Day 6

In the beginning, Taylor bought an asphalt-shingled shack that had formerly been used as a snake farm and then he turned out all the snakes, much to the  alarm of several area residents. Soon, he began to revamp the building, with dancing chiefs painted on the front, 30 twelve inch jack rabbits hopping along the roofline, and a large rabbit painted on one side of the building. He then installed a three-foot high, composition jackrabbit with yellow eyes, just inside the door to welcome the many tourists stopping by. Many an old time traveler can tell a story of having their picture taken atop this rabbit when they were a child. Inside, the counters and shelves were lined with pieces of petrified wood, turquoise jewelry, and Indian souvenirs.  

But owning a Trading Post in those days just wasn’t enough. Dotting the highway, they were a dime a dozen and competing with the nearby Geronimo Trading Post, with its visual pulling power of large decorative teepees, Taylor had to do something more.

And, something more he did! Joining forces with Wayne Troutner, owner of the For Men Only Store in Winslow, the pair traveled Route 66 to Springfield, MO plastering billboards all along the way. Hopping rabbits paired up with a dancing cowgirl for more than 1,000 miles, enticing travelers to stop at the Jackrabbit and the Men's Only Store in Winslow. After all those miles, travelers couldn’t miss the huge yellow sign that simply said "Here It Is” paired with its famous jackrabbit icon.

And here we are!

Winslow, AZ

"Standin on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine site to see - It's a girl my Lord in a flat bed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me ..."

-- The Eagles, 1972

Now now we are laying in the intersection Winslow, AZ.  The lady we asked to take the picture said really? You want your picture where? We thought it was a great idea.  Clearly the people who painted the sign in the middle of the road wanted tourist to lay in the street for pictures.  Perfectly Safe!  She said here honey you take the picture I'll watch for cars.

Flagstaff, AZ

A couple of iconic places on 66

Getting closer to the Grand Canyon

a few landscape pics

 A long horned steer!  He did not look super happy but we slowed down and got the pic anyhow.  can't miss an opportunity like this.

The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park was named as an official national park in 1919,but the landmark had been well known to Americans for over thirty years prior. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited the site and said: "The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled through-out the wide world... Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."

 Squirrell!!!!

Couple of mule deer

Couple of selfies!  We have decided one of us need to start paying attention to the position of shadows.  Kevin's one eyebrow is super bushy in this one.

and in this one he has an out of control bushy unibrow!

Now that we have seen the Grand Canyon as President Theodore Roosevelt suggested every American should do.  We are now off to Sedona, AZ which was and unscheduled stop for us but suggested by Brenda.  We decided that a flip of a coin would decide what are destiny would hold for us, if we would continue our quirky Route 66 trip or take this beautiful scenic offshoot.  Heads was Route 66 & Tails was Sedona. Tails it was so we are on our way.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

 is about a 14 mile drive along Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. It has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Most Scenic Drives in America. Oak Creek Canyon is a breathtaking stretch of beauty on a winding road that climbs 4,500 feet from Sedona to the top of the Mogollon Rim.

All of this beauty and we have not even gotten to Sedona, AZ great suggestion Brenda!

Sedona, AZ

We have now arrrived into Sedona in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in the world. at least what I have seen of it.  We hurried up and ate dinner and went to get a view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross at Sunset.

Rising high above magical views, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one the most awe-inspiring landmark icons of Sedona It has touched the hearts of all who have visited her since it was built in 1956. It is spiritual and mystical place. Although the Chapel is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, all faiths are welcome to visit the Chapel and its vast incredible views.

This will be our accomodations for the evening.  Our time share! We used one of our free nites! woohoo! I like free.