Welcome to another gateway to the Wild West. This episode opens with Fletch rolling out of Kingman, Arizona, heading down the rugged, winding asphalt. He will take you along the breathtaking, white-knuckle twists and turns of the Black Mountains on the historic, steep road leading down toward the old mining outpost of Oatman.
After navigating the mountain switchbacks and dodging Oatman’s famous wild burros, Fletch pushes further West to the Colorado River into California, stopping to admire the architectural grit of the historic Old Trails Bridge, which has watched over Route 66 travellers for generations. Entering the fierce Mojave Desert heat, arriving in the furnace of Needles, California, Fletch sets up his camera to conduct an intimate, self-style interview at The Wagon Wheel Diner.
Next, entering the shimmering desert flats, showcasing the vast emptiness of the Mohave, Fletch pulls into Amboy to check out the unmistakable mid-century neon oasis of Roy’s Motel and Café. The high desert along Route 66 continues, Fletch makes a stop at the whimsically surreal Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, where you will briefly see thousands of sun-catching glass bottles and vintage artefacts.
Next up on this final Route 66 episode, it’s the home stretch & Tee Pee Landmarks. Leaving the open desert behind, the landscape begins to transition into the bustling sprawl of Southern California. Here you will discover the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, Number 7. He reflects on the golden era of American road-trip lodging and takes a nostalgic look at the striking, cone-shaped concrete architecture.
A 4am start, and Fletch arrives at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the official, symbolic end of the 2,448-mile highway. He parks, stands beside the “End of the Trail” sign, and looks out over the ocean waves. Fletch then delivers a deeply moving, emotional conclusion to the 7-part series. He signs off by thanking you, the local preservationists, Shannons, and his partner Donna, who helped to keep the spirit of Route 66 alive for its centenary milestone. The screen fades out to a montage of the journey’s greatest highlights as the closing credits roll, reflecting one of the finest Fletch productions ever created.
This episode contains embedded sponsorship.