The Empty Ghost towns & Legendary Motels of New Mexico’s Route 66

0:02 Not all of Route 66 is glamorous and

0:02 Not all of Route 66 is glamorous and filled with neon and retro cafes. On

0:05 filled with neon and retro cafes. On

0:05 filled with neon and retro cafes. On some parts of the old Mother Road, its

0:07 some parts of the old Mother Road, its

0:07 some parts of the old Mother Road, its glory years are so far behind it, they

0:10 glory years are so far behind it, they

0:10 glory years are so far behind it, they seem like they may never come again.

0:13 seem like they may never come again.

0:13 seem like they may never come again. We're back in the little ghost town of

0:16 We're back in the little ghost town of

0:16 We're back in the little ghost town of Cuervo, New Mexico, on the eastern half

0:19 Cuervo, New Mexico, on the eastern half

0:19 Cuervo, New Mexico, on the eastern half of the original Route 66's run through

0:22 of the original Route 66's run through

0:22 of the original Route 66's run through the state. And although you wouldn't

0:23 the state. And although you wouldn't

0:23 the state. And although you wouldn't know it to look at it now, this was once

0:26 know it to look at it now, this was once

0:26 know it to look at it now, this was once a thriving community and a popular stop

0:29 a thriving community and a popular stop

0:29 a thriving community and a popular stop along Route 66. Later, the Interstate

0:31 along Route 66. Later, the Interstate

0:31 along Route 66. Later, the Interstate came and blazed a trail right through

0:33 came and blazed a trail right through

0:33 came and blazed a trail right through the middle of the town. And yet,

0:35 the middle of the town. And yet,

0:35 the middle of the town. And yet, seemingly nothing remains of Cuervo's

0:39 seemingly nothing remains of Cuervo's

0:39 seemingly nothing remains of Cuervo's population. Nothing but old abandoned

0:41 population. Nothing but old abandoned

0:41 population. Nothing but old abandoned homes. Let's not gloss over that old

0:42 homes. Let's not gloss over that old

0:42 homes. Let's not gloss over that old abandoned outhouse right there with

0:44 abandoned outhouse right there with

0:44 abandoned outhouse right there with those original water tanks. Cuervo was

0:46 those original water tanks. Cuervo was

0:46 those original water tanks. Cuervo was established when a railroad siding was

0:48 established when a railroad siding was

0:48 established when a railroad siding was built here by the Chicago, Rock Island

0:50 built here by the Chicago, Rock Island

0:50 built here by the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railroad, just across the

0:52 and Gulf Railroad, just across the

0:52 and Gulf Railroad, just across the freeway in 1902. And in fact, the train

0:55 freeway in 1902. And in fact, the train

0:55 freeway in 1902. And in fact, the train stopped running here in 1910, and so the

0:57 stopped running here in 1910, and so the

0:57 stopped running here in 1910, and so the town had a first death before 1926, when

1:01 town had a first death before 1926, when

1:01 town had a first death before 1926, when Route 66 once again brought travelers to

1:04 Route 66 once again brought travelers to

1:04 Route 66 once again brought travelers to its doorstep. Then the town boomed, or

1:07 its doorstep. Then the town boomed, or

1:07 its doorstep. Then the town boomed, or as much as it ever would boom, to a

1:08 as much as it ever would boom, to a

1:08 as much as it ever would boom, to a population of around 150 people right

1:11 population of around 150 people right

1:11 population of around 150 people right around 1950 or so, and then seemingly it

1:14 around 1950 or so, and then seemingly it

1:14 around 1950 or so, and then seemingly it just kept on declining after that. Right

1:17 just kept on declining after that. Right

1:17 just kept on declining after that. Right here is an old Catholic church built

1:19 here is an old Catholic church built

1:19 here is an old Catholic church built around 1915.

1:22 around 1915.

1:22 around 1915. There's no service today, but look at

1:23 There's no service today, but look at

1:23 There's no service today, but look at that, the bell rope is still here. Let

1:25 that, the bell rope is still here. Let

1:25 that, the bell rope is still here. Let me just um

1:26 me just um

1:26 me just um nothing. See, things were pretty

1:27 nothing. See, things were pretty

1:27 nothing. See, things were pretty makeshift out here in the early days.

1:29 makeshift out here in the early days.

1:29 makeshift out here in the early days. Someone built a house or some little

1:31 Someone built a house or some little

1:31 Someone built a house or some little small business out of an old railroad

1:33 small business out of an old railroad

1:33 small business out of an old railroad car, it looks like. It's old abandoned

1:35 car, it looks like. It's old abandoned

1:35 car, it looks like. It's old abandoned cars everywhere, old stone buildings

1:38 cars everywhere, old stone buildings

1:38 cars everywhere, old stone buildings definitely dating back to the early

1:40 definitely dating back to the early

1:40 definitely dating back to the early railroad and ranching period. It's weird

1:42 railroad and ranching period. It's weird

1:42 railroad and ranching period. It's weird to think about this place in 1902, 1910,

1:45 to think about this place in 1902, 1910,

1:45 to think about this place in 1902, 1910, 1915, which seems relatively modern,

1:48 1915, which seems relatively modern,

1:48 1915, which seems relatively modern, right? Just 10 years before Route 66

1:49 right? Just 10 years before Route 66

1:50 right? Just 10 years before Route 66 came through. And yet, it was still very

1:51 came through. And yet, it was still very

1:51 came through. And yet, it was still very much the Old West out here at that

1:53 much the Old West out here at that

1:53 much the Old West out here at that point. Surprisingly out here, there is

1:55 point. Surprisingly out here, there is

1:55 point. Surprisingly out here, there is still quite a quite a remnant at least

1:58 still quite a quite a remnant at least

1:58 still quite a quite a remnant at least of the old grid. There are many many

2:01 of the old grid. There are many many

2:01 of the old grid. There are many many structures still standing. A lot of

2:03 structures still standing. A lot of

2:03 structures still standing. A lot of little old homes. What really strikes me

2:05 little old homes. What really strikes me

2:05 little old homes. What really strikes me is that you can see these trees that

2:06 is that you can see these trees that

2:06 is that you can see these trees that were planted out here. Old fruit trees

2:08 were planted out here. Old fruit trees

2:08 were planted out here. Old fruit trees that didn't make it with watering. And

2:10 that didn't make it with watering. And

2:10 that didn't make it with watering. And also some cacti that look like they were

2:11 also some cacti that look like they were

2:12 also some cacti that look like they were planted as sort of like part of people's

2:13 planted as sort of like part of people's

2:13 planted as sort of like part of people's gardens. You see these very carefully

2:15 gardens. You see these very carefully

2:15 gardens. You see these very carefully hand-laid rock walls and old steps. So,

2:18 hand-laid rock walls and old steps. So,

2:18 hand-laid rock walls and old steps. So, clearly the people that lived out here

2:21 clearly the people that lived out here

2:21 clearly the people that lived out here were taking pride in their community.

2:22 were taking pride in their community.

