Day 3 - Oklahoma City to Tucumcari, NM
The Filling Station - El Reno, Missouri
An old service station in El Reno, Oklahoma.
El Reno, Oklahoma mural.
Major Tom - Weathorford, Oklahoma
Weatherford, Oklahoma. This 30 foot statue honors General Thomas P. Stafford, a Weatherford native and NASA astronaut.
Elk City, Oklahoma
Some of the best spots weren't restored, but in a state of decay.
One of the largest Route 66 signs in the world. Elk City, Oklahoma.
The Leaning Tower of Britten - Groom, Texas
The Leaning Tower of Texas. One of the first sights in Texas was this 75 foot tall watertower, built to lean at a 10 degree angle to mimic the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, Texas
Another big statue! This one was very very Texas.
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas is one of the most popular stops on Route 66. You can buy spray paint and create your own designs. None of the paint is ever removed, and it's now a thick glaze from decades of newly applied "artwork".
Lots of mixed reactions. Some people love this place, others thought it was gross.
Adrian, Texas
Nearing the midpoint of Route 66. Things began to decay a little more as I drove through Texas.
Midpoint Cafe
Reaching the midpoint. They painted a sign across the road, and there's a small cafe to stop for some food.
This is where the roads noticeably began to change into wide open, long stretches of lonely asphalt.
Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari, New Mexico
In planning Route 66, I tried to stay overnight a the most iconic motels. I booked the Blue Swallow, but accidentally chose November instead of October. I had to find another nearby hotel and come back at night for pictures.
The neon signs on Route 66 are one of the top draws. It can get tricky because many times it doesn't fit into your schedule to visit a place at night. This one was worth it, as the combination of neon lights, classic cars and fun architecture made for a truly memorable and iconic scene. The mosquitos, however, were some of the most vicious I've ever experienced so I only stayed for a few minutes.
Day 4 - Tucumcari, NM to Gallup, NM
Tucumcari, New Mexico was full of old motels, classic cars and mosquitos.
El Rancho Motel - Gallup, New Mexico
Another iconic hotel, El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico. This place served as a base for classic Wester film stars during the 30's, 40's and 50's, and the rooms are themed after the actors who stayed in them.