Wednesday, March 5: Roswell, New Mexico

60748  39*    Blue sky     Gas $3.89      420 miles

After spending last night in Holbrook, AZ, we drove South 77 to Snowflake and Showlow. Some believe the naming story on Showlow had to do with a card game.  We had traveled these roads on a past trip in 2002 when there were actual snowflakes in the air.  The elevations today were rarely below 6000' and at one point, over 8100'. Long stretches of desert on Rt 60 and driveways with mailboxes leading off into the distance out of sight. I'd like to visit one of those homes and spend the night so I could see the night sky with no light distractions. We stopped in Quemado (Spanish for "what burnt?" a local told us. He said that during the years of Indian fighting in the 1800s, something was always burning) to mail postcards.  I asked about the trees nearby and he said they were elms.  When the first emigrants arrived, they brought 6 elms from home to plant in their new settlement. The roots of those 6 have produced all the elms in town today.

We had lunch in Datil, NM (pronounced Dah' tle), a bend in the road where the Eagle Guest Ranch is located. Rt 60 continued through the desert, passing the Radio Astronomy Observatory VLA (Very Large Array) and miles of pinyon pine trees.  There were frequent  "picnic areas" that offered shelter from the sun, a table and a garbage can but no bathroom. Wonder what the thought was there??  We finally came to a state park that had a much needed bathroom.  We met the campground hosts and took the informational walking tour through the old lava flow that happened 1500 to 2000 years ago.  The sun was shining and a warm breeze blowing.  The hosts had been there 9 months but said they would not stay another winter in the wind.  We enjoyed our little break but it did put us into our Roswell destination long after dark. We booked a Motel 6 room without looking at it before hand. The room was in disrepair and icky however, we both slept quite well. The reviews had been good but perhaps those folks arrived after dark, left before light of day, didn't need heat, a shower or a soft towel.

Old Route 66 Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ.  We read that
 there are still 6 "Wigwam Motels"  in existence across the US.
This one is on the national register.  We probably should
have stayed here instead of M-6.

Our 2005 Dodge.  Other vehicles at the Motel were much older.

The older cars parked here don't move much.
 Last night's guests had newer vehicles.

Following Rt 60 into New Mexico

"Picnic Areas" but not a true "Rest Stop"

Pines

Typical traffic

The "antler tree" in Quemado.  

We were tempted to have a piece of pie but places were closed.

This home seemed to collect windmills

The menu at Eagle Ranch

The salad bar was made from old whiskey barrels

Our salad bar plates were little cast iron skillets

Radio Astronomy trackers.  One of 50 or so in the desert.

One of many small towns we passed.  Most stores were vacant.

A driveway to a home out of sight

More small town traffic

Vacant home along the highway

There was a sign saying "Beware of side winds".
Sure enough, a few moments later, all these
tumble weeds blew across the road.

Valley of Fires Recreation Area. The campers are on a ridge
above us.  The mountains in the background are 10,000'

Cholla bud forming

Motel Hell, Roswell, NM