2:22 were taking pride in their community. And yet as far as I can tell walking

2:24 And yet as far as I can tell walking

2:24 And yet as far as I can tell walking around today,

2:25 around today,

2:25 around today, there's nobody out here

2:27 there's nobody out here

2:27 there's nobody out here but ghosts. Actually, as I've gotten

2:28 but ghosts. Actually, as I've gotten

2:29 but ghosts. Actually, as I've gotten farther out of town, I can see some

2:31 farther out of town, I can see some

2:31 farther out of town, I can see some homes in the very back of town with

2:33 homes in the very back of town with

2:33 homes in the very back of town with modern roofs on them. So, clearly

2:35 modern roofs on them. So, clearly

2:35 modern roofs on them. So, clearly somebody's living out here in Cuervo.

2:37 somebody's living out here in Cuervo.

2:37 somebody's living out here in Cuervo. And then look at this right here. This

2:40 And then look at this right here. This

2:40 And then look at this right here. This also has a more modern metal roof on it.

2:43 also has a more modern metal roof on it.

2:43 also has a more modern metal roof on it. It's been somewhat restored. I believe

2:45 It's been somewhat restored. I believe

2:45 It's been somewhat restored. I believe this is the old Cuervo schoolhouse. You

2:48 this is the old Cuervo schoolhouse. You

2:48 this is the old Cuervo schoolhouse. You can still barely read district number

2:51 can still barely read district number

2:51 can still barely read district number six on the stone above the door. Unless

2:54 six on the stone above the door. Unless

2:54 six on the stone above the door. Unless I'm totally remembering this name wrong,

2:56 I'm totally remembering this name wrong,

2:56 I'm totally remembering this name wrong, I believe that the roof was put on by

2:58 I believe that the roof was put on by

2:58 I believe that the roof was put on by someone who used to live here, a lady

2:59 someone who used to live here, a lady

2:59 someone who used to live here, a lady named Flora Page. There have been some

3:01 named Flora Page. There have been some

3:01 named Flora Page. There have been some scattershot efforts over the years to

3:03 scattershot efforts over the years to

3:03 scattershot efforts over the years to preserve this place. Look at this,

3:04 preserve this place. Look at this,

3:04 preserve this place. Look at this, somebody's kicked the door in here. Oh,

3:06 somebody's kicked the door in here. Oh,

3:06 somebody's kicked the door in here. Oh, wow. Wait a minute. Got to watch out for

3:08 wow. Wait a minute. Got to watch out for

3:08 wow. Wait a minute. Got to watch out for snakes and bees and spiders, but uh

3:12 snakes and bees and spiders, but uh

3:12 snakes and bees and spiders, but uh Okay. Looks like someone's made some

3:14 Okay. Looks like someone's made some

3:14 Okay. Looks like someone's made some efforts to

3:15 efforts to

3:15 efforts to brace this place up. An old stove in

3:18 brace this place up. An old stove in

3:18 brace this place up. An old stove in here. It's actually much larger than I

3:20 here. It's actually much larger than I

3:20 here. It's actually much larger than I was expecting it to be

3:22 was expecting it to be

3:22 was expecting it to be inside the old schoolhouse. The problem

3:24 inside the old schoolhouse. The problem

3:25 inside the old schoolhouse. The problem with things like this is if it was in a

3:26 with things like this is if it was in a

3:26 with things like this is if it was in a small town in the middle of nowhere, if

3:28 small town in the middle of nowhere, if

3:28 small town in the middle of nowhere, if it was that kind of ghost town,

3:30 it was that kind of ghost town,

3:30 it was that kind of ghost town, you know, it'd be pretty well preserved.

3:32 you know, it'd be pretty well preserved.

3:32 you know, it'd be pretty well preserved. Being right off the interstate, that

3:34 Being right off the interstate, that

3:34 Being right off the interstate, that means it's uh much more accessible to

3:37 means it's uh much more accessible to

3:37 means it's uh much more accessible to vandals and hooligans. And with no one

3:39 vandals and hooligans. And with no one

3:40 vandals and hooligans. And with no one or at least very few people living

3:42 or at least very few people living

3:42 or at least very few people living anywhere near here, it's hard to keep an

3:43 anywhere near here, it's hard to keep an

3:43 anywhere near here, it's hard to keep an eye on everything, right? Anyway, this

3:45 eye on everything, right? Anyway, this

3:45 eye on everything, right? Anyway, this is only the upper half of the town down

3:47 is only the upper half of the town down

3:47 is only the upper half of the town down by the railroad tracks and down along

3:49 by the railroad tracks and down along

3:49 by the railroad tracks and down along the path of old Route 66, there's even

3:50 the path of old Route 66, there's even

3:50 the path of old Route 66, there's even more. The stuff over there is much more

3:53 more. The stuff over there is much more

3:53 more. The stuff over there is much more the familiar type of Route 66 ghost town

3:56 the familiar type of Route 66 ghost town

3:56 the familiar type of Route 66 ghost town stuff. Cuz this is where you get all

3:57 stuff. Cuz this is where you get all

3:57 stuff. Cuz this is where you get all your old abandoned gas stations and

4:00 your old abandoned gas stations and

4:00 your old abandoned gas stations and filling stations. Keep in mind there

4:01 filling stations. Keep in mind there

4:01 filling stations. Keep in mind there would have been a lot more right where

4:03 would have been a lot more right where

4:03 would have been a lot more right where the freeway is now sitting right across

4:05 the freeway is now sitting right across

4:05 the freeway is now sitting right across the way, but look

4:06 the way, but look

4:06 the way, but look at

4:08 at

4:08 at this.

4:09 this.

4:09 this. Got somebody's abandoned car out here,

4:11 Got somebody's abandoned car out here,

4:11 Got somebody's abandoned car out here, an old store closed up.

4:14 an old store closed up.

4:14 an old store closed up. Then look at that one right there. You

4:15 Then look at that one right there. You

4:15 Then look at that one right there. You can just barely read Cuervo, New Mexico

4:18 can just barely read Cuervo, New Mexico

4:18 can just barely read Cuervo, New Mexico over there. Looks like it might say

4:20 over there. Looks like it might say

4:20 over there. Looks like it might say groceries on top of that building. Then

4:22 groceries on top of that building. Then

4:22 groceries on top of that building. Then look at the smaller business to the

4:23 look at the smaller business to the

4:23 look at the smaller business to the right or the addition on there. That is

4:25 right or the addition on there. That is

4:25 right or the addition on there. That is very short. Like your classic old West

4:27 very short. Like your classic old West

4:27 very short. Like your classic old West general store or something like that. A

4:29 general store or something like that. A

4:29 general store or something like that. A lot of these were old roadside cafes,

4:32 lot of these were old roadside cafes,

4:32 lot of these were old roadside cafes, gas stations. You can see this is full

4:34 gas stations. You can see this is full

4:34 gas stations. You can see this is full of old lumber and old junk in here.

4:37 of old lumber and old junk in here.

