Albuquerque New Mexico

16 March 2018

My first scary incident was reminiscent of a movie robbery scene surprisingly and fortunately without a gun. I was lined up in a gas station to prepay my petrol (gas) when someone calmly walked in, took a 6 pack of beer and walked out with people swearing and chasing him. I quickly did what they do in the movies, backed up to a rear aisle and made myself inconspicuous. Nothing violent happened, but it was a reminder that there are some questionable areas I need to be careful of. I also thought that if this was one of the NRA States the man would probably have been shot. I didn’t wait there to buy petrol, I walked out to the car and noticed that the area was a bit dubious. I will be more careful in future.

I wonder how these signs work? They were throughout Flagstaff as Well.

I had spent the morning visiting unusual spots recommended in the Atlas Obscura.

First I went to the spaceship house.

Then the Musical Highway, a spot on Route 66 which, when you drive at the correct speed, you will hear “America the Beautiful” played. Unfortunately I could not hear it even when I stopped the car and I expect it is a joke or the cars weren’t going the correct speed for it to play. I got this pic though.

I then went to find the Atlas I

Described as “This pseudo-steampunk weapons facility is the world’s largest wood and glue structure, and packs quite a wallop“.

With an address of Kirtland Air Base I set my GPS. I thought I was going to a display at an unused airbase. I was a little surprised when driving up to the air base, I encountered the obligatory road block and security check. The poor guard must have thought I was a crazy Australian until I showed him the website. I was gently escorted off the air base with a recommendation of where to get something to eat if I was hungry. ??

Then I proceeded to the next item the De Anza Motor Lodge which holds American Indian Artefacts. This is actually being demolished, contrary to what the website states. A consolation, it is on Route 66.

I got lost looking for Little Beaver Town so decided to go for walk around the neighbourhood Where I am staying in without expectations.

And I found the Flintstone House!!

The homes in this area are Mexican influenced Adobe house. I suppose that’s because they are in New Mexico.

The gardens are on the treacherous side. You would want to be careful not to fall into the garden while drunk or otherwise.

Hopefully I will be more successful looking for dancing tonight