Amarillo to Holbrook, AZ

From Amarillo we drove to Holbrook, AZ. This was just a stop to visit the Petrified Forest National Park. I just heard about it and just had to see it. First, though, we drove through Tucumcari, NM on historic Route 66. I do a lot of hunting for old signs and buildings. Plenty of that in Tucumcari. While not in Tucumcari, the Sun 'n Sand sign is one of the most photographed signs on Route 66 in Santa Rosa, NM. One of the must see signs and old motels is the Blue Swallow Motel. Beautifully restored with period American autos in front, the Blue Swallow has been in business since 1939. Time capsule spot. Another motel I stopped at was the Palomino Motel at the far end of the strip, old and a little worn but still in business with updated rooms. The sign hasn't been restored but it still is beautiful. I got a chance to talk a little story with Lila, the manager of the Palomino. She had a lot of stories of the hey day of Route 66 and the motels and businesses that are now gone. The Palomino has been in business since 1952.

The Petrified Forest National Park is known for its large deposits of petrified wood. The park is right off I-40 east of Holbrook.

Route 66, Tucumcari, New Mexico

Petrified Forest National Park