4:37 of old lumber and old junk in here. Man, this is pretty wild. This place

4:38 Man, this is pretty wild. This place

4:38 Man, this is pretty wild. This place looks like it was a half in the act of

4:40 looks like it was a half in the act of

4:40 looks like it was a half in the act of being bulldozed because there's a

4:42 being bulldozed because there's a

4:42 being bulldozed because there's a bulldozer right in front of this clearly

4:45 bulldozer right in front of this clearly

4:45 bulldozer right in front of this clearly very old gas station. If I'm remembering

4:48 very old gas station. If I'm remembering

4:48 very old gas station. If I'm remembering correctly, at one point this was a

4:49 correctly, at one point this was a

4:49 correctly, at one point this was a Texaco. The wild part is in the old

4:51 Texaco. The wild part is in the old

4:51 Texaco. The wild part is in the old abandoned and roofless garage portion,

4:53 abandoned and roofless garage portion,

4:53 abandoned and roofless garage portion, you can see a car is actually up on one

4:56 you can see a car is actually up on one

4:56 you can see a car is actually up on one of the old lifts. Now out in front, not

4:57 of the old lifts. Now out in front, not

4:57 of the old lifts. Now out in front, not only do you have that very cool,

4:58 only do you have that very cool,

4:58 only do you have that very cool, probably lit up arrow from back in the

5:00 probably lit up arrow from back in the

5:00 probably lit up arrow from back in the day, but the sign bracket for the old

5:03 day, but the sign bracket for the old

5:03 day, but the sign bracket for the old Texaco, there's an old billboard frame

5:05 Texaco, there's an old billboard frame

5:05 Texaco, there's an old billboard frame over here and you can see they had to

5:07 over here and you can see they had to

5:08 over here and you can see they had to board up the windows, a couple of chairs

5:10 board up the windows, a couple of chairs

5:10 board up the windows, a couple of chairs out on the porch.

5:11 out on the porch.

5:12 out on the porch. Wonder if people sat on those chairs

5:14 Wonder if people sat on those chairs

5:14 Wonder if people sat on those chairs looking at the empty highway. Hey, UPS.

5:17 looking at the empty highway. Hey, UPS.

5:17 looking at the empty highway. Hey, UPS. Man, they really do deliver everywhere.

5:18 Man, they really do deliver everywhere.

5:18 Man, they really do deliver everywhere. Looking out at the empty highway and the

5:20 Looking out at the empty highway and the

5:20 Looking out at the empty highway and the interstate rolling by and going, "Nobody

5:22 interstate rolling by and going, "Nobody

5:22 interstate rolling by and going, "Nobody stops here anymore." My son London's in

5:24 stops here anymore." My son London's in

5:24 stops here anymore." My son London's in the car keeping up with me as I

5:27 the car keeping up with me as I

5:27 the car keeping up with me as I walk up the road here in old Cuervo.

5:29 walk up the road here in old Cuervo.

5:29 walk up the road here in old Cuervo. Check this out. Sign is

5:32 Check this out. Sign is

5:32 Check this out. Sign is long gone from this gas station down

5:35 long gone from this gas station down

5:35 long gone from this gas station down here, but on the base of the sign pole,

5:38 here, but on the base of the sign pole,

5:38 here, but on the base of the sign pole, can you read that right there? It's

5:38 can you read that right there? It's

5:39 can you read that right there? It's painted Bell Gas. So, I wonder if that

5:42 painted Bell Gas. So, I wonder if that

5:42 painted Bell Gas. So, I wonder if that was a brand of gas that was sold here.

5:44 was a brand of gas that was sold here.

5:44 was a brand of gas that was sold here. I've never heard of Bell Gas. You can

5:45 I've never heard of Bell Gas. You can

5:45 I've never heard of Bell Gas. You can see this. Look at the hooks for the

5:48 see this. Look at the hooks for the

5:48 see this. Look at the hooks for the pumps or for hoses. And interestingly,

5:50 pumps or for hoses. And interestingly,

5:50 pumps or for hoses. And interestingly, up here in ghost lettering it says US

5:52 up here in ghost lettering it says US

5:52 up here in ghost lettering it says US Post Office. So, clearly at one point

5:54 Post Office. So, clearly at one point

5:54 Post Office. So, clearly at one point this was Cuervo's post office. And the

5:57 this was Cuervo's post office. And the

5:57 this was Cuervo's post office. And the old counter is still intact in here.

5:59 old counter is still intact in here.

5:59 old counter is still intact in here. Man.

6:00 Man.

6:00 Man. This is wild. There are still people

6:02 This is wild. There are still people

6:02 This is wild. There are still people living in the area who can remember when

6:05 living in the area who can remember when

6:05 living in the area who can remember when this was a viable business. You see the

6:07 this was a viable business. You see the

6:07 this was a viable business. You see the old sink and kitchen

6:09 old sink and kitchen

6:09 old sink and kitchen back there. Makes me wonder if they had

6:10 back there. Makes me wonder if they had

6:10 back there. Makes me wonder if they had a a little cafe or if the owner and

6:12 a a little cafe or if the owner and

6:12 a a little cafe or if the owner and proprietor lived in this place. There's

6:13 proprietor lived in this place. There's

6:14 proprietor lived in this place. There's an old case back there, maybe an old

6:15 an old case back there, maybe an old

6:15 an old case back there, maybe an old freezer. And like I was saying, look at

6:16 freezer. And like I was saying, look at

6:16 freezer. And like I was saying, look at the old counter. It's got a display

6:19 the old counter. It's got a display

6:19 the old counter. It's got a display window still miraculously intact in

6:21 window still miraculously intact in

6:21 window still miraculously intact in there.

6:22 there.

6:22 there. You have shelving for maybe old oil cans

6:25 You have shelving for maybe old oil cans

6:25 You have shelving for maybe old oil cans and stuff.

6:28 and stuff.

6:28 and stuff. The refuse of bygone times.

6:34 Crazy. And right out in back are the

6:34 Crazy. And right out in back are the railroad tracks, which was the first

6:37 railroad tracks, which was the first

6:37 railroad tracks, which was the first reason Cuervo ever existed. Look at this

6:39 reason Cuervo ever existed. Look at this

6:39 reason Cuervo ever existed. Look at this on the wall. Can you read that?

6:41 on the wall. Can you read that?

6:41 on the wall. Can you read that? Fresh candy, it says right there. Oh,

6:43 Fresh candy, it says right there. Oh,

6:43 Fresh candy, it says right there. Oh, man.

6:44 man.

6:44 man. Not anymore, guys. Not anymore. I wanted

6:47 Not anymore, guys. Not anymore. I wanted

6:47 Not anymore, guys. Not anymore. I wanted to stop here in Cuervo, New Mexico at

6:49 to stop here in Cuervo, New Mexico at

6:49 to stop here in Cuervo, New Mexico at the beginning of this adventure because

6:51 the beginning of this adventure because

6:51 the beginning of this adventure because we are headed eastwards to Tucumcari,

6:54 we are headed eastwards to Tucumcari,

6:54 we are headed eastwards to Tucumcari, one of the greatest Route 66 towns ever

6:57 one of the greatest Route 66 towns ever

6:57 one of the greatest Route 66 towns ever with surviving neon signs, old motels.

