Stop 11 - Williams, Arizona

This trip was basically about returning from Monument Valley along the exact same road we had driven from Flagstaff and once at Flagstaff driving on about 30 more miles, now back on Route 66, to Williams. So there is not a lot to say except that despite how wonderful Monument Valley had been it wasn't the 66 and I was genuinely delighted to be back on it. Scenery is one thing but driving is another - and driving on that Mother Road something else again. To be honest I know which I prefer and it was a fantastic feeling to be back driving on it. We drove via Belmont, Parks and Deer Farm Road, through gorgeous forestry and at the point on which I stand below were on the very highest elevation of Route 66 across its entirety. This was shortly after Parks and was at an elevation of over 6,000 ft.

The purpose of the trip to Williams specifically was that we are going to catch a train tomorrow to ride up to the Grand Canyon. We are staying at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and will jump on our steam train early tomorrow morning. The boys are mad keen on trains (I dont share the fascination myself!) so this is a real excitement for them. Their joy is mine of  course and so we are all looking forward to tomorrow eagerly.

We will be staying a second night here at the hotel (this is another 66 detour) but the day after tomorrow we will resume our drive on 66 as far as Kingman. At that point we are going to detour again up to Las Vegas where we are going to spend 3 nights for a little rest and relaxation after all this driving! We've booked into a 5 star hotel that has its own indoor beach so we'll pamper ourselves. However I know I'll miss the road and from Vegas we'll come back to Kingman in order to complete the 66 all the way from there to Santa Monica. But let's not anticipate that to readily. I'm still enjoying it too much! For now we'll enjoy what is ahead of us as there is plenty. Next post possibly tomorrow evening upon our return from the Grand Canyon.