We departed Hot Springs Village early Saturday morning, driving north to Morrilton where we stopped for breakfast at McDonald’s. Then it was on I-40 west through Arkansas, across much of Oklahoma, and into eastern New Mexico. It is always interesting to observe the changing topography. Past Amarillo and about 30 miles from New Mexico, the topography changed dramatically from rolling hills to high plains with arroyos, small canyons, and rock outcroppings. The day’s travel ended at Tucumcari, New Mexico, after driving some 700 miles.

At Tucumcari, we overnighted in the Historic Route 66 Motel; it is a mid-century modern hotel that is similar in style and atmosphere to hotels and homes designed by Mies van der Rohe, Joseph Eichler, and Oscar Niemeyer. Built in 1963, both the exterior and interior is more than a little reminiscent of “California Modern”, a style that was so popular until the latter sixties. It was clean and we would stay there again. Dinner was at the renowned Del’s Restaurant, which has served locals and travelers along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for more than 60 years. The food was good and reasonably priced. We would eat there again.