Route 66 Arizona – Day 8

---

Day Eight on Route 66: From Painted Desert to Flagstaff

Good morning, everyone! Today marks day eight of my journey along the iconic Route 66. The adventure continues to unfold with new experiences and breathtaking scenery.

Starting the Day: Arizona Visitor Center and Painted Desert

I began the day by hopping onto I-40, making a quick stop at the Arizona Visitor Center on Route 66. The ever-changing scenery never ceases to amaze me, and today’s highlight was the Painted Desert. The vibrant colors and unique landscapes make it a must-see, and it’s well worth the drive.

As I drove through the Painted Desert, memories from my childhood came flooding back. I remembered a trip with my parents when I was about eleven years old. We were on a summer road trip, exploring the wonders of the Southwest. The Painted Desert was one of our stops, and it left a lasting impression on me even back then.

My mom raved about the Painted Desert then, and to this day, she still can’t stop talking about its breathtaking beauty.

The memory that stands out the most from that trip was when we had a flat tire. It was a scorching hot day, and we were miles away from any town. My dad tried to change the tire, but the heat and the difficult terrain made it nearly impossible. I remember feeling a mix of fear and excitement – fear because we were stranded in the middle of nowhere, and excitement because it felt like an adventure.

Just when it seemed like we might be stuck for hours, a pickup truck pulled up behind us. A local family, who must have noticed our predicament, offered their help. They had all the tools we needed and even helped my dad with the heavy lifting.

Their kindness and hospitality left a deep impression on me. It was a reminder of the goodness of people and the way communities come together in times of need. The Painted Desert was no longer just a beautiful landscape in my memory; it was a place where I experienced the warmth and generosity of strangers.

Driving through the Painted Desert today, I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered that flat tire and the wonderful people who helped us. It added a layer of nostalgia and appreciation to the breathtaking views around me. The vibrant colors of the desert, the vast open spaces, and the sense of adventure all intertwined with my cherished childhood memories, making the journey even more special.

A Friendly Pit Stop

After leaving the Painted Desert, I took a break at a Flying J truck stop along the interstate. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the restrooms were spotless—a much-needed comfort during a long drive.

Exploring Holbrook: Home of the Wigwam Motel

Next, I headed to Holbrook, home of the famous Wigwam Motel. This quirky motel allows you to stay in concrete teepees and is surrounded by classic cars, adding to its nostalgic charm. The motel has received numerous positive reviews, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular stop for travelers.

Souvenirs at The Rabbit

Continuing on, I visited The Rabbit, a well-known souvenir shop advertised for miles along the highway. It’s a perfect spot to pick up unique Route 66 memorabilia and stretch your legs.

Lunch in Winslow and a Somber Memorial

Lunchtime found me in Winslow, Arizona, where I enjoyed a quick and delicious meal at Denny’s. The service was impressively fast, allowing me to make a brief stop at the 9/11 Memorial on the east end of town. Winslow received two pieces of the World Trade Center, honoring the town’s connection to the tragic events of that day.

Standing on the Corner Park

No visit to Winslow is complete without stopping by the Standing on the Corner Park, famous for its mention in the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” The park features statues of Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, along with a vintage flatbed Ford parked on the corner. It’s a popular photo spot for music enthusiasts and Route 66 travelers alike, with plenty of parking and gift shops nearby.

I made my way to Winslow, Arizona, with the anticipation of standing on that iconic corner. The town itself has an old-fashioned charm, with its historic buildings and friendly locals. As I approached the park, the familiar chords of “Take It Easy” played in my mind, and I couldn’t help but hum along.

The statues of Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, immortalized in bronze, stand proudly on the corner, capturing the spirit of the song that put Winslow on the map for countless travelers. The statues are surrounded by a beautifully painted mural depicting a scene straight out of the 1970s, complete with an eagle soaring high above.

But it was the vintage flatbed Ford that truly caught my eye. Parked strategically on the corner, it seemed to be waiting for its next passenger. I could almost hear the lyrics, “It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me,” playing in the background as I walked closer. I took a moment to sit on the edge of the truck bed, feeling a connection to the countless others who had made this pilgrimage before me.

As I looked around, I noticed other visitors, some posing for photos, others simply taking in the moment. There was a sense of camaraderie among us, as if we were all part of a shared experience, brought together by the timeless music of the Eagles. The gift shops nearby were filled with memorabilia, from t-shirts and mugs to vinyl records and postcards, each item a piece of nostalgia.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how music has the power to connect us to places and moments in time. For me, Winslow and the Standing on the Corner Park were not just about a famous song, but about the journey and the memories it evoked. The people who helped us with our flat tire, the awe-inspiring views of the Painted Desert, and now this, a stop on a corner that had become legendary.

Winslow’s charm lies not only in its musical heritage but in its ability to welcome travelers with open arms. The town may be small, but its impact is immense, offering a perfect blend of history, music, and hospitality. As I left the corner and continued my journey, I felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I had stood on that famous corner and become a part of its ongoing story.

Final Destination: Flagstaff, Arizona

The last leg of my journey took me to Flagstaff, Arizona. I arrived early enough to take a quick drive through town, which is a bustling hub of Route 66 activity. Today, I covered 375 kilometers and parked my truck at the hotel by 3 PM, concluding a busy yet enjoyable day.

That’s it for today! I’ll see you all tomorrow for more adventures on Route 66. Have a great night!