At oh-seven-early we all piled into the Vista-Cruiser, since the ’59 had left by Trepanier trailer some hours earlier. We were trying to stick to our “early start” schedule. We said good-bye to the chic Hotel Blue

and Todd and Ed of MSD fame. It looked like they were trying to break out of prison, what with that glazed look in their eyes.

Come to find out the glaze was from hours behind the wheel. Todd seemed rather friendly considering his wife Michelle was flying out this morning for home.

We grabbed gas and then Interstate 40 Westbound. Not too far from downtown was a street named for the city’s most famous family.

Not ten minutes later we found ourselves alone, surrounded only by desert and other Tour cars.

And even the Tour cars were in short supply at this hour of the morning. I was glad to see Gary’s efforts at cleaning the car after the 2 rain storms yesterday were worth it — we could see the mountains reflected in the hood at 75 miles per hour.

Jim, having been our designated ’59 driver for six days, was unaccustomed to sitting with nothing to do. Here he reads the latest issue of — you guessed it — Hot Rod Magazine.

There were some great views on this morning ride, like these rocks.

I have a sneaky feeling the state buys all their rocks from the Rocks R Us Factory Outlet Store. This must be one of their locations.

I remember that my daughter’s fourth grade class studies volcanoes and suchnot. Seems to me these rocks are the result of prehistoric volcanic eruptions.

Of course, they also could have come from Rocks R Us.

Many of the land forms in this part of the country are buttes — you know, those high, flat rock outcroppings. Isn’t this butte a beaute?

Thanks to Gary’s refusal to stop, we soon caught up with Jack Trepanier in the QuadraDeuce. Amazingly, Jack was NOT wearing his “Chief Fear No Beer” headdress. I still think he’s not really a chief.

And here’s George Poteet in his ’32.

Without warning, Jim started crossing his legs uncontrollably and soon was able convince Gary to pull over at the next stop under the threat of a coffee-induced “accident.” Jim did what he had to do. I bought a nice, healthy breakfast.

It’s more of the basic food groups — chocolate, donuts, peanut butter cups and Diet Coke. I can’t wait to have my cholesterol checked after this trip.

Anyone remember the ’60s television program, “F Troop?” It starred Forrest (great name, huh?) Tucker, Larry Storch, Ken Berry and Melody Patterson. It was one of my favorites to watch after school. Anyway, here’s a shot of Fort Courage, where they were stationed.

Funny I don’t remember it being so commercial.

We caught up with and passed that original hot rod at about 7,000 feet.

He looked to me like he was a little cold.

The desert Southwest is home to many wonders, such as dinosaur bone fields. They’ve managed to take science and make it quite touristy. You gotta stop and look these babies over if you’re ever in the neighborhood.

Here Jim brags about his petrified wood,

while Gary proves once and for all there is something harder than his head.

While waiting for all the cars to line up for the Route 66 drive, the local law enforcement started requesting folks move off the street. Bruce, our lead van driver and all around good guy, explained the situation to the officer.

After a minute and a couple of laughs, the problem was solved and we stayed staged in the street.

Right before our turnoff we could see mountains still covered with snow.

It must be cold up there.

Hot Rod made arrangements with one gas station on the trip to offer Tourers discounted gas. With prices what they are, everyone took advantage.

Needless to say, it was a huge success. Topping off the tank prior to getting on old Route 66 was a good idea. You can go quite a distance without seeing another car.

Of course, seeing bugs on the windshield was evidently not going to be a problem on this stretch of road.

Before we knew it, we were at an oasis of sorts. If you ever get to Hackberry, Arizona, make sure you stop at the General Store.

The decor alone is worth the trip. They have old signs,

old cars,

projects for restoration like this old Tin Lizzy,

and a great backyard filled with all sorts of stuff.

Gary even managed to make himself feel at home with a Sears catalog, circa 1922. As he exited the “reading” room, he almost seemed to be bragging with a non-verbal gesture.

Oddly enough, he didn’t see the “No Dumping” sign when he had entered. Notice that there seems to be a theme to this day of travel.

Inside we found great memorabilia over all the walls,

and lots of Route 66 clothing.

While Jim tried to make friends with one of the locals,

I chose to use the indoor restroom instead of the privy Gary found outside. I’m not sure who the interior decorator is, but I can’t recall ever seeing this particular wallpaper in any hotels lately.

It must be a Route 66 thing. We checked out of this look back at nostalgia,

then hit Route 66 for the final drive into Kingman. They really went all out for us in Kingman, giving us a finish line that was easily visible through our bug encrusted windshield.

Important car dudes that we are, the locals provided ATV escorts to our parking spots.

We found a couple of new cars at the stop, including a cherry ’49 Cadillac which we passed on the highway. Here, Jeff Koch of Hot Rod (on the right) gives it the once-over with the owner.

Long Haulers had to check in for an accurate count before heading into San Bernardino tomorrow.

The word is there are more than twice as many as any previous year. Parking was at a premium, which didn’t discourage the Currie Jeeps from snuggling up.

This guy, though, had no trouble finding his parking spot.

Another great car I hadn’t seen before today was this ’54 ’Vette. I could own a ride like this.

That’s quite the hill they parked it on, too.

After a hard day of driving, we decided to treat ourselves to a great diner-type meal at Mr. D’z. It was the place to be seen, including by the Dupli-Color guys.