Day 6 New Mexico

 Captains log Day Six

Santa Fe to Gallup, NM

A day of mixed blessings.  It was sad to leave beautiful Santa Fe and head west towards Albuquerque watching the sun reflect on the amazing rocks formations all around us.  It made us realise just how small and insignificant we are amongst the giants.  A small detour to a purpose built shopping mall was not all it promised.  Apart from a Levi and Ralph Lauren store it was deserted.  Apparently a legacy from the dreaded COVID from which it had never recovered.  Such a shame but success for Peter who managed to bag a few bargains.  

Onward to Albuquerque where once again we wished we hadn’t bothered.  Route 66 through the town was almost non existent and about as exciting as watching paint dry.  Taking it in turns to drive we cut our losses and made for our stop over in Gallop, covering almost 200 miles.

As a surprise Peter had booked us into the famous El Rancho Hotel. What a gem. Since the 1940’s this hotel has played host to some of the greatest movie stars and directors.  When Griffiths built his hotel many of his cronies were the big chiefs of studios like Paramount, MGM and 20th Century Fox. With western movies being the flavour of the time the place was always packed with stars.  Every wall in the hotel is crammed with signed photos from these elite visitors.

Every room is themed and we are staying in “Robert Mitchum”.  Authentic right down to the telephone, radio, hat and lasso.  Slightly disconcerting that whilst using the loo the shower curtain with Robert Mitchums face beams down at you.  

So much to see but now we are off to enjoy dinner in the restaurant with a couple of cocktails. I’m having a “Doris Day” and Peter a “Kirk Douglas   We’ve ordered burgers namely a “John Wayne” and a “Here’s looking at you”.

Tomorrow heading for Monument Valley with another full day on the road.