The Wigwam Hotel was a mandatory stop in Holbrook….and sure enough it was very cool! We met the two grandchildren of the original owners who graciously gave us a photo op!

The first car Tom and I bought in 1973 was a butt ugly pale yellow Cutlass. Here we found a 1972 equally ugly Cutlass outside a tee-pee….and laughed our heads off!!!!

It’s hard to believe that this desert area was once a forest with huge trees! Over this combined loop of Painted Desert and Petrified Forest had many turn outs and areas for short hikes to get close and personal. What a fabulous way to experience God’s creation, absorb new learnings and join others in marveling at natural wonders we’ve only seen in pictures and movies.

On one trail a park ranger asked where in MI we were traveling from. He was a teacher in St. John’s and Lansing for 22 years before joining the ranks of Park Ranger. These connections continue to amaze…and validate the Bronner Christmas and Frankenmuth chicken notoriety!

From muted oranges, to striated pinks, to crystal blues and muted grays

From vistas so wide that the eye cannot take it all in

From remaining dwellings and centuries old sketches that create visual of life hundreds and thousands of years ago

The painted desert stimulates all the senses and gets your adrenalin going. The drive gives plenty of time to contemplate the glorious uniqueness of this space. I was mesmerized and awed beyond what these images can capture!

So as we pull into our spot in The USA Rte 66 RV Park I think, “cool beans…. we have a spot right next to a classic car and trailer that’s there for decor.” Imagine my surprise as this guy pops out of the trailer! This is HIS story…..

He’s retired early at age 56 after a great career as a welder. His grandpa had a 1938 Dodge that he gave to this guys dad, but Dad died too early at 43 of pancreatic cancer. Grandpa and Dad had always said they would restore this dad and take it together on Rte 66. That never happened and upon his dad’s death he quite high school to raise his sister.

Fast forward to a year ago. He restores the Dodge with a V8 engine that can now cruise up to 110 MPH. He designs and MAKES a custom made trailer! He creates a Rte 66 ‘fire pit’ and sets out on Route 66 2 days ago! He plans on a 2 month trip stopping to see relatives along the way including an Aunt in her 80’s to give them all rides in the restored car they remember.

Tonight we sit around the Rte 66 for pit sharing stories and drinking Screwball until the 10pm quiet hour! This is just one more story created by the Mother Load!

As we left Albuquerque we hit some wide open spaces of ever changing landscape. We could always see mountains, but they changed from the earthy browns, to ruddy reds and beautiful pinks. Many old Westerns were filled with these shadowy and surreal pink mountains as a backdrop. In one area the mountains were black lava, a very sharp contrast. Supply chain management was constantly evident as trains passed us in both directions LOADED….one had 8 engines!

As we passed through Pueblos from several different Native American Tribea there were signs posted that only residents could enter. We were told that although NM has a high vaccination rate(around 60%) there are hard to reach populations who do not yet have running water, electricity or indoor plumbing. We have noticed that masks are required in almost all the places we stopped and owners so not hesitate to ask patrons to use ha d sanitizer and put on masks. Compared to previous days travel this is a noticeable change.

We had time to go to a state park that hosts seasonal rodeos….not today!

For you movie buffs we enjoyed lunch at the El Rancho Hotel Gallop, NM. It’s was considered a glamorous hotel in the 40-50’s and was host to folks like John Wayne, Lucille Ball, Clark Gable! We could stay in their rooms, but we’re staying in the swanky RB!

“As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

We have attended Memorial Day parades and speeches over the years, visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Arlington National Cemetery and flown the American flag with pride and gratitude. And yet traveling this American Mother Road has demonstrated how many Americans appreciate our fallen heroes and celebrate our active military men and women. There is a palpable pride in our great country and for all who defend it that goes well beyond empty words. Tour guides, park rangers and all those who serve the Route 66 travelers give testimony to the American patriotism that some would like us to believe is declining or absent. We’re humbled to witness and join in this patriotic pride as we honor all who defend this country and our people!

Enjoy these snippets of American gratitude we captured along the way.

Artwork and comfy spaces with attention to detail a d cleanliness is a winning combo!

Sante Fe appears to have it all….beautiful blue skies, stunning mountain ranges in the distance, a foodie delight with stunning presentations (and excellent wine), most pleasant dry and comfy weather, hotels that pamper, shoe stores with such unusual selections and an artist paradise from paintings, to unique jewelry, to textiles and museums galore.

Definitely warrants a long weekend or week comeback to fascinating side trips and more city exploration. We’re finding the best way to get a feel for larger cities is to take a tour with our excellent guides. It makes all the difference to hear local history, local recommendations and begin to feel oriented! The good, bad and ugly is typically shared objectively and even books are suggested.

As an aside our RV has an in residence art sculpture whose works decorate this really fabulous park with 360 views of the mountains! Can’t ask for a better stop!

In 1963 Tom and his parents visited these caverns….and I think I heard about that trip a 100 times since 1968! Today was his triumphal return! We descended 750 feet over 2.5 miles mostly with our feet digging into the steep grade down! Let’s just say that it wore off lots of calories and took 2.5 hours! Worth every minute of the lactic acid build up!

It was discovered by a guy who was 16 years old and noticed a huge swarm(?) of bats. Knowing that the cave must be huge to accommodate so many bats he grabbed a rope and lantern. He explored for 45 years and those early teams discovered this space for all of us to stand in awe at its detail, exquisite formations and mysteries of nature. It’s truly worthy of your bucket list….and now I do understand the impression it made on Tom as a 13 year old kid!!