Jack Rabbit Trading post - Winslow, AZ - With signs leading up to this iconic stop for souvenirs, we had to stop. Aside from the giant rabbit (hare) to climb on, it wasn't really worth the stop. We picked up a couple magnets and trinkets and were quickly on our way.
Stop #2 - Little Painted Desert - Winslow, AZ - Still fighting the haze from the nearby forest fires, we really weren't sure what to expect at this stop. It was a bit out of the way and in the middle of nowhere. I almost turned around with little feeling of FOMO, but kept on going. GPS has us pull onto this washed-out road that was marked with an old signpost that had seen better days. We drove down to the end and it was deserted and looked as if we were the only visitors in recent time. We went to the edge and were amazed. Even Aidan was in awe, saying that his brain just couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. I wish I could have captured it better with the camera. At this moment, probably one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen.
Stop # 3 - Standin' on the Corner - Winslow, AZ - Is the song stuck in your head yet? Of course, no Route 66 trip would be complete without stopping to take a picture while standin' on the corner in Winslow, AZ.
Stop #4 - Meteor Crater - (still in) Winslow, AZ - Most of our stops have been free or low-cost, but this was one of the more expensive must-sees at $53 for our family of four. However, it was an interesting stop. Hard to tell in the picture how large the crater is, but it is enormous. No pets allowed, but thankfully, they have a free kennel for dogs that were shaded and equipped with fans and water misters, so we were able to walk around and enjoy the museum and the crater.
Stop #5 and #6 - Two Guns Amusement Park and Apache Death Cave - Somewhere between Winslow and Flagstaff, AZ - I'm strange, I know, but this was one of my most anticipated stops. A Trading Post turned Amusement Park (with a dark twist) turned campsite and now just a deserted ghost town. I like walking through old deserted places and imagining what they once looked like, so this was right up my alley. Aidan and Kailynn walked with me through most of the buildings while Alyssa stayed in the car enjoying the AC. Not sure who had the better priority list, us or Alyssa.
We did not go into the Apache Death Cave. I really wanted to walk down into the cave, but knowing a bit of the history, I opted not to out of concern for our safety (even a twisted ankle would be dangerous out here in the middle of nowhere), out of respect for the sacred land, and maybe due to a teensy bit of superstition as well.
Stop # 7 - Twin Arrows Trading Post - Still out in the Middle of Nowhere, AZ - Like many other spots along Route 66, what once was a busy spot to stop, is now just a crumbling building covered in graffiti and trash.
Stop #8 - Wupatki Spirit Totem - Just outside Flagstaff, AZ - So this stop was a little bit more difficult than the others. Being that it is completely random, and no one really knows why they are there, and they're located on the side of a busy highway, they weren't exactly easy to find. I drove past them the first time and then pulled into a gas station to ask the attendant if he knew where they were. Here I am walking in, obviously not a local, and ask him if he knows where the spirit totems are. Oh boy, the look he gave. I tried to explain, "hey, you know, the three totem poles on the side of the road, with the white faces..." ::blank stare:: Just then another customer came in and was like, "oh yeah, and said exactly where they were located and where to pull over and it was like a light bulb went off in the head of the attendant and they nodded in agreement and pointed me along my way. As I was walking out, I heard the attendant say to the other customer, "you know, I really thought she was coo coo and a little ... (as he made circles with his fingers around the side of his head). Of course, I drove past them again without seeing them. Thankfully, Alyssa and Kailynn saw them and led me to the spot. I was happy to find them, but then a little sad that I didn't have an offering to leave. So odd and strange that no one, not even the locals know what they are or why they are there.
Finally at the hotel. The nicest hotel along our trip. It was a simple La Quinta Inns and Suites, but it was recently remodeled and very clean. Most of Route 66 is pretty rundown, but Flagstaff is still bustling. Probably the largest amount of people that we have seen over a week. We got ourselves unpacked and I promised Kailynn (and myself) some pool and relaxation time.
Ahhhhh... looks so relaxing. However, I was not the only one enjoying the hot tub. Lol
Tomorrow brings us another day in AZ. Keeping with the Eagle's theme, it's been like Hotel California, err Arizona, where you can check-in, but never leave...
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