September 25, 2011 – Tucumcari, New Mexico

We woke to another beautiful morning and had visitors:

 

Our site here at the Elks:

Tucumcari is one of the towns located on Historic Route 66 and is known for their more than 30 murals located around town.   So off we went this morning to find them and some of the other spots on Route 66.   As you can see, we were not disappointed.

 

 

 

 

One of the first RV’s:

This piano was on the corner of an empty lot advertising a music business – how funny!”

You can see the piano on the right:

 

This RV was parked by the music business down the street from the piano.  Looks like he was set up for a while.

What a wonderful tribute to their veterans and those lost in the wars:

  

And even more:

The Blue Swallow Motel – still operating and now has the only neon sign in Tucumcari:

These murals were in the open garages of the motel:

 

The town seems to be doing it’s best to keep the spirit of Route 66 alive.  There were also a few museums here that we did not get to see because they are closed Sundays.   We will be back.

The day continued to heat up to over 90 so the AC went back on this afternoon.

Tomorrow we head to ABQ!

September 24, 2011 – Travel to New Mexico

We left Amarillo this morning – after a haircut for Andy and a small hair trim for Bruce and continued our journey west.

Past large feedlots:

 

And wind farms:

And changing landscapes:

Into New Mexico:

 

We arrived in Tucumcari and are staying at the Elks – pictures tomorrow.  It is $15.00 for the first night and free the second – great deal and we have water and electric.   And it is HOT – 95 today, oh my, the A/C is doing its job.

The kitties are loving the AC :

We had a relaxing afternoon and evening with a nice happy hour at the lodge.  Tomorrow we hope to do some exploring in Tucumcari so stay tuned.

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled:  116 miles

Routes Traveled:

Texas: Sunrise Drive; I-40 Access Road; I-40 W

New Mexico: I-40 W; SR-18 N; Robison Avenue

September 23, 2011 – Travel to Texas, the Big Texan, and Aliens????

We left our little gem of a spot in Elk City, OK and continued west thru Oklahoma:

 

Into Texas and the changing scenery:

 

 

This is the Texas Welcome Center on I-40 – isn’t it cool looking.   Lots of information inside and many things to see in the immediate area – will need to spend more time here in the future.

More views from the road:

 

The leaning water tank :

 

And huge cross:

We arrived at the Amarillo Ranch RV Park, A Passport America Park.  Here is our site:

 

Pictures from around the park:

For dinner we decided to go to the Big Texan.  This is the place where you can get a free 72 oz. steak and all the trimmings for free IF you eat it all in an hour – oh my!!

Here is a link to their restaurant:

http://www.bigtexan.com/

Anyway, they will send a limo to pick you up – check out the horns:

 

I did not take a lot of pictures because we were here in 2010.  We had an incredible dinner – the steaks were WONDERFUL!  No, we did not take the 72 oz. challenge – LOL.   When we came out to wait for the return limo, a gentlemen pointed out these two lights in the sky.   ALIENS, THEY ARE COMING FOR US!!!!   Alas, they were some type of balloon.  

It does look eerie doesn’t it?

The weather has been wonderful and we enjoyed it during the afternoon and into the evening.  We will be back to Amarillo area another time – another place with lots to see and do.

Tomorrow we head for New Mexico so stay tuned.

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled:  146 miles

Routes Traveled:

Oklahoma:  Washington Avenue, Lakeview Road; SR-6 N  I-40 W;

Texas:  I-40 W; I-40 Access Road; Sunrise Drive

Note:  In 2009, in Boomerville, we met Kay and Norval Dahl and became good friends.  We have stayed in touch and spent time with them in 2009, 2010, and 2011.  This past week, Norval had a brain aneurism and is in serious condition.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

And hug the ones you love.  Life is an incredible journey but we all know it can change in an instant.  Enjoy and be thankful for today.