Monday September 17 We told the
Garrett's goodbye as they were taking a drive over Million Dollar Highway and we headed south toward Gallup. Trying a new road we went by
Navajo Lake to Farmington, then south through Crownpoint, where our niece, Carmalisa grew up. The 103 miles from Farmington to Crownpoint were desolate and rough. How have we managed to find so many rough roads in the lower 48 this year? No one in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, or New Mexico can say Alaska highways are bad. In fact, they are a breeze compared to the ones we have been on this year.
By the time we reached the Red Rock city park at
Church Rock, nestled in spectacular red rock cliffs, formed over 200 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era, we were exhausted! The point of us coming to Gallup was to be able to have some minor repairs done on some of Olivia’s turquoise jewelry. We drove into town to Perry Null’s where they promised to have them repaired soon. Hopefully before we would leave in two days.
Gallup is often called the “Indian Capital of the World” for it’s location in the heart of Native American lands where the presence of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and other tribes impact the town with the Native American Cultures. In the summer there are nightly Indian Dances downtown, a flea market every Saturday, and murals on the downtown buildings.
Tuesday, September 18 we drove back into Gallup to check on the jewelry to find the repair man had picked them up to work on in his shop. Olivia shopped and drooled at all the pretty things in the shop. She considered a wool blanket, but there is no place to use it at home and would have to be put in the cedar chest in the summer.
Back at the trailer we rested and piddled then drove back into town for Olivia to shop along the main street. In one shop she asked the workers where they would go to eat Mexican food and from three directions came
“Jerry’s.” It was only a few blocks away so we indulged ourselves on chicken enchiladas and their famous Green Chile. This is only one of over 100 restaurants in Gallup and most allow local craftspeople to come in, walk by your table and display their goods for sale. If there is something of interest, this is a great opportunity to have a conversation with a local artisan. Only in Gallup can you find so many restaurants that offer this unique experience.
Wednesday, September 20 we drove back into Perry Null trading center to pick up Olivia’s jewelry repaired meticulously. While waiting for the repairs to be done Olivia had chatted with good friend Patti about some beautiful blankets at Perry Null. Patti had been wanting one for a long time and the price was right for her to be able to afford. We ended up purchasing one on her credit card for her to use in her southwestern home. The one pictured second from
right top row is the one friends will see at her home.
Olivia also snapped a picture of the
jewelry and rug section of this store. This is just one of many stores that merit a visit just to see their amazing display cases of Native jewelry, or large rooms filled with hand –woven rugs. In many ways, these stores rival a museum where “window shoppers” are always welcome just to take in the experience.
This day we really head east toward home, stopping in Albuquerque for two nights. As we came into town we visited
a big truck wash to have the Suburban and trailer all cleaned up. We have learned it is worth the money to have someone else clean it up. They soap, mop, and spray from top to bottom.
Meeting our new neighbors and new friends we headed into town to eat at another Triple D restaurant, Monte Carlos Steakhouse, on
Route 66. After supper we visited old town to show it to Ron & Nancy, then back up the hill to view the
city at night.
Thursday, September 21 Olivia wanted to visit Old Town while stores were open to shop in one store for jewelry findings. As she shopped Fred found a
Navajo Code Talker who enjoyed sharing his story. He said he grew up in Crownpoint, where Carmalisa also grew up. Too bad we didn’t know her maiden name.
Not finding what Olivia wanted we tracked down two other stores with Indian jewelry findings. She did find a few items.
Friday, September 22 We had noticed the
old trailers in front of Enchanted Trails RV park where we were staying. Olivia asked and sure enough they are rented out for a reasonable rate, so if you are in need of a place to stay in Albuquerque here’s the spot.
Avoiding the freeways we traveled south on the old highways. When Fred stopped for cappuccino, Olivia spotted a sign next door offering chili’s and watermelon. She walked over to find a room full of red chili’s. She purchased a watermelon, but found herself short by 50 cents. Returning with the change the owner asked her into his restaurant where he explained and gave samples of his red chili on pork and chicarroons. When we return this way we will stop to visit Leo’s New Mexican Restaurant. We wish we had purchased some of his red chili.
That night we stayed in the little town of Vernon, NM whose biggest claim to fame was the
railroad tracks. We were close to double 70 mph tracks, with 100 two mile long trains per 24 hrs traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles. The slower heavier trains go onto sidings to let the fast trains pass them. We followed these tracks into Texas where they headed northeast and we went southeast.
Saturday September 22 we drove through flat, desert, all the way into TEXAS. We stopped for gas in Muleshoe and were delighted to see so many Texas license plates. Texas! Texas! Texas!
Plainview was our destination for this night.
Sunday, Sept 23 we attended the
Plainview First UMC which reminded us of our beautiful church in Waxahachie. The
chapel interior had many mosaic windows and rich, dark wood paneling. The difference was the small numbers in church. The next church we attend will be our own when we arrive in Waxahachie in October.
Fred was unable to see the Cowboy game again. He looks forward to being at home to be in his own “Man Cave” upstairs, where he can enjoy the games uninterrupted, and talk to the players and coaches.
Monday, September 24 we drove 300 miles from Plainview, TX to Winstar, OK. When we arrived it was 96 degrees. The wind was high. By the time we set up we were totally exhausted. After supper we make a quick tour of Winstar then headed to bed.
Tuesday, Sept 25 we drove across the Red River into Texas. Remembering our college days of trips to Muenster, we decided to visit their
meat markets. After buying some bacon, sausage and cheese, we visited a grocery store in Gainesville to stock up for the weekend.
After unloading the groceries we drove north to Ardmore and visited the
R. D. Williams company. They are the ones we have signed leases with for potential drilling. We had never met anyone in person from this company. We were doing our homework before our daughters and son-in-laws came up for the weekend to learn about this business.
Wednesday & Thursday we washed clothes, cleaned house and Fred played a little poker. The timing was wrong for him to get into a tournament, much to his disappointment.
Friday, September 29 both of our girls and their spouses arrived in time for bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado sandwiches lunch. Then we drove into Ardmore to meet with Wes at R D Williams company. He was very accommodating to answer all our questions about the oil business in this area. Next we all climbed into Angie’s vehicle for a ride to Waurika, and the
courthouse. The clerk was very accommodating to educate the younger generation about how to find records in Jefferson Co.
Saturday, September 29 found us meeting the “kids” for a drive back into Jefferson County in the rain. We had planned to picnic somewhere, but snacked in the car instead.
Fred directed Bobby to drive around the sections and looking over fences until around two. Back in Ardmore in the hotel room we told stories about the Burton family members to give the girls a feel for this family, who had left the mineral rights to Olivia. We toasted Lon Burton and other generations for being so generous.
Sunday, September 30 we waited for the girls & boys to drive to the Casino RV park, where Teenya gave Olivia a haircut. After a short visit and goodbyes, we hooked up and headed home. We were thankful the rain had quit and the cooler temperature was welcomed as we backed into the yard.
We thank everyone who has followed us on this trip and love hearing from you all. So, email us at olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
We looked forward to seeing everyone in the Waxahachie area.
Now four weeks later, we are finally finding time to publish this last blog for 2012. To those we met along the way, "Come see us this winter!"
