Mike here:

Boat left for parts east at 3 AM Saturday morning.  We left at 10, Sunday morning.  Driving a Nissan NV 200 mini cargo van, stuffed with boat stuff, we headed out on the I-15 Freeway towards the gambling mecca.  Coming to our senses, we took a right turn just past Barstow on Highway 40.  Much of the scenery along the route reminds one of a lunar landscape, sans the flora.  So much of the same.

We made camp that evening (well, ok…we stayed at a Hampton Inn) in Flagstaff, AZ.

Morning found us back on the road, with a brief stop in Albuquerque & finally finishing our day in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  Instead of some big chain hotel, we found a super little place with about a dozen or so rooms, called the “Blue Swallow Inn. ” 5 Stars (with nearly 2000 reviews) on Trip Advisor made us look into this place.  The proprietors couldn’t have treated us better, taking us to the room & showing us around before ever asking for a credit card.  They advised they have one rule concerning wine consumption on their premises…it cannot be consumed out of plastic.  So…they provided some nice stemmed wine balloons for our use.

Each room at this motel is furnished with period appliances & decor…complete with steel “glider” chairs out front.  We are among about 1/2 of the guests currently sitting in front of their rooms imbibing on the drink of choice.   Staying here tonight are travelers from Denmark, Spain, Canada & all over the US.  Doesn’t suck too awfully bad.

Say tuned for more road rash…we’re almost 1/2 way to our Kentucky destination.

M&M