Road Tripping Along Route 66

John Steinbeck, in his book, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ spoke of the Joad family; who were being dispersed from the Great Big Dust Bowl. We see references of them using ‘The Mother Road’ to get to their destination – California. ‘Route 66’ is the contemporary name for that historic road.

You want to get a feel of an American road trip of the 1920s while you travel across, virtually, the half of America? Take a road trip along Route 66.

BACKGROUND:

Originally, this highway ran from Chicago, Illinois; through Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, Arizona and California; finally reaching its end at Los Angeles. The total length of the road came up to over a whopping 2,400 miles.

Highway 66 got its name in the year 1927. However, most of the path was paved in the 1930s.

TOPOGRAPHY:

The roadbed is characterized by descents, cuts, climbs and switchbacks. Barbed wire fencings, wood trestle bridges and roads made of untreated timber greet you along the way.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:

• Williams (Arizona)

This may by far be the most well preserved Route 66 towns that still exist. With its almost-ancient motels, restaurants and souvenir shops; the town has a very rustic feel to it.

• Sitgreaves Pass (above Gold road)

Hairpin curves, virtually absent railings and the narrow road are enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most experienced drivers. But keep to the speed limit, and you’ll do fine.

• The Amboy Shoe Tree (California)

The concept of Shoe Trees along American Highways can almost be treated as a cultural sign, which has been created by travelers along the years. One such tree, called the ‘Amboy Shoe Tree’ is located in California, alongside the Highway 66.

• The Petrified Forest (North East Arizona)

Parts of this forest have been designated as a National Park; making it the only such park in the US to have any connections with the historic ‘Mother Road’.

The petrified trees get their unique identity from their porous wood; which is almost made up of solid quartz. A diamond tipped saw would be the only tool capable of cutting through these trees.

ROUTE 66 TRIVIA:

Route 66 is also known as the ‘Will Rogers Highway’, taking after the famed humorist.

While traveling the whole of this route, you will cover 3 time zones.

The Highway spreads across 8 states of America.

Today’s maps do not include Route 66 in its original form. You will, however, see the interstate routes that took over the same stretch.

As the band ‘Depeche Mode’ put it – “If you ever plan to motor west; Travel my way, the highway that’s the best. Get your kicks on Route 66”!