6:59 with surviving neon signs, old motels.

6:59 with surviving neon signs, old motels. And it's a small town, but you've got a

7:01 And it's a small town, but you've got a

7:01 And it's a small town, but you've got a grocery store, you've got gas stations.

7:03 grocery store, you've got gas stations.

7:03 grocery store, you've got gas stations. Open ones, I mean, but uh

7:06 Open ones, I mean, but uh

7:06 Open ones, I mean, but uh I just wanted to show the contrast here

7:07 I just wanted to show the contrast here

7:07 I just wanted to show the contrast here with many of the other old Route 66

7:10 with many of the other old Route 66

7:10 with many of the other old Route 66 towns that didn't fare so well. And this

7:13 towns that didn't fare so well. And this

7:13 towns that didn't fare so well. And this isn't the only one on this stretch of

7:14 isn't the only one on this stretch of

7:14 isn't the only one on this stretch of road between Santa Rosa, New Mexico

7:17 road between Santa Rosa, New Mexico

7:17 road between Santa Rosa, New Mexico where we were in our last episode.

7:19 where we were in our last episode.

7:19 where we were in our last episode. Tucumcari, New Mexico where tonight

7:21 Tucumcari, New Mexico where tonight

7:21 Tucumcari, New Mexico where tonight we're going to stay in one of the most,

7:23 we're going to stay in one of the most,

7:23 we're going to stay in one of the most, maybe the most legendary motels on the

7:26 maybe the most legendary motels on the

7:26 maybe the most legendary motels on the old route. We keep blazing a trail along

7:28 old route. We keep blazing a trail along

7:28 old route. We keep blazing a trail along the railroad tracks and along old Route

7:30 the railroad tracks and along old Route

7:30 the railroad tracks and along old Route 66. Eventually, you come up to another

7:34 66. Eventually, you come up to another

7:34 66. Eventually, you come up to another ghost town called Newkirk, New Mexico.

7:36 ghost town called Newkirk, New Mexico.

7:36 ghost town called Newkirk, New Mexico. Look at this. This is just teasing us

7:38 Look at this. This is just teasing us

7:38 Look at this. This is just teasing us now. Tucumcari tonight. That's the old

7:40 now. Tucumcari tonight. That's the old

7:40 now. Tucumcari tonight. That's the old slogan because they had so

7:42 slogan because they had so

7:42 slogan because they had so hotel rooms on the old Mother Road.

7:45 hotel rooms on the old Mother Road.

7:45 hotel rooms on the old Mother Road. >> oasis in the desert.

7:46 >> oasis in the desert.

7:47 >> oasis in the desert. >> about 10 minutes or so up the frontage

7:49 >> about 10 minutes or so up the frontage

7:49 >> about 10 minutes or so up the frontage road, up the path of old Route 66, and I

7:52 road, up the path of old Route 66, and I

7:52 road, up the path of old Route 66, and I much prefer driving on this, I must say,

7:54 much prefer driving on this, I must say,

7:54 much prefer driving on this, I must say, than on the interstate right next door.

7:56 than on the interstate right next door.

7:56 than on the interstate right next door. Sure, this way is a little slower, but

7:58 Sure, this way is a little slower, but

7:58 Sure, this way is a little slower, but we're getting the authentic experience,

8:00 we're getting the authentic experience,

8:00 we're getting the authentic experience, London.

8:00 London.

8:00 London. >> Authentic. Authentic tree.

8:02 >> Authentic. Authentic tree.

8:03 >> Authentic. Authentic tree. >> Well, I say it's a little bit slower,

8:04 >> Well, I say it's a little bit slower,

8:04 >> Well, I say it's a little bit slower, but actually only took us 10 minutes of

8:06 but actually only took us 10 minutes of

8:06 but actually only took us 10 minutes of driving down the old path to reach the

8:08 driving down the old path to reach the

8:08 driving down the old path to reach the outskirts of New Kirk. And although New

8:10 outskirts of New Kirk. And although New

8:10 outskirts of New Kirk. And although New Kirk is a bit ghosty, to my surprise,

8:13 Kirk is a bit ghosty, to my surprise,

8:13 Kirk is a bit ghosty, to my surprise, it's not full ghosty like Cuervo,

8:16 it's not full ghosty like Cuervo,

8:16 it's not full ghosty like Cuervo, because indeed, as soon as you pull into

8:17 because indeed, as soon as you pull into

8:18 because indeed, as soon as you pull into town, you see an active open gas station

8:20 town, you see an active open gas station

8:20 town, you see an active open gas station and post office combination. Literally

8:23 and post office combination. Literally

8:23 and post office combination. Literally just called Route US 66 out here. It

8:26 just called Route US 66 out here. It

8:26 just called Route US 66 out here. It even says Route 66 gas on the side of

8:28 even says Route 66 gas on the side of

8:28 even says Route 66 gas on the side of the pumps. And not only is it using an

8:30 the pumps. And not only is it using an

8:30 the pumps. And not only is it using an obviously older historic building. Look

8:32 obviously older historic building. Look

8:32 obviously older historic building. Look at that, it's harkening back to the old

8:33 at that, it's harkening back to the old

8:33 at that, it's harkening back to the old days with the whole gas station post

8:36 days with the whole gas station post

8:36 days with the whole gas station post office combo. Still going strong. Dude,

8:39 office combo. Still going strong. Dude,

8:39 office combo. Still going strong. Dude, that is a awesome. I was not expecting

8:41 that is a awesome. I was not expecting

8:41 that is a awesome. I was not expecting homemade burritos and Route 66 gas to be

8:44 homemade burritos and Route 66 gas to be

8:44 homemade burritos and Route 66 gas to be here. Oh my gosh.

8:46 here. Oh my gosh.

8:46 here. Oh my gosh. There's even some souvenirs. I'm getting

8:48 There's even some souvenirs. I'm getting

8:48 There's even some souvenirs. I'm getting that. This is kind of amazing. This is

8:51 that. This is kind of amazing. This is

8:51 that. This is kind of amazing. This is like the whole grocery store in here.

8:52 like the whole grocery store in here.

8:52 like the whole grocery store in here. This is your one-stop shop. Ooh, I could

8:54 This is your one-stop shop. Ooh, I could

8:54 This is your one-stop shop. Ooh, I could use some string cheese. And that's

8:55 use some string cheese. And that's

8:55 use some string cheese. And that's awesome cuz the guy inside, who I assume

8:57 awesome cuz the guy inside, who I assume

8:57 awesome cuz the guy inside, who I assume is the mayor and the sheriff and the

8:59 is the mayor and the sheriff and the

8:59 is the mayor and the sheriff and the postmaster general, was super friendly.

9:01 postmaster general, was super friendly.

9:01 postmaster general, was super friendly. We shared a laugh about needing

9:02 We shared a laugh about needing

9:02 We shared a laugh about needing eyeglasses in your old age for reading.

9:05 eyeglasses in your old age for reading.

