Tues. Aug. 28

We spent most of the day in Amarillo Tex. today.  We saw that they had a mile of antique shops along Route 66 so we decided to have a look.  Sure enough they had many antique shops and they were not small.  Like everything else in Texas each one was huge.  The first one we went to was called the Nat.  It started out as a swimming pool, then became a dance hall and now a huge antique store.  So much stuff that it becomes overwhelming.

This is the outside of the Nat.  After a considerable time I emerged with one purchase.  A Coca Cola serving tray!  I don't know why---I just had to buy something.



After many antique shops we were hungry and had something to eat at the Cowboy Gelato Restaurant. 

About 1:30 we decided we had enough of antique shops and left Amarillo.  Just outside of town we saw the famous Cadillac Ranch and of course we had to stop for the photos.

We then headed for Adrian Tex.  What is it famous for you may ask?????  It is the half way point on Route 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica.

The town has only this as a claim to fame as the rest of it has become virtually a ghost town.  Vicky had to unravel the American Flag at the next stop to improve the photo.

It was now time to head for New Mexico.  Our first stop was at the New Mexico tourist stop.  A very nice facility with lots of good information about the state.  Our next stop was Tucumcari NM and a visit to the Blue Swallow Motel.  It has existed since 1939 and is one of the nicest motels in the town.  Tucumcari has many motels and at least half of them are closed or in a very sad state.  Another good example of what the interstate highways did to many towns on Route 66.  Many motels and service stations left deserted and decaying.

The photo above shows what they have done inside the garage to make the units interesting.

We ended our journey today in Santa Rosa NM.  Tomorrow we will make our way to Santa Fe via the first alignment of Route 66.  Depending on how much there is to see we will probably stay in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.

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Weather has been excellent.