So much for Amarillo. It was only an overnight stop, and we wanted to get moving west. We probably missed a lot (according to the Route 66 bumph) but we can only do so much. Pick the bits you fancy.
Somehow, in the first write-up, I missed mentioning the Cadillac Ranch. Officially sanctioned vandalism. Superb. Unmissable. Fun.
The Texas Panhandle may not be the flattest, most featureless highway in the world (I am told that Australia has a claim, there …) but it is certainly in the top 5. Horizon to horizon, with only the tumbling tumbleweed. And no! It is a song but not one of the Great USA Song Contest ones.
The first song in this blog is where Buddy Holly started. The band performing this was named after a member’s grandfather – which probably explains why no-one has heard of them!
We stopped off at Adrian – the literal halfway point on Route 66, between Chicago and Los Angeles. Got some good photos but were unable to sample the delights of the world-famous Adrian Cafe. It was shut for the winter. Like a lot of the tourist places on this trip!  C’mon guys! It’s late March, for goodness sake!
On the Texas – New Mexico border, we stopped off at Glenrio. Fading and forgotten. Abandoned by the Interstate, but living on in the hearts of true Route 66ers. See the photos.
The next number is the State Flower by a man who was buried with his horse. To be strictly correct, the singer lived in California (and is buried there), so that is where you’ll find the places named after his wife and himself.
Next Route 66 essential is Tucumcari – the small town that once boasted “2000 Rooms”. Not so many now, but still worth visiting – or so several busloads of French and German tourists seemed to think.
‘Gott in Himmel, Brunhilde. Ze Fridge-Magnets! Wunderbar!
We ate in the ‘Historic Pow-Wow Inn’. Food OK, but quite a place to sit and eat. The artwork in the booths is fantastic! Highly recommended.
Next we feature a foot-stomping number by an old crooner. I’ll let you figure out where on the Road that is.
Another joy is the Route 66 Auto Museum at Santa Rosa. Mostly American cars, obviously, but the paint finish on a Corvette was world-class! (and you could make them an offer …) The white Thunderbird was outrageous. And if you are looking for a pick-up truck that is different, then look no further …
One thing that relieved the boredom of the Panhandle was the railroad. Often running parallel with the Interstate. Those trains are enormous! We played at racing each other for miles. Which brings us to our next clue …
Was this the Railroad of OZ?
At last, the seemingly endless actually ended. The high plains ( over 5,000 feet altitude) started to wind down through the arroyos and canyons, as we approached Albuquerque. We were in New Mexico, but my mind was drawn South to the border, and that West Texas town where the clocks are different. An all-time classic cowboy song. The original. One of my favourites!
And now, the pics. Cadillac Ranch, Adrian, Glenrio, Tucumcari and Santa Rosa. Enjoy.
