Sunday, June 19, 2011

Land of Enchantment II - Gallup to Santa Fe


Other than smoke that smothered the area, Gallup was a treat. However, it was time to head east. I began the day with the purchase of batteries for the camera, but wouldn't you know that the camera became a source of discontent for this roadie.

I hit Interstate 40 for a bit so I can start the journey on the Mother Road further than I left off the day before. At exit 104, I got off and began the 66 journey in my favorite town along the road, Budville.


It began innocently enough. I stopped by the Budville Trading Post, a perfect photo opportunity. As I aimed the camera, it stopped working. At first I was confused, especially after incessantly pressing a few buttons. Even when I was able to take a picture, it would stop working again. After three or four more attempts, I looked at the distant interstate and thought, "please, not now!" I was able to take another picture and then bam it stopped. I kicked the gravel so hard that if someone saw me they would hire me to dig cement. Nonetheless, I was able to get a couple of more pictures and went on my merry way.

Dispirited and confused as to why the camera was acting like a three-year old without its toys, I continued east on state highway 124. As I drove, I realized it could be the batteries. So, I aimlessly searched for a gas station or even a WalMart. After a half-hour, wouldn't you know that I found a gas station called the 66 Pit Stop. The Mother Road was looking after me. I bought the Duracell AA's and replaced those cheap Rayovac's (I strongly advise against buying AA batteries that cost $.99). This roadie was back in business.


I got back on the road and faced some steep curves while heading to Cuerbo. They were beautiful and it felt as if I was waltzing my way to Albuquerque. As I crossed over the lifeless interstate, I began heading on a portion of 66 that is rugged, which meant it was time to roll. After crossing a couple of older bridges, I encountered a deer about two hundred yards away. Daniel, as I call him, was staring at me and vice versa. This occurred for about 5 minutes even though it felt like a half-hour. Daniel finally budged and went on his way. As I drove past his spot he looked back wondering what I was doing there. I was almost done with the older 66 alignment when I saw a community that is now a ghost town. I got out of the truck to see if I can find anything of interest to archeologists (my first taste of Indiana Jones), but to no avail.

I got back to State Highway 6. However, I turned south by accident. As I drove, I saw some beautiful vistas, mountains and mesas. After ten minutes I turned around and headed north where I caught up with 66 until I reached I 40. I took the interstate for several exits until just before the Rio Puerco Bridge near the Route 66 Casino. At this point, I knew to take 66, which was the access road and follow it into Albuquerque or Duke City.


I took Central Avenue, ala 66, all the way until I got to the 66 Diner. The last time I was there was in 2008 when I went to the Historic Roads Conference. I ate a yummy, juicy meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas and then migrated up I-25 to Santa Fe. Once again I encountered smoke from Arizona. As I drove I wondered why would they tell me that I am 443 miles away from Denver. I understand it is a major city, but still.




It was time to hit NM 14, a portion of pre-1937 Route 66 when it ran through Santa Fe. I took 14 to the Silver Saddles Motel. Interestingly, each room had a western figure. In this case it was the Gambler Kenny Rogers, not the ex-baseball pitcher. Nonetheless, after the long drive it was time for a personal plop. I just dropped on the queen size bed like a brick hits the floor. After I came to, it was time to enter the historic Santa Fe Plaza.


Unfortunately, most of my day was spent on the road so I did not visit any museums, but I did look around the shops, saw the statue commemorating the end of the Santa Fe Trail as well as the original palacio and San Miguel Mission. Dinner for the evening was at the Sleeping Dog Tavern where I enjoyed the presence of four people. The bartender was a local, the manager was originally from outside Camden, New Jersey, while the other two were from other areas in the state. Conversation ranged from the delivery of jokes to the Dallas Mavericks. The Beef Short Rib Tacos were delicious and the company was pleasant.

At 8:45 it was time to get back to the motel and call it half a day. Traveling from Gallup to Albuquerque to Santa Fe, it felt like I blazed a new trail.

Thanks to the Mother Road, I was able to document this digitally.

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