Williams, Arizona

Day 25 Photo Album

September 27, 2009

The drive from Kingman to Williams is a fun 100 some miles.  The landscape changes from next to nothing to yellow plants carpeting the plains dotted with cotton ball shaped trees.  Interesting shapes.  There is a healthy color and freshness to them.

Though it doesn’t seem to be rising in elevation, my car struggles to keep up speed without some extra pressure on the gas pedal, reminding me that the land is rising. 

The trees begin to get higher and take a more traditional shape as a small pointed mountain nears.  Soon the hills are covered with trees.  I especially enjoy seeing that lone mountain out in the distance and being drawn into it, over it and beyond it.

Stopping in Seligman for a break, I treat myself to an A&W root beer float in the 97 degree heat.  Perfect in the shade, but a bit toasty in the direct sun.  I’m on Historic Route 66, aka I-40.  The businesses along this route have everything you can think of with Route 66 on it. 

Williams is a nice little tourist town that I’ve stayed in before, back in 2002 when I visited the Grand Canyon the first time.  It is 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon and has very reasonably priced motels.  I could camp here too, but I decided that I shouldn’t since I haven’t educated myself about how to deal with rattle snakes, scorpions, and other creatures of this land.  Most likely I would be fine, but some doubt is knocking on my brain. 

I found the motel we stayed in after driving around town a few times.  Age and loss has worn the owner down a bit, but is still quite friendly.  Little has changed in the motel, which is comforting. The town has grown somewhat with more tourist dependent places:  restaurants, gift shops, jeep rides through the canyon, clothing stores, Route 66 themed shops, and more motels.

It feels good to be back here.  I have fond memories of that trip and intend to stay here a few days.  The shock of not moving constantly is something to adjust to.  All my thoughts seem to have dwindled in the desert.  Who am I?  What am I doing here?  Where am I going?  The answers can wait, I go to Safeway and buy some much needed food.