Miracle Mindset

Major historical events in the American Southwest during October highlight a rich tapestry of Native American resistance, military campaigns, and the later emergence of vibrant cultural festivals. This month marks change not only in the weather but also in cultural and artistic celebrations. For example, on October 4, 1846, the Battle of Dominguez Hills unfolded in California, marking a notable Mexican victory over U.S. forces.

 The history of the Southwest is a rich tapestry woven with the stories of ancient Indigenous peoples, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and shifting powers that included Mexican governance in the 19th century. This vibrant region didn't just evolve through historical events; it flourished thanks to the contributions of diverse cultures. Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo traditions have all played significant roles in shaping the Southwest's distinctive architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and the variety of languages spoken here today. 

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey In its heyday, Route 66 was a literal haven of roadside attractions and souvenir emporiums. Some of these landmarks were rather interesting, while the others truly deserved the title 'tourist trap'. Indeed, the 2,448-mile highway that spanned from Chicago to Los Angeles was a thing of wonder for anyone who pulled over from time to time as well as anyone who simply spent the hours staring out the window.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey It was a warm but comfortable summer night when the little lady and I pulled into the town of Williams, Arizona. Williams has always been one of my favorite destinations because it is the home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which is one of the best tourist railroads in America. I also have a soft spot for Williams because in the early 90s, my car broke down just outside of town, and I ended up being marooned there for almost a week. Despite not having any wheels, I spent my time walking around the town, eating in every single restaurant, watching the trains depart and arrive every day, and basically soaking in the atmosphere. Most people would have been very put out by the whole experience, but to tell the truth, it ended up being one of the best vacations of my life. I guess that in some way, I feel like I actually lived in Williams, if only for a week.

 Celebrate the Centenary of Route 66 in Williams, Arizona! As one of the most iconic highways in America, Route 66 has long symbolized the spirit of adventure and freedom. In 2026, it turns 100 years old, and what better way to celebrate than by attending the 11th Annual Williams Historic Route 66 Car Show ? Scheduled for June 5-6, this event promises a weekend filled with classic cars, custom builds, and the nostalgic charm of vintage Americana.

Photos & Story By Ken Hulsey BNSF ES44DC locomotive 7888 demonstrates pure raw power as it climbs the steep grade towards Mormon Rock in Cajon Pass.

Story By Ken Hulsey Photos From The Raptor Ranch Website : This morning, while browsing the internet, I came across an excellent article in Route Magazine (The Official Route 66 Magazine) about the history of Bedrock City in Arizona . Built in 1971 by Woody and Francis Speckels, the park was originally an amusement park inspired by the famous Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Flintstones. Over the decades, Bedrock City became a popular stop for families traveling between the town of Williams and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

Photo From Visit Arizona The Grand Canyon: A Stargazer’s Paradise The Grand Canyon is renowned for its breathtaking vistas by day, but when the sun dips below the horizon, a different kind of magic unfolds. Officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Grand Canyon National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity for tourists and stargazers alike to immerse themselves in the celestial wonders of the night sky. With minimal light pollution, the park provides a stunning backdrop for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays—the universe itself.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about my days in the Southwest over the past couple of months. In my previous posts, I've focused a lot on my experiences in California , New Mexico , and, to some extent, Texas . However, I feel bad for neglecting the great state of Arizona . I often referred to it as "the great land in between" the states I once called home. Although I never lived there, I spent a significant amount of time traveling down the famous Route 66 and later Interstate 40 through Arizona. I have wonderful memories of looking out the window, eating at roadside diners, and stopping at countless tourist traps during family summer vacations.

 This year, one of my goals is to return to the basics of my life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. I want to reflect on my past and understand how I arrived at this point in my life, all in hopes of improving my future. I know that might sound convoluted, but it makes sense to me. Perhaps that’s my problem? I’ll have to think more about it. One of my passions is photography , particularly railroad and nature photography. If you're a railfan, I believe you'll enjoy the photo features I plan to share. As I contemplated where to begin my exploration of my extensive collection of images, I was tempted to dive into some shots I took about 15 years ago. However, I decided to look back even further, so I pulled an old photo album off the shelf to see if I could find something from the 80s or 90s. I selected what I thought was one of my better images to experiment with and scanned it.