9:05 eyeglasses in your old age for reading. Look at this. I got my New Kirk, New

9:07 Look at this. I got my New Kirk, New

9:07 Look at this. I got my New Kirk, New Mexico hat. You know, this is the first

9:09 Mexico hat. You know, this is the first

9:09 Mexico hat. You know, this is the first one of these I've seen actually on this

9:11 one of these I've seen actually on this

9:11 one of these I've seen actually on this part of the road. They do have an older

9:13 part of the road. They do have an older

9:13 part of the road. They do have an older historic Route 66 sign out here on the

9:17 historic Route 66 sign out here on the

9:17 historic Route 66 sign out here on the old path of the Mother Road. And now you

9:19 old path of the Mother Road. And now you

9:20 old path of the Mother Road. And now you can see some of that ghostiness off to

9:21 can see some of that ghostiness off to

9:21 can see some of that ghostiness off to the right. If we travel farther down

9:23 the right. If we travel farther down

9:23 the right. If we travel farther down that path, now you can see some of that

9:24 that path, now you can see some of that

9:24 that path, now you can see some of that ghostiness that I was talking about. You

9:27 ghostiness that I was talking about. You

9:27 ghostiness that I was talking about. You see this beautiful old stone building

9:30 see this beautiful old stone building

9:30 see this beautiful old stone building that dates from way back in the day. It

9:33 that dates from way back in the day. It

9:33 that dates from way back in the day. It was not only a filling station, but if

9:34 was not only a filling station, but if

9:35 was not only a filling station, but if If remembering my history right, this

9:37 If remembering my history right, this

9:37 If remembering my history right, this was also a post office at one point,

9:39 was also a post office at one point,

9:39 was also a post office at one point, meaning it's kind of a Newkirk

9:41 meaning it's kind of a Newkirk

9:41 meaning it's kind of a Newkirk historical tradition to have your post

9:43 historical tradition to have your post

9:43 historical tradition to have your post office combined with your gas station.

9:45 office combined with your gas station.

9:45 office combined with your gas station. Kind of hard to get to now because the

9:46 Kind of hard to get to now because the

9:46 Kind of hard to get to now because the weeds have grown up so much around here.

9:49 weeds have grown up so much around here.

9:49 weeds have grown up so much around here. Newkirk has

9:50 Newkirk has

9:50 Newkirk has many more local residents than Cuervo

9:52 many more local residents than Cuervo

9:52 many more local residents than Cuervo does at this time. So everything's in

9:54 does at this time. So everything's in

9:54 does at this time. So everything's in much better shape and much less

9:55 much better shape and much less

9:55 much better shape and much less vandalized. As you can see, it is all

9:58 vandalized. As you can see, it is all

9:58 vandalized. As you can see, it is all beginning to

9:59 beginning to

9:59 beginning to sort of fade from history bit by bit. If

10:01 sort of fade from history bit by bit. If

10:01 sort of fade from history bit by bit. If the roof goes away, then more and more

10:03 the roof goes away, then more and more

10:03 the roof goes away, then more and more water gets in, the stone collapses.

10:05 water gets in, the stone collapses.

10:05 water gets in, the stone collapses. People will pick off the old signs. Look

10:08 People will pick off the old signs. Look

10:08 People will pick off the old signs. Look at that little beer sign right there.

10:09 at that little beer sign right there.

10:09 at that little beer sign right there. The champagne of bottled beer. The

10:10 The champagne of bottled beer. The

10:11 The champagne of bottled beer. The original Route 66 stretches nearly 2,500

10:14 original Route 66 stretches nearly 2,500

10:14 original Route 66 stretches nearly 2,500 mi from Chicago to Los Angeles. So as

10:16 mi from Chicago to Los Angeles. So as

10:16 mi from Chicago to Los Angeles. So as you can imagine, there are thousands and

10:18 you can imagine, there are thousands and

10:18 you can imagine, there are thousands and thousands of old buildings ready to fall

10:20 thousands of old buildings ready to fall

10:20 thousands of old buildings ready to fall down that need help, that need

10:22 down that need help, that need

10:22 down that need help, that need preservation, and not all of them are

10:24 preservation, and not all of them are

10:24 preservation, and not all of them are going to get it. Some of them might not

10:26 going to get it. Some of them might not

10:26 going to get it. Some of them might not even make it past this 100th anniversary

10:28 even make it past this 100th anniversary

10:28 even make it past this 100th anniversary year, like Wilkerson's over here. that I

10:31 year, like Wilkerson's over here. that I

10:31 year, like Wilkerson's over here. that I believe didn't even shut down until the

10:33 believe didn't even shut down until the

10:33 believe didn't even shut down until the '70s or the '80s. I believe Wayne

10:35 '70s or the '80s. I believe Wayne

10:35 '70s or the '80s. I believe Wayne Wilkerson, the son of the original

10:36 Wilkerson, the son of the original

10:36 Wilkerson, the son of the original owner, just recently passed away. So up

10:39 owner, just recently passed away. So up

10:39 owner, just recently passed away. So up until very, very recently, we actually

10:42 until very, very recently, we actually

10:42 until very, very recently, we actually had surviving members of the family who

10:43 had surviving members of the family who

10:43 had surviving members of the family who lived and worked out here. I don't know

10:45 lived and worked out here. I don't know

10:45 lived and worked out here. I don't know if you can see that, but there are a

10:46 if you can see that, but there are a

10:46 if you can see that, but there are a whole bunch of bees going in and out of

10:48 whole bunch of bees going in and out of

10:48 whole bunch of bees going in and out of that entrance right there. I wanted to

10:49 that entrance right there. I wanted to

10:50 that entrance right there. I wanted to get up close to show you the surviving

10:52 get up close to show you the surviving

10:52 get up close to show you the surviving counter while we could still get under

10:53 counter while we could still get under

10:53 counter while we could still get under this cool

10:54 this cool

10:54 this cool gullwing portion, or well, maybe it just

10:56 gullwing portion, or well, maybe it just

10:56 gullwing portion, or well, maybe it just looks like that cuz the roof is

10:57 looks like that cuz the roof is

10:57 looks like that cuz the roof is collapsing, where the old gas pumps used

11:00 collapsing, where the old gas pumps used

11:00 collapsing, where the old gas pumps used to be, the old island here. But

11:01 to be, the old island here. But

11:01 to be, the old island here. But especially out west, I don't mess with

11:03 especially out west, I don't mess with

11:03 especially out west, I don't mess with bees because they could be Africanized

11:05 bees because they could be Africanized

11:05 bees because they could be Africanized killer bees. We'll give them a a healthy

11:07 killer bees. We'll give them a a healthy

11:07 killer bees. We'll give them a a healthy amount of space. But yeah, look at that.

11:09 amount of space. But yeah, look at that.

