Route 66: Day Six

Note: Since we didn't have Internet access last night, this post was written on the evening of 5/26/07, but posted a day later on 5/27/07.

“Standin’ on a corner in Winslow, AZ
Such a fine sight to see”

Today (5/26/07) it turned out to be bit of a down day for us and we “took it easy” as we eventually headed into Winslow, Arizona.

After sleeping in, we departed out of Holbrook, AZ at 11am Mountain Time (10am local time) and checked out the Meteor Crater. The place was a lot bigger than I had imagined from all the pictures I’ve seen of it over the years. We took the tour around the edge of the crater where Harold the tour guide gave us plenty of valuable information on this natural landmark.

We then headed back to Holbrook and stopped along what Harold described as a “66 survivor” for lunch. A place called Falcon Family Restaurant. In business since 1955, it is still operational along Rt 66 after all these years. Of course, it sits in Winslow, AZ which helps.

And speaking of Winslow, AZ, basically a town whose only claim to fame is a single line in the Eagles’ song Take It Easy, was not what I thought it was. Much smaller, in size and population, than I had imagined. No offense to the citizens of Winslow, but there’s nothing there. There’s an intersection in town right on Rt 66 that is adorned by the Eagles and allows folks to get their picture taken standing on the corner. One particular corner was fenced off because fire had struck a building with a painted mural of a girl in a flatbed Ford and an eagle perched on a window.

We stopped for a quick break in Jackrabbit, AZ and had a photo opportunity to ride the rabbit.

Entering back into Holbrook, we checked into the Wigwam Village, where the motel rooms are build at Indian TeePees. It’s like going back in time. While we have a window air conditioner and a modern, cable ready TV, there is no Internet and no phone. A lot of defunct classic autos are parked in the parking lot to give it a 1950s feel. And the room key is a real key.

Today’s Rt 66 Fun Fact #1: According to a sales clerk in Winslow, Jackson Browne, who co-wrote the song Take It Easy, was traveling through Winslow, AZ when his car broke down. While waiting on repairs, he was standing on a corner.

Today’s Rt 66 Fun Fact #2: The meteor that hit the Earth and created what is known as the best preserved crater on Earth, made its impact 50,000 years ago. It was estimated at 150 feet long and hit the Earth at an 80 degree angle traveling at 20,000 mph. According to Harold, 20,000 mph is like getting on a plane in New York and landing in LA 5 minutes later. The impact created the equivalent of an explosion of 20 tons of TNT.

For Day Seven, we plan to take the trip to the Grand Canyon, even though its well off the course of Route 66.

Stats:
Miles Travelled, today: 130 miles/ 140 miles (after eating dinner)
Miles traveled, total: 1,791 miles
Today’s Avg Speed: 21.6 mph
Today’s Fuel Mileage: 30.6 mpg