colorado River into Needles CA. Long stretch through town with lots of closed motels and businesses. Neat paintings on the side of buildings celebrating 66. What is that grinding noise?
Off the Interstate and going through Barstow. Route is well marked but again not much to see. Grinding noise continues.
We have to make a decision here. The desert continues for another 100 miles but the car is starting to heat up with the temp at 105 at 8:30 in the morning. The desert views are not that interesting during this stretch and probably not much different than driving on the Interstate. We opt to drive in the A/C at 70 MPH on IH40 until San Bernardino. It also appears we have lost the right from brake during the decent in Arizona. Oh well, grape picking season is over anyway.
We following 66 through San Bernardino stopping only when necessary. Brake grinding is getting worse. Drive through many neat towns celebrating 66 with signage and markers. Old gas stations turned into bars, etc. We will call it quits in Monrovia where my son lives and save Santa Barbara for later. Rats.
The Boomer and the iGen On 66 