Tucumcari, Land of Legend

I suppose what we have liked the best so far on this trip from Sedona up to Flagstaff and then east on I-40 is that the interstate follows old Route 66. You're beckoned by all sorts of historic billboards to take this exit or that and get off one mother-of-a-speeding interstate to follow what's called the "Mother Road". Then take a slow jaunt of what remains of the old Route 66.

We followed the signs about a mile north of I-40 to Tucumcari, New Mexico. This small town has certainly seen better days since the interstate passed it by. Still , it's worth taking a day to explore what our parents and grandparents would have seen if they had taken this same trip in the 30s, 40s, 50s and early 60s.

Making the most of what they have left, Tucumcarians says their town's name is derived from two young Apache lovers -- male and female, by the way -- one killed in battle and the other, distraught, who took her own life. There you go: Tucum and Kari. And if you buy that legend, I've got a great little motel I can sell ya. (It's that place near the very end of this blog. Comes with color TV.)

Don't know why this jet is here. It's parked behind the local history museum.

Anyway, Tucumcari tries to make the most of Route 66 history.

Several of its old motels are still open for business and look decent enough.

Had a great lunch at a place called "Del's". The most popular restaurant in town and a fixture on 66 since the 1950s. Two movie location trucks were parked in the lot. Wonder what's being shot nearby....Hmmm...

Tucumcari bills itself as "the town of murals". There are probably half a dozen throughout town and I was astounded that they haven't been defaced. At least not yet. Go figure.

Being "American-owned" is a big deal as you travel across the U.S. these days. Tucumcari is no different. A youngish couple bought and refurbished this little place. Room for two: around thirty bucks. A bargain. Check it out online. Looks pretty nice on the inside.

This place, on the other hand, hasn't fared as well. I'd say that more than forty percent of the hotels and cafes in Tucumcari have closed their doors due to lack of business. Still, you have to hand it to the folks who are trying to keep the spirit of 66 alive.

While we are livin' large in the new, bling-bling Lance 2285, imagine traveling 'cross country in one of these vintage trailers.

Actually, it looks like fun.

The motel I have for sale. Maybe I can get some TARP money for it.

Daisy getting her ticks, er...kicks, on old Route 66.

We've outfitted the rig with all sorts of 66 stuff but here's the best of all: potholders hand-made by our very talented friend Linda in Sacramento. Thank you, Linda! They really come in handy when I actually cook once or twice a week.