A Gallup from Guns and Roses

Another great, and varied day.  

A series of very differing  activities.  

A series of differing  terrain. 

A series of differing weather conditions.

A slower start, as promised.  At a lazy 07:30 we were up and on the go.  You just know that at soon as you switch on the electronics - iWhatsits are the quickest but I’m not too far behind on the netbook - there will be a series of comments from Cecilia Carolyn and Richard: always a heart warming start to the day. Thanks guys.  

Breakfast in the hotel set us up for the day.  

Then it was off to do some shopping: Calibers not being open till 12:00. We headed for a giant pet shop … dogs, it seems, needs lots of stuff – this place had the lot, plus a dog hospital and a dog hotel and a pet (mostly cat) rescue and adoption service and owners of dogs of all shapes and sizes with their pets strolling around.  Then we checked out another sports superstore – Sportsman’s Warehouse – more to see the range of equipment that is available there than to buy much.  

It was too early but we headed for Calibers anyway. The first thing we noticed was a sign sellotaped to the notice board to say they were now open on Sundays from 10:00. At least we did not have to wait till 12:00! In we went and got signed up and kitted out and  went into the range. Seamus was in charge of this element of the trip and remembered well the instructions we had received and  deftly got us into action. Only casualty of the morning was John who took a lump out of his thumb with the first shot. Patched up and he was back in business quickly.  We spent an hour there and it was an experience.  Some of you with whom we discussed this before we left will be vindicated in your views!  Glad we tried it but none of us would be rushing back to repeat it. The power and destructive capability of the guns – expertly handled by those around us - was sobering.    After that and an intense pensive discussion on the experience we needed another  venture.

We had just the answer and headed for  Quiltworks.  That opened at 13:00.  Yes, Quiltworks. As Richie will know the entry of a man into these premises produces a surprised reaction. I was immediately asked if I could be helped. I could. Where was their selection of Native American themed fabric.   I was told that, unfortunately, their downtown shop which specialised in same was closed on Sundays but I was directed to what was available. Do you have fat quarters? No: just take the bolts you want and we’ll cut them to size. No problem.  Despite their ‘limited’ selection I think we got some nice pieces. (I’m sure there some can be regarded as Roses). Whatever, they will be brilliant by the time D is done with them! Now the lads were relaxed!

Onwards so to Hard Rock and coffee .. . have you figured yet? … we are now heading for 14:30 and only a coffee! Just not trained enough for the US diet. No stamina. Anyway HRC (actually HRH because it’s a hotel)  was just right and we lost no money in the casino. Nice pins, Brendan (s).

Word from Sinead that all was fine on the home front came through on the iWhatsits.  I have an impression of dogs exhausted dogs from all the walking she is giving her charges while Seamus is away. Good on you. Thanks too for selecting the right sunglasses: ideal for this trip.

Onwards again! Now targeted on Gallup in a single run. Weather started to turn. We had been staying a few hours ahead of the snow but we had dilly dallied so long around Albuquerque  that it was starting to catch us.

We stopped anyway for petrol. Thanks to Irene and Richie my debit card worked despite needing a zip code. Thanks guys. Tanked up and off.  

Into the sleet.  Into the snow. Not sticking. Into the blizzard. Sticking. Over the hill. Magic! An amazing sight as the weather cleared and the moisture burned off the land. Only regret we did not capture the beauty of the scenes.  Knew the US could deal with snow! Back into fine weather and a changing landscape as we bore down on Gallup.

Need to says thanks again here. More than three years ago when I first mentioned we were planning a trip on Route 66 Martin said he would do a CD of suitable music. Despite the trip being organised and postponed three times I saw no disc … and assumed I would not. Then just before we left a brown envelope landed on my desk. Therein was Martin’s CD. JIT work practices at their best.  Apologies for doubting you and thanks for the company on the Route today.

We arrived in El Rancho in Gallup at about 18:30. This is a unique hotel : rustic to a T. We are in Rosalind Russell suite. Her main claim to fame , Brendan tells me, is that she co-starred with Cary Grant in the screwball comedy –if you will - film ‘His Girl Friday’. She was nominated four times for best supporting actress but never won one. She did however hold the record for the most Grammys awarded a female star – 5 …. until she was overtaken by Meryl  Streep. From my other side as I write this Seamus chips in to say that films made in Gallup include Billy the Kid (1930), Pursued (1947), The Sea of Grass (1947), Four Faces West (1948), Only the Valiant (1951), Ace in the Hole (1951), Escape from Fort Bravo (1953), A Distant Trumpet (1964) and The Hallelujah Trail (1965).  The amount of detailed facts these guys hold in their heads never ceases to amaze me!

Brendan is in a sulk because he wanted to be in the Tyrone Power room which is just down the hall.  Now I’m worried Seamus will relocate us before the night is done if the hotel staff are not vigilant!  We had a fine dinner – but you, or these two at least, can’t get iWhatsits to Bluetooth .

We then checked out the town. 

Call from Andrew too – a bonus: thanks AJ!

Amazingly we are now at a point where there is just one week to go! Where did three years go?  

Carpe each Diem to the full.