The Land of Enchantment

After leaving Amarillo, we headed west into New Mexico. The beginning of New Mexico was just like the ending of Texas. Big open spaces, with very little indication of people. We stopped for breakfast in Tucumcari, NM.  A town that only existed as a stopping place on old Route 66. At one time, this town boasted over 2,000 hotels and with all the associated restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars.  When Interstate 40 replaced Route 66, the town simply rolled up and died. But you can still see the vestiges of what it was. Some independent motels are still in business, a few restaurants remain open and lots of evidence of art deco gas stations, trading posts, and every other kind of business you can imagine. We did find Kix Coffee Shop still serving coffee and breakfast every day where we had a great breakfast.

 Then, on to Albuquerque. A surprising city that is modern with dozens of recognizable corporations, medical facilities, trendy restaurants, and shopping to beat the band. But, it is also a sprawling city in the high desert with magnificent cactus, flowers, and a striking landscape.  But, as modern as it is, there is a great connection to history.  That is the history of the mother road.  Route 66 ran right through Albuquerque. You know the song, Joplin, MO, Oklahoma City, Gallup, NM.  

We stayed at Enchanted Trails RV Park.  An RV park that has been in business for 45 years.  Before that, it was one of those Trading Posts that sold all kinds of souvenirs, Indian goods, and where the owners even dressed up as Indians to promote the store.  The business was started in the 1940's and continued until Interstate 40 replaced Route 66 in the 1970's.

The park celebrates it's history with several restored trailers and cars from the 40's to 60's. You can rent one for a break from the regular. There were also old televisions, music machines, and other memorabilia from the 40's to the 60's.

 

The day before we left, we visited Petroglyph National Monument. Located in the middle of a suburban neighborhood are three different sites that contain literally hundreds of Indian carvings. The site we visited was a high hill that was a tough climb over rocky trails.  Clear carvings on the way up and down and a great view at the top.

Now, on to Utah.