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The Branding of Route 89
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by Barbara Cowlin
Call us crazy, but we think that US Route 89 deserves to be cherished like Route 66. We just returned from a trip to document the road between Page and Prescott. This was a short trip, relatively speaking, but every time we travel, we generate more ideas and enthusiasm for the project.
We started with a frenzy of packing on Monday, June 29. We really intended to be on the road on Sunday, but due to our lack of preparation, it was fairly impressive that we were only 3 hours and 1 day late as Jim put it.
Having the "Pod", out teardrop trailer, helped expedite the process. All of our kitchen equipment, bedding, and random camping gear was already in the Pod, just waiting for us. We only needed to get food and clothing together. While packing is my least favorite part of travel, done well, it makes the journey much more enjoyable. Jim is an expert at packing. Lists help. Having everything organized in one spot helps, too.
The best part is getting on the road. At that point, it doesn't really matter if minor items are forgotten. The road is ahead, beckoning with the anticipation of new adventures. We were off!
The purpose of this trip was not just to photograph and document the road. We had a myriad of appointments scheduled, to talk to people about the project and the website. We were met with enthusiasm and appreciation for our efforts. What is amazing is that everyone we encountered on this trip had fond memories of travel along US Route 89, only they didn't know they were on it at the time. When they realized it (we pointed it out to them), they were just as excited as we are about the highway.
 We camped for the first two nights at Lee's Ferry. I was worried that the campground would be full, but the opposite was true. While a handful of people were there, we had our pick of campsites. The last time we camped at Lees Ferry was 20 years ago. All I remember is a stark campground with gale force winds, lots of sand blowing around and our tent threatening to blow away. In short, it was miserable. This time, the trees had grown up, and would have provided a nice wind break if it had been windy.
What I didn't realize the first time was that there is a beautiful view of the Colorado River and surrounding cliffs. You can even see the river rafts gliding by as they start their journey through the Grand Canyon. Not only that, but the bathrooms are clean, with flush toilets, always a bonus!
 We visited the Lonely Dell Ranch in the morning. It's just around the corner from Lees Ferry campground. What a place! It has history, beauty and in the right season, fruit to pick for free. We met the Ranger, Allen Malmquist, who is the sole person in charge of upkeep and refurbishing of the historic buildings, as well as the extensive orchard and grounds. He also wrote an interesting pamphlet about the history of the place, available at the entrance gate. Little known fact: coyotes love pears! When the pears ripen in the fall, people come to pick them. In doing so, pears get knocked to the ground. Coyotes gather just out of sight, and the minute the visitors leave, they charge in to grab the pears and gobble them down. This happens every year. Apparently, it's become a part of the local coyote culture.
 The Powell Museum in Page was a pleasure to visit. In fact, Page itself is a gem, with amazing views every way you look. It's well worth exploring. Of course, Lake Powell is a big attraction in the area, and it is truly spectacular. A fun family activity (besides renting a houseboat and exploring the lake) is a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam. Even the children on our tour were fascinated.
 On our way south to Flagstaff, we stopped at the Cameron Trading Post, one of my favorite places, with beautiful Native American art. The really high end stuff is in the gallery, which is a bit like being in a museum. The Trading Post itself has everything from finely crafted native American jewelry, rugs and baskets to those trinkets kids love to buy. One thing we noticed was quite a display of Route 66 items. The funny thing is that Cameron is 50 miles from Route 66!
 We invented a new slogan for Flagstaff: Where America's Most Scenic Highway Meets America's Most Historic Highway. Flagstaff is truly a Route 66 town. You can't go into a store without seeing 66 paraphernalia. The fact is, most people living in Flagstaff, and most tourists, are crossing 66 and actually doing their traveling on US Route 89.
We camped at the Bonita campground at Sunset Crater Volcanic National Monument, just north of town. We didn't have any trouble finding a site, although we're told the spaces usually fill up by evening. Each campsite had ample space. Situated beneath the ponderosa pine forest, the air is crisp and cool. We had things to do in Flagstaff, but it would have been nice to spend several days relaxing and enjoying this quiet campground. Flagstaff has too many wonderful places to eat and shop, not to mention the beauty in the surrounding area, to list in this newsletter. Stay posted for a newsletter devoted just to Flagstaff in the coming months.
Heading south through Oak Creek Canyon we arrived in Sedona. Sedona is always spectacular. We stayed overnight with friends, went to a concert, and enjoyed the scenery. There are many fine restaurants and world class resorts here. This is the stuff of another newsletter.
In the morning, we breakfasted in Cottonwood at at the Old Town Cafe. See Issue 16 in the newsletter archives for an adventure we had here last spring.
On to Prescott, via 89A through Jerome. I love stopping in Jerome and shopping/eating/browsing. However, on this trip, we just drove through and over Mingus Mountain. This is a spectacular, windy drive. There's a nice forest service parking area at the top where you can stretch and use the (clean) restrooms. It's a good respite from the twists and turns of the road.
 In Prescott, we visited the Sharlot Hall Museum and explored the beautiful gardens. Prescott was geared up for the annual 4th of July parade and rodeo. We'll be visiting, photographing and writing about these activities in July 2010. Prescott is another newsletter waiting to happen.
We headed home to Oracle on Friday afternoon, tired, but exhilarated by our latest adventures along US Route 89. This trip only confirmed our resolve to make 89 as famous as 66. After all, you could say it is "the Father Road", the West's Most Western Highway.
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US Route 89 List of the Month:
Microbreweries & Brew Pubs
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by James Cowlin
 I have to admit that after a long day of photography and exploration, I like to indulge myself with a pub meal and a pint of fine hand-crafted beer. US Route 89 offers many opportunities for just such an indulgence. For instance on the trip detailed above, we had dinner in Flagstaff at the Beaver Street Brewery. Along with our Caesar salad and brick-oven baked pizza, I had a glass of R&R Oatmeal Stout, a rich dark ale with a chocolatey taste. Barbara prefers a lighter ale, such as Bramble Berry Brew with a light raspberry flavor. All in all, a wonderful way to relax and enjoy good food and good company.
For those of you interested in exploring the many local beers that are available along US 89, I have compiled a list of microbreweries and brew pubs. I have sampled some of these and others are on my list for next time we are in the area. The list is available for download as an Acrobat pdf file with links to websites: Microbreweries & Brew Pubs on US Route 89. If you know of any establishments that should be included on this list, let me know. I'm sure there must be some hidden gems that I have overlooked.
If you sample the brews at any of these establishments, we'd love to have you share your experience. Just click on the Share Your 89 Stories link on the website. If you would like help getting started, here are two tutorials to guide you through the registration and user contribution process.
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Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
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 You love driving the two-lane highways that keep you close to the edge of the road so you can see the land at a leisurely pace. You think nothing of stopping along the way to admire the view and smell the fresh air. You seek out unique places to eat where the special of the day depends on what's in season at the nearby farm. You already appreciate the opportunities offered by a journey on US Route 89.
You are not alone in your passion for a trip on a "slow road." There are many others like you. Together we can spread the word of the joys of leisurely travel. Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society and you'll receive an official membership certificate and button to attest to your belief in the "slow road" movement.
General Membership: $5
Benefits:
· Membership Certificate
· Membership Badge
· Email Newsletter
· Invitations to all project events
Download the Membership Brochure in pdf format |
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