By Kristy McCaffrey
Established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the main highways
in the U.S. Highway System. Sometimes called the Will Rogers Highway, it became
one of the most famous roads in America, running from Chicago to Santa Monica,
California. Stops in between included St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo,
Albuquerque, Winslow (Arizona), and Barstow (California). Decommissioned in
1985, sections of the highway have been designated a National Scenic Byway of
the “Historic Route 66.”
After World War II, Route 66 became the ultimate road trip
for intrepid travelers, leaving a lasting impression in life, and perhaps even
in death.
The Hotel Monte Vista in Flagstaff has many ghostly
sightings. John Wayne—a guest while filming in Monument Valley—believed he
encountered the Phantom Bellboy, who knocks on doors and announces, “room
service.” Other spirits include a bank robber who haunts the lounge where he
bled to death, an elevator attendant who assists guests, and a woman who stares
out the window of Room 305. It’s also been reported that a ghostly Alan Ladd once
approached Room 309, which is named after him.
The Red Garter Inn, a former saloon and bordello in
Williams, has reports of doors slamming and footsteps when no one is around.
Many believe the culprit is a young Hispanic woman named Eve, although no one
knows why. Other ghosts include a man who was knifed on the staircase leading
to the brothel and an old man who committed suicide.
In 1927, Walter Peck discovered the Grand Canyon Caverns in
Peach Springs. He offered tours to Route 66 travelers, pointing out the remains
of “cavemen” who later proved to be the skeletal remnants of Hualapai
tribesman. Visitors to the caves, especially those who stay overnight, report
hearing moaning sounds, seeing shadowy figures, and having rocks aggressively
thrown at them from the area where the skeletons were removed. The bunkhouse is
also allegedly haunted.
The El Trovatore Motel in Kingman reports that many guests
have heard children talking in the parking lot. This has been an ongoing
phenomenon for many years. The children are never seen and seem to come from a
gorge where Native Americans used to live behind the motel.
La Posada Hotel, located in Winslow, Arizona, was one of the
last hotels built for the Fred Harvey Company and designed by the famous
Southwest architect Mary Jane Colter. It is said there are ghosts on the
property, confirmed by several ghost hunters, but none appear to be malicious.
Instead, it’s believed they are the spirits of people who want to return to the
most exciting trip they’d ever taken.
Route 66 runs along Interstate 40 in Arizona, and this
158-mile stretch is the longest remaining intact section in the nation.
I've got two books on sale this holiday weekend.
Blue Sage
by
Kristy McCaffrey
What do you do when a woman literally lands at your feet?
Braden Delaney has taken over the family cattle business after the death of his father, but faced with difficult financial decisions, he contemplates selling a portion of the massive Delaney ranch holdings known as Whisper Rock, a place of unusual occurrences. The sudden appearance of a pretty relic-hunter while he’s collecting his livestock, however, is about to change his mind.
Archaeologist Audrey Driggs arrives in the remote wilderness of Northern Arizona for clues to a life-altering experience from her childhood. When she rolls off a mountain and lands at the feet of rugged cowboy Braden Delaney, it’s clear she needs his knowledge of the area to complete her quest. But if she tells him the truth, will he think she’s crazy?
Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.
This long novella was previously published in the anthology A COWBOY TO KEEP.
* * * * * *
Book 4 in the Wings of the West Series.
Can be read as a standalone novel.
The Blackbird
by
Kristy McCaffrey
Bounty hunter Cale
Walker arrives in Tucson to search for J. Howard “Hank” Carlisle at the request
of his daughter, Tess. Hank mentored Cale before a falling out divided them and
a mountain lion attack left Cale nearly dead. Rescued by a band of Nednai
Apache, his wounds were considered a powerful omen and he was taught the ways
of a di-yin, or a medicine man. To
locate Hank, Cale must enter the Dragoon Mountains, straddling two worlds that
no longer fit. But he has an even bigger problem—finding a way into the heart
of a young woman determined to live life as a bystander.
For two years, Tess Carlisle has tried to heal the mental and physical wounds of a deadly assault by one of her papá’s men. Continuing the traditions of her Mexican heritage, she has honed her skills as a cuentista, a storyteller and a Keeper of the Old Ways. But with no contact from her father since the attack, she fears the worst. Tess knows that to reenter Hank Carlisle’s world is a dangerous endeavor, and her only hope is Cale Walker, a man unlike any she has ever known. Determined to make a journey that could lead straight into the path of her attacker, she hardens her resolve along with her heart. But Cale makes her yearn for something she vowed she never would—love.
A steamy historical western romance set in 1877 Arizona Territory.
2015 Laramie Award ~ BEST in Western Romantic Fiction
Don’t miss all the books in the series~
The Wren: Book 1
The Dove: Book 2
The Sparrow: Book 3
The Blackbird: Book 4
The Shiny Penny: Short Story, Book 4.1 (available exclusively to newsletter subscribers)
Song Of The Wren: Short Novella, Book 4.2 (available exclusively to newsletter subscribers)
The Bluebird: Book 5
Echo of the Plains: Short Novella, Book 5.5
You got my interest at Route 66 and roped me in with ghosts. On my bucket list is road trip on Route 66, and I've always been a paranormal freak. The road trip just isn't what it used to be with our super highways shooting past towns. Good luck with your sale this weekend! You have a couple of winners there!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti,
ReplyDeleteRoad trips are fun in any shape and form. Thanks for stopping by on this holiday weekend!!