About the Photo: Mother Road
The Great American Road Trip is more than just a drive. For many it’s a lifelong dream of discovery. An invitation to witness the vast landscapes and cultures that define this country. I’ve been fortunate enough to make the cross country trek twice, but the pull of the open road never fades.
In August of 2021, I had the privilege of taking my mother on the journey she had always dreamed of. Over 16 days and 6,253 miles, we navigated from Maryland through the heart of Chicago where we joined Historic Route 66. We followed that storied pavement all the way to the Pacific at Santa Monica. We returned home by interstates but were able to make stops at some beautiful National Parks.
While all of Route 66 was an amazing experience, Arizona captured our hearts. From the fallen giants of Petrified Forest to the overwhelming scale of the Grand Canyon, the state felt like a sanctuary of natural history. Yet the true soul of the trip lied in the Mother Road itself. The weathered charm of towns like Holbrook, Seligman, and Oatman. From old hotels and an abundance of roadside attractions to the wild donkeys, Arizona had it all.
My personal highlight was the Oatman Highway as it climbed through Sitgreaves Pass. Known as “The Sidewinder,” this narrow eight mile stretch demands a slow pace. 191 curves hug the rugged terrain with drop offs on the side of the road.. Near the summit I found a vantage point that perfectly captured the road’s rhythmic descent toward Oatman. I was struck by how the pavement snaked through the desert. A narrow ribbon of humanity balanced against the dominant mountain peak.
Though the late morning light was starting to become harsh, the composition came together beautifully. The clouds in the upper right mirrored the silhouette of the mountains creating a natural balance. The road acts like a leading line taking your eye through the photo. Even after a few years, I still fine new details throughout the image. To capture the full grandeur of this scene, I stitched together seven individual frames into a panoramic vista.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this perspective. Have you ever felt the pull of Route 66? If so, which stretch of the road stayed with you?
