Day 6 – March 18, 2016On our way to Santa Fe we made a side trip to Las Vegas NM on the suggestion of a trip advisor review.
So happy that we took their advice.
It was an enjoyable relaxing road to travel on with much to see, my favorite being one old dilapidated home, which we passed too quickly so I made a u-turn to go back for some photos. It makes my mind wander on who used to live there and why it is now abandoned?
When we first arrived in Las Vegas, it looked very shabby but we pressed on into the center of town and felt like we had stepped back in time. The town square is charming and the locals are friendly.
I have never been a huge fan of Mexican food but we had lunch at El Rialto on Bridge St and I would eat there every other day if possible. It was THAT good! Han said his Flautas were the best he’d ever had. We also had great service and comfortable surroundings as we sat next to a warm woodburning stove eating delicious food.
After lunch we walked back to the car and drove through the suggested streets of historical homes. If you turn left on 8th off of Bridge St, then zigzag back and forth going to 7th, 6th and so on, you will find the largest selection of eclectic homes to drool over, ponder over and then a few that you want to give some TLC. It is an architect lover’s dream come true with every imaginable style of homes.
We learned that the “Lone Ranger” movie with Johnny Depp was filmed here too.
I suggest to read about Las Vegas before visiting, as it has an amazing history and present.
Santa Fé appears to have a city ordinance that ‘forces’ EVERYONE to build adobe style in terra cotta color. I found it unique, but also a tad boring. I am a colorful type person and every building in one single color would wear on my artistic side.
We rolled into Santa Fé and rolled out almost as fast. The traffic is horrendous and drivers may be some of the worst to date. We drove around the famous square playing Mario Cart in avoiding hitting tourist. Too many tourist, too many kitschy stores, too much commotion and the whole Disney feel to it turned me off.
The only stop we made was at Walgreens for water, postcards and a refrigerator magnet. At the checkout we were asked if we wanted a paper bag, but it would cost us 0.10 cents, I am sure we had a dumbfounded look on your faces that invited the cashier to explain that it’s a new law in New Mexico to charge for paper bags. So you had best carry your own. All in all, it’s a good idea to help lessen our carbon footprint on the environment.
On the way out of town we witnessed a vehicle that had flown over the edge of a deep ravine and it made me a bit more alert. There are a couple of areas along I-40 that have signs which read “Safety Corridor.” I googled it and the signs are put there as warning signs resulting from high rate of accidents and fatalities along that route. We did notice a large increase of roadside memorials too.
I do understand the high rate of incidents due to the inane insanity of the general driving population, overestimating their abilities behind the wheel or even read or obey road signs. Tailgating seems to be their favorite pastime.
The natural scenery is so breathtaking that I found myself going slower than most, because I wanted to take in all the beauty.
We were going to pass through Albuquerque, fearing it would be a repeat of Santa Fé but when I saw the sign to Old Town, we figured why not. Glad we took the time. I found it far more authentic and fun. Listened to some Indian music, shopped a smidgen, relished in the quiet of San Felipe de Neri Parish (which is the oldest church in Albuquerque) and took time to stretch the sore muscles.Originally we were going to spend the night here, but decided we were feeling up to getting a few more miles behind us and headed further west.
One of the reasons we were straying from our original daily treks, was the growing need to build in a rest day every so often. So an hour more here and there when we were up to it, would create that opportunity.
This day we stopped some 60 miles down I-40 west, out in the middle of nowhere in Casa Blanca at Sky City Casino & Hotel, owned and operated by the Acoma tribe. It was super busy (Friday Night Gamblers) and we were thankful to get a room. We were both beyond exhausted, ate a quick bite, I took my limit of $10 betting money, played some slots, came out $24 ahead and by then it was time to collapse.
By the way, the casino motel was pleasant and much quieter than I had figured on, thank goodness.
Travel tip: Don’t drink any alcohol if your body is not familiar with high altitude. It simply does not mix and I found that out the less pleasant way. Also stay hydrated. Important information below on this CDC website.
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