Tucumcari 🌵 I Didn't Turn Around

A previous trip to Arizona didn’t unfold the way it should have. This time, I went back to experience it on my own terms.

To take it back.

6 days · 2,878 Miles

Up early on April 9th. This was easy, I didn't sleep well. Car rental, got a Honda Ridgeline, and back home to load the truck. I took much less this time. Less hassle, less decision paralysis, less... mess.

I hit the road at 9 a.m. CST. Aside from fuel, bathroom, and snack stops, the only Kansas photo location was Bloom (Unincorporated), KS.

Bloom, Kansas. Still standing, technically.

I drove for something like 12 hours to land in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Tucumcari, New Mexico. The long way down.

If you know me at all, you know that I love Tucumcari. The abandonment and decay are the beauty.

I had just enough light left to make it to Cuervo, NM. It's as eerie in the evening light as it is in the dark.

Cuervo, New Mexico. Abandoned (?!) church.

Cuervo, New Mexico. Nowhere.

On the way out of Cuervo, I saw this gem.

It was dark by the time I returned to Tucumcari. If you know this city, you know the dark doesn’t hamper anything. The dark is when Tucumcari comes alive. A Route 66 pulsatile neon time capsule with more sky than people.

Tucumcari, New Mexico. Good. Gooder. Goodest.

You will see photos of some of the same spots during this trip. There is definitely something (many things, obviously) about Tucumcari that continues to draw me back.

I headed to Del's Restaurant for a quick grilled cheese and french fries, and definitely wasn't disappointed.

Eventually, I gave in and slept...

Tucumcari, New Mexico. Motel Safari.

..but not before a few more photos.

I will always stay at Motel Safari when in Tucumcari.

Tucumcari, New Mexico. Motel Safari.

➜ More from this trip - along with the ones that didn’t make the site - are on my Instagram: @3rd.Eye.Blue