Route 66 - Day 9

Got a really good sleep last night. We were exhausted. Kirk went for a run and I went for breakfast. We left a bit later than usual but we were not going to ride as far. Albuquerque is just a bit too far so we were going to stop in either Tucumcari or Santa Rose (in NM). Also, we have no place to stay and will just decide on the fly what to do.

We started the ride and headed for the Cadillac Ranch. Both of us have been there before but it was only a few miles out of town.

We were shocked at the number of people there. Last time we both went, we were the only ones there. We spent about 20-30 minutes looking around and then headed out.

Today we would hit the Midpoint of Route 66 in Adrian, TX. We stopped for photo op and the gift shop. This is a popular stop.

It is really just a small café and gift store. After some good photos, we were off again. The next stop is the New Mexico state line.

Once at the state line, you have two choices for what path to follow. One is mainly interstate for about 20 miles and the other is dirt that goes thru ghost towns. Since it has not rained recently, we opted for the dirt route (and it is more fun). It starts by going thru a town called Glenrio....it is truly a ghost town. Nothing there but abandoned buildings from its past. What is so shocking is that in the 40's, this was a thriving community. Now, it is just dilapidated buildings on some dirt road.

After about 7 miles, we hit a road closed sign. We had to detour on another dirt road which took us to the interstate. From the interstate we traveled about 6 miles and were able to get back on the same dirt road (but about 6 miles later). There was a bridge out. So we missed 6 miles but that is ok. The road was so cool and the sites really amazing.

The scenery has changed immensely. It got flat and now we are seeing tons of mesas and ravines. We have climbed to almost 5000 ft. in elevation as well.

After about ghost town excursion, we followed 66 to Tucumcari. Here we got to see the Blue Swan hotel. This is an iconic hotel on 66 beautifully restored and active. It was nice to see it in person.

We stopped for lunch at the Lizard Lounge (Pow Wow Restaurant). Shocking, the chicken salad was one of the best I have had.

Who knew. We also stopped at Lowes, the grocery store (not Lowes home improvement) so we could get a bottle of bourbon (no liquor stores - just go to the grocer).

We left Tucumcari and headed back out. The major difference as we go west is that towns are fewer and further apart. Great for making good time since we have long stretches of road but not tons of sites to see. But the scenery is fantastic.

The road is great but it is interesting. First, we encountered patches of water. Not puddles but the water was about 6-10 inches deep.

No issue for us. Then we get back up to 60 and come to a slow curve. We round the corner to find out that we have to drive thru the culverts to get to the other side.

Glad we are small. Yes, this is a highway...that drives through these large water culverts. What a hoot.

Once making our way thru all the highway obstacles, we arrived at Santa Rosa. This was our original intent since the next city is too far. First we looked at the campground. The owner met us at the office and he was one gruff dude. Not friendly at all. He shouted at us that in order to save us time, NO TENTS. Come to find out he had some issues with previous tent occupants who kept defecating in his showers. Eventually he let up and told us that for $30 we could stay BUT the tent area has been neglected. We took a look and decided to get a hotel.

So here we site charging, updating content, posting pics, talking to family, and relaxing. Cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Total miles today? 182