Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008 in
Travel
Although I wrote this last night, good morning. Today is our 35^th^ anniversary. Yep, we were married 35-years ago today. It truly seems like yesterday.
We stopped last night in Santa Rosa, after a long day on the road. We started from Salina Utah about 0800 (or so) after a very light breakfast, then stopped in Moab at the Denny’s for eggs. I was hungry and needed a break. Once again the weather was beautiful. It was sunny and there wasn’t a lot of wind. The temperature was cool in the morning, but warmed as the day grew.
I love that drive down U.S. 191 through Moab and then south. We could have continued on south on U.S. 191, but took Sue-Sue’s advice and turned easterly to take U.S. 491/U.S. 160 toward Cortez. After a bit of construction, the road was good enough… until we reached Mesa Verde. I could have turned east on U.S. 160 and worked my way toward Durango, but decided to take Sue-Sue’s advice (she said the faster way was south) and stayed on U.S. 491 south through western New Mexico. (Navajo Country)
That was a mistake. U.S. 491 is in terrible condition. The foundation is uneven and it’s a roller coaster. The roadbed is also badly rutted by the many ton-miles of heavy trucks that pass along the path. Fortunately, a front-door passed me and we motored south about 70-75mph all the way to Gallup. At least I didn’t have to snail along that awful road.
We took a short break in Gallup at the Pizza Hut there. It was an “interesting” experience. I’ve been a minority a few times in my life. Yesterday we were definitely a minority. The restaurant was filled with Native Americans. They mostly ignored us white folks, but the experience was interesting. Unfortunately, the service was not very good and the air-conditioning was either not on or not functioning. The food was good enough and we needed food and a break. So, the stop was worthwhile. The only thing that made me a little uncomfortable was some gang sign I noticed in the bathroom.
Interstate 40 was a welcome relief from the bouncing of U.S. 491. We picked up speed and held 75mph all the way to Albuquerque. We refueled there and continued on. I tired as the sun faded and so we stopped about 2100 in Santa Rosa for the night. Now I’ll hit the rack and we’ll do the remaining 300 miles in the morning. It should be an easy day.
Congratulations on your anniversary! 35 years is a remarkable achievement and a blessing.
— Jayme 1 June 2008, 12:38 #Thanks! I feel fortunate to have someone who is still putting up with me!
— ruminator 1 June 2008, 16:20 #