11:09 amount of space. But yeah, look at that. I mean, it's a beautiful ruin

11:11 I mean, it's a beautiful ruin

11:11 I mean, it's a beautiful ruin aesthetically. It's like, "Wow, what a

11:12 aesthetically. It's like, "Wow, what a

11:12 aesthetically. It's like, "Wow, what a wonderful ruin." But you can see it's

11:14 wonderful ruin." But you can see it's

11:14 wonderful ruin." But you can see it's built out of adobe bricks that are

11:16 built out of adobe bricks that are

11:16 built out of adobe bricks that are starting to decay with every succeeding

11:19 starting to decay with every succeeding

11:19 starting to decay with every succeeding rain. A lot of the old plaster from the

11:21 rain. A lot of the old plaster from the

11:21 rain. A lot of the old plaster from the side of the building and concrete is

11:23 side of the building and concrete is

11:23 side of the building and concrete is falling off. There's basically no longer

11:26 falling off. There's basically no longer

11:26 falling off. There's basically no longer a roof. These have it or just flaking

11:28 a roof. These have it or just flaking

11:28 a roof. These have it or just flaking off everywhere. It won't be much longer

11:30 off everywhere. It won't be much longer

11:30 off everywhere. It won't be much longer that there's any Wilkersons

11:32 that there's any Wilkersons

11:32 that there's any Wilkersons left on the side of old

11:35 left on the side of old

11:35 left on the side of old Route 66. And you can imagine back in

11:37 Route 66. And you can imagine back in

11:37 Route 66. And you can imagine back in the day there would be constant traffic

11:39 the day there would be constant traffic

11:39 the day there would be constant traffic here on this road just flowing

11:41 here on this road just flowing

11:41 here on this road just flowing continuously

11:42 continuously

11:42 continuously in front of the store, people stopping

11:44 in front of the store, people stopping

11:44 in front of the store, people stopping in from all over, having conversations

11:46 in from all over, having conversations

11:46 in from all over, having conversations like I just had. Where are you from?

11:47 like I just had. Where are you from?

11:47 like I just had. Where are you from? Where are you headed? Watch out for the

11:49 Where are you headed? Watch out for the

11:49 Where are you headed? Watch out for the killer bees. They seem to be leaving me

11:50 killer bees. They seem to be leaving me

11:50 killer bees. They seem to be leaving me alone for the moment. You can see an old

11:53 alone for the moment. You can see an old

11:53 alone for the moment. You can see an old supply closet and or old restroom there.

11:56 supply closet and or old restroom there.

11:56 supply closet and or old restroom there. Probably looks more It looks more like a

11:57 Probably looks more It looks more like a

11:57 Probably looks more It looks more like a supply closet. And look at this. Look at

11:59 supply closet. And look at this. Look at

11:59 supply closet. And look at this. Look at this little outbuilding right here. It's

12:00 this little outbuilding right here. It's

12:01 this little outbuilding right here. It's got an old ice machine in it. And

12:03 got an old ice machine in it. And

12:03 got an old ice machine in it. And apparently behind it we have an old

12:04 apparently behind it we have an old

12:04 apparently behind it we have an old abandoned motor court. It's very hard.

12:07 abandoned motor court. It's very hard.

12:07 abandoned motor court. It's very hard. The weeds are kind of high up out here

12:09 The weeds are kind of high up out here

12:09 The weeds are kind of high up out here in Newkirk right now. Oh, yeah. Look at

12:11 in Newkirk right now. Oh, yeah. Look at

12:11 in Newkirk right now. Oh, yeah. Look at that. See, none of the books I have

12:13 that. See, none of the books I have

12:13 that. See, none of the books I have about old Route 66 in this area

12:16 about old Route 66 in this area

12:16 about old Route 66 in this area have got anything about this little uh

12:19 have got anything about this little uh

12:19 have got anything about this little uh motor court. Just hoping and praying

12:20 motor court. Just hoping and praying

12:20 motor court. Just hoping and praying there's no rattlesnakes out here as I

12:21 there's no rattlesnakes out here as I

12:21 there's no rattlesnakes out here as I try to get a little closer. You can see

12:23 try to get a little closer. You can see

12:23 try to get a little closer. You can see here, this was once pretty thickly

12:24 here, this was once pretty thickly

12:24 here, this was once pretty thickly populated with Route 66

12:27 populated with Route 66

12:27 populated with Route 66 businesses. And yeah, you would have had

12:29 businesses. And yeah, you would have had

12:29 businesses. And yeah, you would have had your little hotel room right in there.

12:31 your little hotel room right in there.

12:32 your little hotel room right in there. And then of course your carport. You

12:33 And then of course your carport. You

12:33 And then of course your carport. You could have parked two cars in there, one

12:34 could have parked two cars in there, one

12:34 could have parked two cars in there, one for each room. And then on and on and

12:37 for each room. And then on and on and

12:37 for each room. And then on and on and on. It didn't take much. A lot of these

12:39 on. It didn't take much. A lot of these

12:39 on. It didn't take much. A lot of these mom-and-pop businesses springing up

12:41 mom-and-pop businesses springing up

12:41 mom-and-pop businesses springing up across the Southwest in these little

12:43 across the Southwest in these little

12:43 across the Southwest in these little former ranching and railroad towns. I

12:45 former ranching and railroad towns. I

12:45 former ranching and railroad towns. I love the the uh little pressed tin kind

12:48 love the the uh little pressed tin kind

12:48 love the the uh little pressed tin kind of fake Spanish tile up there to give it

12:51 of fake Spanish tile up there to give it

12:51 of fake Spanish tile up there to give it a little a little class, right? A little

12:53 a little a little class, right? A little

12:53 a little a little class, right? A little just kind of a little something. Someone

12:55 just kind of a little something. Someone

12:55 just kind of a little something. Someone clearly used this building for

12:57 clearly used this building for

12:57 clearly used this building for for storage cuz there's a lot of old

12:58 for storage cuz there's a lot of old

12:58 for storage cuz there's a lot of old couches and mattresses in here. But I

13:00 couches and mattresses in here. But I

13:00 couches and mattresses in here. But I can also see pieces of old beds, old

13:02 can also see pieces of old beds, old

13:02 can also see pieces of old beds, old toilets, and uh probably a lot of the

13:05 toilets, and uh probably a lot of the

13:05 toilets, and uh probably a lot of the stuff that came out of the original

13:07 stuff that came out of the original

13:07 stuff that came out of the original little motor court here as well as some

13:09 little motor court here as well as some

13:09 little motor court here as well as some of the gas stations.

13:10 of the gas stations.

13:10 of the gas stations. I can see old furniture and

13:13 I can see old furniture and

13:13 I can see old furniture and ashtrays.

13:16 ashtrays.

13:16 ashtrays. Amazing. It'd be amazing if somebody

13:18 Amazing. It'd be amazing if somebody

13:18 Amazing. It'd be amazing if somebody cleaned this place up or at least shored

13:21 cleaned this place up or at least shored

13:21 cleaned this place up or at least shored it up. See, here's the problem, right?

13:22 it up. See, here's the problem, right?

13:22 it up. See, here's the problem, right? Look at the old adding machine down on

13:24 Look at the old adding machine down on

13:24 Look at the old adding machine down on the ground. That was probably used in

13:25 the ground. That was probably used in

13:25 the ground. That was probably used in one of the gas stations or the hotels

13:27 one of the gas stations or the hotels

13:27 one of the gas stations or the hotels here. Here's the problem, right?

