My apologies to Jimmy Webb for changing his lyrics, however it was 118 F in Phoenix when I arrived after a scenically challenged drive across southern Arizona from Yuma.

The good news is I had an excellent visit with my client in Tempe. I’m at the stage of life where I don’t really want or need much work, so of course they had several things they want me to do, and I booked 6 – 8 days for the summer and early fall.

Because of the extreme heat and very low humidity, a stubborn forest fire north of Phoenix forced the closure of I – 17 to Sedona and Flagstaff. This meant that I had to take an alternate route via Payson which turned out to be pure serendipity.

Leaving the saguaro cactus region AZ 87 climbed to over 7400 feet as it crossed the Mogollon Rim bringing cool 74 F degree breezes, the scent of pine, and mountain vistas. The route through national forest and Indian lands was pristine and untarnished by any commercial signs and buildings. The area feels quite remote, and it would be quite dangerous to get caught out in the country side without the right equipment.

It was a wonderful drive …. I became one with the road, the car, the scenery, and the music. My CD’s of Barbara Streisand and Judy Collins resonated deeply in my soul as the car glided to the northeast to Winslow.

Now I’m spending the night in Winslow, AZ which is situated on the famous old Route 66.

You Get Your Kicks On Route 66
If you ever plan to motor west
Take my way that's the highway that's the best,
Get your kicks on route 66.