US 66 — “The Mother Road”

Tucumcari, New Mexico

November 21, 2024

https://www.route66roadtrip.com/route-66-store.htm

Driving what remains of US 66 from California through New Mexico has been very fun — as well as challenging. The fun comes from driving an important road in our nation’s history and seeing what remains (and doesn’t) from the highway’s heydays before Interstate 40 came along. The challenging part comes from the fact that US 66 actually no longer exists at least in name. So far California, Arizona and New Mexico have done a decent job of signage for Histotic Route 66 but often the highway is officially known by a state route number. And in some cases the highway is now Interstate 40.

I’ve also run into sections of US 66 that are closed and how to take a different route.

Bottom line — I am driving US 66 when I can easily find it. I am avoiding it when it would mean driving through a big city (Eg, Albuquerque) or I don’t have the time or patience to locate it on Google Maps. Interstate 40 with its straight route and constant speed is alluring at times as I am somewhat on a schedule. The bank examiner in It’s A Wonderful Life wanted to spend Christmas with his family in Emira; I want to spend Thanksgiving with Alissa and Lucian in Atlanta.

My goal today is to at least drive Route 66 from here in Tucumcari into Oklahoma. I believe the lighting of the Leg Lamp in Chickasha is tomorrow night!