Amarillo to Santa Fe

Ooh, I think we have arrived in Heaven. Today’s 300 mile journey has led us to Santa Fe and The Inn of the Five Graces. The majority of this rather small town (compared to the sprawling metropolises we have so far seen in the US) comprises largely red-coloured adobe buildings.

The Five Graces is no exception, but its point of difference must surely be the exquisite interiors – the work of owners Ira and Sylvia Seret, whose paths crossed when both were in Afghanistan in the 1970s when times there were less troubled. In common for both of them was their creativity and interests in, amongst other things, weaving, embroidery, beadwork and clothing. Today the couple runs two businesses: The Inn of the Five Graces hotel, and Seret and Sons – which they say is ‘an emporium of museum quality textiles, rugs, furnishings and architectural elements’.

Some photos of our room (or should I say suite) interior follows, which remind us of a chance visit to a building in Colombia a few years ago, called the Casa Terracota built by architect Octavio Mendoza and worth checking out online if you have a chance.

Close-up of the silk and glass disc bedspread, all shiny in golds, reds and greens

Each room has a wood-burning kiva fireplace inspired by pueblo architecture

But our trip today was not just about our surprising hotel on arrival. John had highlighted several Route 66 points along the way from Amarillo to Santa Fe. First up was the Amarillo border line shown by a large sign stating ‘You are arriving (or leaving) Amarillo, depending on which side of the fence (actually, the sign) one is standing.

Then on to Cadillac Ranch, west of Amarillo, which proved much fun for children and adults alike who could purchase a spray can and add their artistic prowess to the tilting Cadillacs. The ‘artwork’ comprises 10 Cadillacs half-buried nose-down in a field. The cars dated from the 1949 Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville.

Then it was on to some deserted buildings and towns, all as a result of interstate roads replacing the old Highway 66. This included the 1947 Vega Motel which had burgeoning trade until 1976; and yet another ghost area, being the town of Glenrio.

Today saw the halfway point of our journey, both in duration and distance. What better way to celebrate than visiting the ‘Midway Point’ at the town of Adrian. This was very popular with Route 66 travellers when we arrived and we got to meet a French couple travelling the same route as us on a motorbike. That is not easy considering the amount of driving rain we have had, and now the blistering heat and strong winds.

Also up for the journey, travelling the opposite way to us from Santa Monica to Chicago, were two women, one of 90 years young and the other 82. The latter said this was the time she wished she was 20 years old and on the back of a motorbike with a handsome chap in front. I reminded her that it was never too late!