Blogs from Tucumcari, New Mexico, United States, North America

Tucumcari, New Mexico Technological change hits rural America hard and fast. Take the simple changes in how we travel. Modern vehicles not only go faster, but they are more efficient, traveling further on a gallon of gasoline, which has also become more efficient. And the changes are on the inside too, making hours of travel much easier on the occupants. All of which means that, although they travel more miles, they are stopping less frequently, especially in the towns in-between destinations. Towns like Tucumcari, New Mexico. In the forties, fifties, and sixties, Route 66 went through this town and it was, more or less, a popular stop. You can tell that because of the many motel lodges scattered up and down the main, Route 66, drag. With original names like Cactus and Apache, these motor inns ... read more

After the large steak dinner last night we were a glutton for punishment and went back this morning for all you can eat buffet. We were pretty hungry after a monster sleep going to bed at 8.30pm! I don't think I've gone to bed that early since I was a kid! We were up at 7.30 and off to the buffet. We ordered pancakes and French toast whilst Kerry had just the pancakes. Whilst they were being cooked we went to the help yourself section and got some bacon, sausage patties, and some scrambled egg. There was the option of the biscuits and gravy which me and Kerry had been intrigued by the whole trip so far. We wanted to try it but it always looks so gross! The 'biscuits' are actually scones with the 'gravy' ... read more

...its beautiful here, and we are the ONLY ones around! 3.31.13; Woke up alongside Route 40 and drove to Cadillac Ranch. SO MUCH FUN! We added our graffiti to the cars and felt like little kids! A little farther west and we drove on the "old Route 66"- saw an old gas station/pump and thought of you Steve! Then we made our way out to the middle of no where- Conchas Lake, New Mexico. We have no idea where we are headed sometimes- just following our trusty atlas (Thanks Jacks, its been a huge part of the trip). Our campsite is beautiful, overlooking the lake which is a man made lake. We had enjoyed working out, running, biking, relaxing and of course - for Kona SWIMMING!!. Had a yummy Easter dinner- grilled chicken, broccoli and tomato ... read more

We self-catered our breakfast this morning, re-packed the car and turned the Mustang's nose west again. We turned up Eastern to take us back to Route 66 and then followed it around to the historic SW 6th Avenue area where there are lots of antique stores. We found a painted fibreglass pony and the Natatorium with its castle-like crenellations. Originally the building housed a swimming pool - who knew that a natatorium is an indoor swimming pool? - but now it is an antique store. They had heaps of really cool stuff, but we limited ourselves to one small purchase!! Just out of Amarillo we took a slight deviation to the south of the interstate to visit Cadillac Ranch. Although this 'artwork' was never actually located on Route 66 it is still considered to be a ... read more

Tucumcari is a “gold mine” for photographers as the small town of about 5000 population is filled with old motels from the 1930’s to 1950’s. Some are boarded up, some in disrepair and others currently operating. There are dozen of unique old motel signs still hanging from their post.The downtown area had a number of very interesting old buildings, especially the train station. The federal building which burned in 2007 is still standing and un-repaired. There are many murals on the outside walls of buildings throughout the town. Route 66 runs right through the middle of the town. On the western outskirts is a new community college that is a sharp contract from the 50 to 70 year old buildings that are in the same area. The long running TV series, Rawhide with Clint Eastwood was ... read more