13:28 here. Here's the problem, right?

13:28 here. Here's the problem, right? Probably nobody could restore this and

13:30 Probably nobody could restore this and

13:30 Probably nobody could restore this and turn this into a viable business and get

13:31 turn this into a viable business and get

13:31 turn this into a viable business and get people off the highway. I mean, that's

13:32 people off the highway. I mean, that's

13:32 people off the highway. I mean, that's why it went out of business in the first

13:34 why it went out of business in the first

13:34 why it went out of business in the first place. Popular as it is to buy a Route

13:35 place. Popular as it is to buy a Route

13:35 place. Popular as it is to buy a Route 66 sign from Hobby Lobby and stick it up

13:38 66 sign from Hobby Lobby and stick it up

13:38 66 sign from Hobby Lobby and stick it up on your wall, very few people actually

13:39 on your wall, very few people actually

13:39 on your wall, very few people actually travel the Mother Road and very, very

13:41 travel the Mother Road and very, very

13:42 travel the Mother Road and very, very few people even get off on a few of the

13:44 few people even get off on a few of the

13:44 few people even get off on a few of the old little pieces like this. So, no

13:46 old little pieces like this. So, no

13:46 old little pieces like this. So, no private owner's going to put their

13:48 private owner's going to put their

13:48 private owner's going to put their fortune into shoring that up. A town

13:50 fortune into shoring that up. A town

13:50 fortune into shoring that up. A town like Newkirk doesn't have the resources

13:53 like Newkirk doesn't have the resources

13:53 like Newkirk doesn't have the resources to fix it up. A town taxpayer expense.

13:55 to fix it up. A town taxpayer expense.

13:55 to fix it up. A town taxpayer expense. What taxpayers, right? National park

13:57 What taxpayers, right? National park

13:57 What taxpayers, right? National park grants and things like that. They're not

13:58 grants and things like that. They're not

13:58 grants and things like that. They're not going to come and rescue a building like

14:00 going to come and rescue a building like

14:00 going to come and rescue a building like this because it's in the middle of

14:01 this because it's in the middle of

14:01 this because it's in the middle of nowhere. It doesn't get a lot of traffic

14:02 nowhere. It doesn't get a lot of traffic

14:02 nowhere. It doesn't get a lot of traffic and visitors. And yet, many of us old

14:04 and visitors. And yet, many of us old

14:04 and visitors. And yet, many of us old highway travelers come down the old

14:06 highway travelers come down the old

14:06 highway travelers come down the old Mother Road specifically so we can see

14:08 Mother Road specifically so we can see

14:08 Mother Road specifically so we can see ruins and old buildings like this, the

14:10 ruins and old buildings like this, the

14:10 ruins and old buildings like this, the paths less traveled. And now it always

14:12 paths less traveled. And now it always

14:12 paths less traveled. And now it always feels like a race against time before

14:14 feels like a race against time before

14:14 feels like a race against time before these things disappear. Man, it almost

14:17 these things disappear. Man, it almost

14:18 these things disappear. Man, it almost feels

14:18 feels

14:18 feels a little bit depressing when you think

14:20 a little bit depressing when you think

14:20 a little bit depressing when you think of it like that. But, don't worry. The

14:21 of it like that. But, don't worry. The

14:21 of it like that. But, don't worry. The next place we're going is the polar

14:23 next place we're going is the polar

14:23 next place we're going is the polar opposite. A town that has been kicking

14:25 opposite. A town that has been kicking

14:25 opposite. A town that has been kicking and kicking for generations to keep

14:27 and kicking for generations to keep

14:27 and kicking for generations to keep their Route 66 traffic and spirit alive.

14:30 their Route 66 traffic and spirit alive.

14:30 their Route 66 traffic and spirit alive. We're going to tip our hat to old

14:32 We're going to tip our hat to old

14:32 We're going to tip our hat to old Newkirk here and then keep heading on

14:34 Newkirk here and then keep heading on

14:34 Newkirk here and then keep heading on down the highway to Tucumcari. Oh, man.

14:37 down the highway to Tucumcari. Oh, man.

14:37 down the highway to Tucumcari. Oh, man. All along this route,

14:39 All along this route,

14:39 All along this route, you just see ruins of old

14:42 you just see ruins of old

14:42 you just see ruins of old trading posts

14:43 trading posts

14:43 trading posts filling stations. The problem with it

14:45 filling stations. The problem with it

14:45 filling stations. The problem with it isn't just that they're decaying, it's

14:46 isn't just that they're decaying, it's

14:46 isn't just that they're decaying, it's that nobody's building any new 1930s gas

14:49 that nobody's building any new 1930s gas

14:49 that nobody's building any new 1930s gas stations and cafes out here to decay for

14:51 stations and cafes out here to decay for

14:52 stations and cafes out here to decay for the visitor in the next 100 years.

14:53 the visitor in the next 100 years.

14:53 the visitor in the next 100 years. That's the part that makes me sad. And

14:54 That's the part that makes me sad. And

14:54 That's the part that makes me sad. And that that is the part that makes me want

14:56 that that is the part that makes me want

14:56 that that is the part that makes me want to tell you, get your kids in the car

14:58 to tell you, get your kids in the car

14:58 to tell you, get your kids in the car get out on the Mother Road while you

15:00 get out on the Mother Road while you

15:00 get out on the Mother Road while you can. While we still have things like

15:01 can. While we still have things like

15:02 can. While we still have things like that to look at. I mean, after all,

15:03 that to look at. I mean, after all,

15:03 that to look at. I mean, after all, people will go into debt to take their

15:04 people will go into debt to take their

15:04 people will go into debt to take their family on a vacation to Disney World and

15:06 family on a vacation to Disney World and

15:06 family on a vacation to Disney World and this is 10 times as epic. It's going to

15:09 this is 10 times as epic. It's going to

15:09 this is 10 times as epic. It's going to make 10 times the memories. And as much

15:11 make 10 times the memories. And as much

15:11 make 10 times the memories. And as much as I love Disney World, it's honestly

15:12 as I love Disney World, it's honestly

15:12 as I love Disney World, it's honestly going to cost you probably a lot less.

15:14 going to cost you probably a lot less.

15:14 going to cost you probably a lot less. All right, all right. Nobody came here

15:16 All right, all right. Nobody came here

15:16 All right, all right. Nobody came here for a sermon. Let's get on the road to

15:17 for a sermon. Let's get on the road to

15:18 for a sermon. Let's get on the road to Tucumcari and the most famous motel of

15:21 Tucumcari and the most famous motel of

15:21 Tucumcari and the most famous motel of them all. Of course, London, we actually

15:22 them all. Of course, London, we actually

15:22 them all. Of course, London, we actually only got one bed tonight. So, you and me

15:25 only got one bed tonight. So, you and me

15:25 only got one bed tonight. So, you and me are going to have to flip a coin for it.

15:27 are going to have to flip a coin for it.

