Gettin' My Kicks on Route 66
So begins my trip into the desert southwest. Drove through the day on Friday and arrived in Tucumcari, New Mexico for the night. This little town has a number of hotels and old shops commemorating the "Mother Road". There aren't too many sections of the this old highway left, as it has been left behind by the advancement of technology and the interstate highway system. However, there are those along the route that have tried to preserve some of the memories of yesteryear and are happy to share them with passersby.
Route 66 sign in Tucumcari, New Mexico
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico
Tucumcari Trading Post
After leaving Tucumcari behind, I headed to Gallup, New Mexico to meet up with friends Gary and John. This was to be the beginning of our adventure as the three of us have plans to meet Bob and Phil in Page, Arizona and seek out photographic opportunities of this beautiful part of the country. Before leaving Gallup, however, why not capture a bit of the local history... The El Rancho Hotel/Motel was built on Route 66 by the brother of film director D.W. Griffith. The hotel opened in 1937 and became a home away from home for many Hollywood movie stars and the base for movie productions. Numerous movie stars stayed at the El Rancho and their portraits grace the walls in the 2-story lobby of this historic stop.
El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, New Mexico
El Rancho Hotel Lobby
Shoe Shine Stand, El Rancho Hotel
Stamps & Cigarettes, El Rancho Hotel
Follow along with me on this adventure as I will be posting up photos and stories in the blog along the way. It should be a great time...