Life Hidden in the History of a Highway

LIFE HIDDEN IN THE HISTORY OF A HIGHWAY

7/9 Day 9, Trip #4

As we woke up in Chambers, Arizona, well, for that matter, even when we arrived at the hotel the evening before, one couldn't miss the stunning flight behavior of Cliff Swallows. With beautiful blue iridescent wings, these birds build their nest for two weeks straight during the hot summer months. Made out of circular dabs of mud they form with their beaks, like a skilled engineer, they connect them like adobe bricks, under eaves and overhangs of the hotel.

The hotel itself, constructed in the early 1960’s as Highway 40 was being built, it was named The Chieftain. Later was renamed The Best Western Chieftain Inn, then the Best Western, in the 1980s, eventually upgraded to the modern name of Sure Stay Best Western. Nevertheless, it offers retrofitted and modernized rooms that accommodate guests with a simple but decent breakfast every morning. The hotel attendants are kind and helpful, better than other BW we've stayed at. Realizing the Petrified Forest was a 30 minute drive west, Chambers offered a convenient and solid night's stay, although noise from the road can be extensive when trucks hit their top speeds.

By 7:30 AM, we were packed and heading out to get to the forest by 8:00AM. Much to our chagrin, the park didn’t open until 9:00AM. Knowing our time is valuable we decided to forego the park for the next trip, and continued west. Not too far, at least by driving standards, we drove through Williams, and thought we would find a small restaurant or diner for a quick bite to eat. Much to our surprise Williams, AZ was quite crowded with tourists by 11AM. We stopped at the gas station toward the western side of town, snacked quickly with our own rations and headed to Kingman, AZ.

Slightly under two hours later, our bodies demanded a stretch break and the truck chimed in too, needing to rest. It was very warm, and we were looking for air conditioning relief that we quickly found in their Route 66 Museum. It was an adequate museum focused more on the history of the trail that preceded Highway 66 and thus lacked the actual construction, and ambience of the lived experience of the famed 66 Highway. It did have one small room with neon signs and a Studebaker, and a very cool electric car display which included a land-speed racer. A few other highlights included an old tesla, and many 3 to 4-wheeled buggies and golf carts.

After spending two hours in the museum, we braved the heat, put together a few sandwiches and hit the road once again. This time we were planning to stay in Needles, California. The Best Western in Needles is a solid stay, especially when it is 120 degree Fahrenheit. We were tired, the truck was tired, and it was just too hot to keep going.