The fierce heat and natural dangers of the Western deserts were a final barrier to those dreaming of the salty Pacific air. Outside the old Wild West town of Oatman, Arizona, two simple crosses on the side of the road light up momentarily with the passing of every vehicle. Sadly, not all of the 20th-century pioneers reached the Golden State. The roadside crosses are just hours from where the foaming waves of the Pacific are sliced by the rusting legs of the Santa Monica pier, which is the last 600 feet of what for some was the highway of hope, but for many more was not. Only now can Route 66 be whatever you want.
Reality now travels on the interstates.
About 80 percent of the original road is still drivable, but finding the old sections is not always easy. Traveling the length of Route 66 takes no less than week, but is best done over at least 10 days. There are RV parks all along the length of the highway, or close by. Turning around may not be easy in longer motorhomes or trailer rigs. Fan Club, P.O. Box 66, Manchester, Michigan 48158.