A Few Photographs From Along Route 66; Tucumcari New Mexico; Part I

Detail from the now abandoned "Kiva, A-OK" motel along Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
I love the color combination in this image.  (click to enlarge)
All images made with a Nikon Z7II and the Nikon 24-200mm f/4-6.3 lens.

In my series of presenting images from various locations along the infamous Route 66 (sometimes called "The Mother Road"), like Hackberry, Arizona (see my two previous posts here and here), I also found Tucumcari, New Mexico very rich in photographic subjects.  

Tucumcari is located along Interstate 40 in northeast New Mexico.  The old Route 66 still runs through the town but most of the business activity is now along the interstate highway.  But don't let that fool you.  If you enjoy photographing old, abandoned motels, old gas stations, old trucks and old restaurants, take the exit off I-40 and drive the few miles along the old road.  Photographically, it is well worthwhile.

Here are some images from that old main street through Tucumcari.

This curio shop makes not only an interesting photo but an interesting visit as well.
(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

The iconic Blue Swallow Motel keeps on operating.  Each room has its own adjacent garage.  I met
the new owner and he told me business is good.  I hope he succeeds and the old motel continues
to thrive for many years. (click to enlarge)

The owner of the Blue Swallow told me that you won't see another sign saying rooms were
'refrigerated.' (click to enlarge)

  I made this image mainly for my "Just for the Color" project.  (click to enlarge)

The abandoned Kiva Motel.  Love the color choices! (click to enlarge)

The old and the new.  An old Magnolia service station.  Behind it is a giant wind turbine which is
on the grounds of the local community college.  The college is also the home of the North American
Wind Research and Training Center.  Why it is in this tiny town in the middle of nowhere is beyond
me?  Must have had a powerful representative in Congress?  (click to enlarge)

My next post will have some additional images from Tucumcari.  As I mentioned, this place was photographically rich!

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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