What a difference people can make in your day. I checked out from my motel and the person was so cheerful, friendly as she bade me goodbye. I contrast this with the person who was hawkish, gave me a critical look when I took a bucket of ice for the ice chest (just one, mind you), slapped on the highest fee for a pet at checkout (was never mentioned during check in) and was proud about doing it. Two days, two different hotels, two clerks, entirely different experience.
I had wanted to be in New Mexico border at sunrise. I couldn't have timed it better. We crossed the Texas / New Mexico border just before sunrise. The welcome center was coming alive, there was a person putting up the flags. Asked her if I could take pictures, and unlike the sweet potato vendor in MS, she had no issues with it. Right after, we were treated to an awesome sunrise and the journey through the land of enchantment had begun. I met a friend few days ago in Cincinnati and he mentioned that New Mexico is alive with energy. So true! It was peaceful, picturesque with sceneries widely varying as we traversed the state from east to north-west. I took the most number of pictures today. There were times I couldn't drive a mile without stopping for another picture.
The first place of interest was Tucumcari mountain. Evidently, a landmark from the past as well as part of the historic route 66. Parts of the route 66 looked so dilapidated! We entered Albuquerque soon after. I remembered from my last drive on I-40W that this was quite scenic. Indeed, the mountains were majestic as we winded through Albuquerque before coming to an abrupt stop. In all my years of driving, this is the second time that the traffic had come to a complete stop and everyone started getting out of the cars and mingling around. There was an accident ahead of me - some 20 cars ahead. But we were stuck there for the better part of an hour. During this time, Apollo took exception to a horse looking over in his direction on our right. He was growling continuously for a while until we moved our ways. That was the sole entertainment I had during the traffic stop. After that, I tracked down an Indian restaurant for lunch - my first proper meal on the road.
The 2nd half of the journey through NM was even more delightful. Along Hwy 550, it was simply breathtaking as we went through several Indian reservations. We finally reached the border town of Aztec and surprise! In the middle of the dry and desert land, suddenly there were trees and better yet, delightful fall colors. I didn't expect this one bit. We soon crossed over into Colorado and I realized that the colorful Colorodo was rubbing on Aztec.
We stay tonight at Cortez, Colorado. Apollo had no exercise all day. I found a great trail by the motel - Mesa Verde park trail - Apollo and I had a great 5k run. He is happily settled down, allowing me to do my evening routine of uploading the pictures and writing the blog.
I can't believe I've been at this for nearly three weeks - and that this journey is fast approaching its conclusion in two more days of driving. Enjoy the pictures from today - I must admit I was thoroughly enchanted by New Mexico!
Day 19 pics
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