This morning the world seems the same but slightly different.
Robbie Lawler is still champ (hmmm), I’m still on the road, the sun has risen, it’s still cold outside.
But I’ve got a little different strut in my stride, yesterday’s events have left me more mellow than I’ve been in a while.
With that in mind, it seems the perfect day to cruise east along a stretch of road that is not really all that exciting.
My destination is Albuquerque, NM a distance of 250 miles or so.
I’ve tried to find attractions on the way, some of the Indian places I’d like to see in New Mexico are closed for winter, so the only real detour of worth is the Petrified Forest National Park Loop.
Charlotte and I trundle along until we get there.
The trip through the park is interesting and beautiful in that desolate, red rock, Arizona landscape sort of way. The Petrified Wood (aka stone!) is pretty and understanding the process is illuminating, but essentially it’s just a lot of pretty rocks on other pretty rocks, set in open vistas and outlooks. The loop road eventually leads to the Painted Desert Diner, which I assumed had some historical significance, but I can’t seem to find anything more revelatory than it being a local place that has since been rebuilt. Anyhoo.
The highlight of the loop road is probably a close encounter with a crow, who shortly after this was taken, decided to swoop a couple of travelling tourist kids.
Leaving the park behind, the road rolls ever Eastward on the interstate. 75 miles an hour along a blacktop – perfect time to roll out the podcasts and catchup on entertainment
I cross into New Mexico, stretch my legs at the Visitors Centre and get some pointers from the attendants before saddling up for some more steering whilst on cruise control.
A point to make is that as I head east petrol prices are coming down. On the West Coast they are well over $2 a gallon – up to $2.69 and $2.79, and here they range between $1.79 and $1.69. Bonus.
Still pricing is weird – within 2 miles of each other 5 different gas stations will range in price by up to 20 c per Gallon – I have no idea how that works in such a clearly capitalistic market driven place!
I reach Albuquerque without issue, except for the “Check gages (sic)” and “Service Engine Soon” lights that have begun to appear today when starting the engine.
I’ve checked all the gauges I can – water, oil, other fluids, the brakes have only been done a month ago, the lights all work, temperature is fine, oil pressure is fine so I know I’ll have to run it into a mechanic soon but I’m good for the day. The engine was serviced 3 months ago so It’s probably a mileage warning anyway.
It’s been a dry few days, so I google/yelp/foursquare craft beer places and get myself to Bistronomy B2B in Nob Hill, a part of Albuquerque where Route 66 used to run, that has been chiced and hipstered up.
They’ve got some great beers – a fantastic veggie burger – edamame and cashew pattie with provolone cheese, wasabi and pesto majo. Brilliant.
My server chats with me, recommends a few other local places and before you know it I’m off down the road to Bosque Brewing for a few more darkened beer offerings.
There I have a fantastic 3 hour conversation regarding politics with a couple of locals, before it’s time to hit the hey
I’ll take Charlotte to the mechanics in the morning, but I’m not worried – she’s a sturdy girl after all.
