It's A Long Way to Tucumcari

Monday May 25th, Las Vegas NM to Tucumcari NM, 108 miles

It is a long way to Tipperary- oops make that Tucumcari, 108 miles from Las Vegas to be exact. With over 4000 feet of climbing to boot.   A long day but with a spectacular backdrop.

The area we covered today was sparsely populated with long stretches without any services.  As we left the mountains we descended into the high plains with huge ranches  with sparse cattle . I don't know if it is accurate, but someone said it takes about 100 acres to sustain one head of cattle in land such as we saw.

The first SAG stop was at a privately owned property that was utilized in the film Dead Man Walking.  At about the 40 mile mark of the ride we went through a mountain pass that opened to a spectacular  view of the plains.  At the 70 mile mark we hit a short 0.7 mile but very steep climb affectionately called "The Wall".  It is a canyon that was blasted out of a mountain to make way for the highway.

The last 30 miles were quite difficult with climbing and rising temps.  Tough day but memorable and well rewarded.

The first SAG stop where a scene from the movie Dead Man Walking was shot

  Myself, Cynthia, and Jim

A switchback and gorgeous opening onto the high plains of eastern NM.