Tuesday, June 6, 2023 Navajo Lake to Sante Fe to Amarillo

Tuesday, June 6

55 degrees this morning.  Elevation its about 5600' here.  We have breakfast and then drive a short distance to Navajo Dam and the created lake, which is one of the largest in NM.  Lots of houseboats; some in a marina and others anchored around the lake.  Lots of fishermen.

We missed our turn by the dam the first time because it is so sharp, you really can't turn (or see it, really).   You have to use a pull out area past the split, then turn around and drive back to catch hwy 539.  The road is a little sketchy at first, but then improves till we connect to hwy 64 and 84.  This is a long, beautiful road to Sante Fe. 

Lots of prairie dogs for a while, then back into the mountains and trees.  Lots of horses - we have seen more horses this trip than cattle.

We've decided to stop at the Sante Fe Farmer's Market which is open Tuesdays and Saturdays.  Takes a few tries to find it, but we arrive eventually.

Partially outside and partially indoors.  Outdoors is mainly fruits, vegetables, honey, and plants.

Inside, Beth notices an author selling her books and stops to chat.  Several of the books are set in India, but I decide to pick one closer to home- New Mexico.  Sounds interesting as it is a mystery which takes place in the New Mexico American Indian Academy. The protagonist is a native of New Mexico and an adoptee, as is the author, Elaine Pinkerton.  Haven't started it yet...

Some beautiful pottery, jewelry and other artwork and crafts.

The building next to where we parked has some interesting murals.

 We wind our way down to I-40, which is in horrible condition until we hit the Texas border. Temperatures are soaring, so we decide to stop at a Comfort Inn where we have stayed a few times in the past in Amarillo.  There is a convenient Red Robin in walking distance, so we split a cheeseburger meal and relax for a while.

Tomorrow we will head for home.  About a ten hour drive, but one we've made a few times.