15:27 are going to have to flip a coin for it. Haha.

15:27 Haha.

15:27 Haha. Actually, dude, this part of the road is

15:29 Actually, dude, this part of the road is

15:29 Actually, dude, this part of the road is so awesome. I'm going to switch with

15:30 so awesome. I'm going to switch with

15:31 so awesome. I'm going to switch with London so that London can drive some old

15:34 London so that London can drive some old

15:34 London so that London can drive some old school Route 66. Get out of Newkirk off

15:36 school Route 66. Get out of Newkirk off

15:36 school Route 66. Get out of Newkirk off the freaking interstate, dude, and do

15:37 the freaking interstate, dude, and do

15:37 the freaking interstate, dude, and do the rest of the drive to Tucumcari on

15:39 the rest of the drive to Tucumcari on

15:39 the rest of the drive to Tucumcari on the old road. It's twisty and turny and

15:42 the old road. It's twisty and turny and

15:42 the old road. It's twisty and turny and a heck of a lot of fun. So funny cuz

15:43 a heck of a lot of fun. So funny cuz

15:43 a heck of a lot of fun. So funny cuz this frontage road every once in a while

15:46 this frontage road every once in a while

15:46 this frontage road every once in a while runs out of old Route 66 and has to

15:48 runs out of old Route 66 and has to

15:48 runs out of old Route 66 and has to switch sides to another frontage road.

15:50 switch sides to another frontage road.

15:50 switch sides to another frontage road. London just encountered his first

15:52 London just encountered his first

15:52 London just encountered his first underpass on Route 66. You can see some

15:55 underpass on Route 66. You can see some

15:55 underpass on Route 66. You can see some road warriors have come out here and

15:57 road warriors have come out here and

15:57 road warriors have come out here and labeled it so you know you're still in

15:58 labeled it so you know you're still in

15:58 labeled it so you know you're still in the right spot. It's pretty cool. I must

16:00 the right spot. It's pretty cool. I must

16:00 the right spot. It's pretty cool. I must say I wish I could add to the vandalism,

16:02 say I wish I could add to the vandalism,

16:02 say I wish I could add to the vandalism, but I

16:03 but I

16:03 but I don't have any spray paint on me. Oh

16:04 don't have any spray paint on me. Oh

16:04 don't have any spray paint on me. Oh well. Yeah, here we go. That's what I'm

16:06 well. Yeah, here we go. That's what I'm

16:06 well. Yeah, here we go. That's what I'm talking about, man. This is why you got

16:07 talking about, man. This is why you got

16:07 talking about, man. This is why you got to come out on the route and there's so

16:08 to come out on the route and there's so

16:08 to come out on the route and there's so many different paths to take. It's sort

16:10 many different paths to take. It's sort

16:10 many different paths to take. It's sort of choose your own adventure like I

16:11 of choose your own adventure like I

16:11 of choose your own adventure like I always say.

16:13 always say.

16:13 always say. You just have the adventure of a

16:14 You just have the adventure of a

16:14 You just have the adventure of a lifetime. Memories

16:16 lifetime. Memories

16:16 lifetime. Memories forever. Well, it took a while, but

16:18 forever. Well, it took a while, but

16:18 forever. Well, it took a while, but eventually we ran out of old Route 66,

16:21 eventually we ran out of old Route 66,

16:21 eventually we ran out of old Route 66, got dumped on the freeway, and made it

16:23 got dumped on the freeway, and made it

16:23 got dumped on the freeway, and made it all the way out here to Tucumcari where

16:26 all the way out here to Tucumcari where

16:26 all the way out here to Tucumcari where Route 66 was so wide and so busy it had

16:29 Route 66 was so wide and so busy it had

16:29 Route 66 was so wide and so busy it had basically evolved into freeway-like

16:32 basically evolved into freeway-like

16:32 basically evolved into freeway-like proportions before being abandoned and

16:34 proportions before being abandoned and

16:34 proportions before being abandoned and replaced by an actual freeway,

16:36 replaced by an actual freeway,

16:36 replaced by an actual freeway, Interstate 40. All along the approach to

16:38 Interstate 40. All along the approach to

16:38 Interstate 40. All along the approach to town there used to be all kinds of

16:40 town there used to be all kinds of

16:40 town there used to be all kinds of hotels and motels and truck stops that

16:42 hotels and motels and truck stops that

16:42 hotels and motels and truck stops that have now burned down or shut down or

16:45 have now burned down or shut down or

16:45 have now burned down or shut down or closed down. But up ahead in the core,

16:47 closed down. But up ahead in the core,

16:47 closed down. But up ahead in the core, in the core of old Tucumcari, Route 66

16:50 in the core of old Tucumcari, Route 66

16:50 in the core of old Tucumcari, Route 66 proudly lives on and there is a lot to

16:52 proudly lives on and there is a lot to

16:52 proudly lives on and there is a lot to see, a lot we're going to see over the

16:54 see, a lot we're going to see over the

16:54 see, a lot we're going to see over the next couple of days in this town. But

16:56 next couple of days in this town. But

16:56 next couple of days in this town. But for right now, we're finally headed to

16:58 for right now, we're finally headed to

16:58 for right now, we're finally headed to our motel. All right, and this is it. At

17:01 our motel. All right, and this is it. At

17:01 our motel. All right, and this is it. At long last, we have reached our

17:03 long last, we have reached our

17:03 long last, we have reached our destination, the most iconic motel on

17:07 destination, the most iconic motel on

17:07 destination, the most iconic motel on Route 66, the original 1939

17:10 Route 66, the original 1939

17:10 Route 66, the original 1939 Blue Swallow Court. One of the most

17:13 Blue Swallow Court. One of the most

17:13 Blue Swallow Court. One of the most original, the most intact old motor

17:16 original, the most intact old motor

17:16 original, the most intact old motor courts from the early days of the route,

17:19 courts from the early days of the route,

17:19 courts from the early days of the route, but more importantly, it's the one with

17:21 but more importantly, it's the one with

17:21 but more importantly, it's the one with that iconic famous neon sign that's

17:24 that iconic famous neon sign that's

17:24 that iconic famous neon sign that's impressive by day, but just wait till

17:26 impressive by day, but just wait till

17:27 impressive by day, but just wait till the sun goes down. Construction started

17:29 the sun goes down. Construction started

17:29 the sun goes down. Construction started on this place in 1939. By 1941, it was

17:32 on this place in 1939. By 1941, it was

17:32 on this place in 1939. By 1941, it was open with a little cafe on the side. It

17:35 open with a little cafe on the side. It

17:35 open with a little cafe on the side. It did a booming business all through the

17:36 did a booming business all through the

17:36 did a booming business all through the '40s, including the war years when GIs

17:39 '40s, including the war years when GIs

17:39 '40s, including the war years when GIs were traveling up and down the highway.

17:41 were traveling up and down the highway.

17:41 were traveling up and down the highway. In 1958, it was purchased by a local

17:43 In 1958, it was purchased by a local

17:43 In 1958, it was purchased by a local businessman, Floyd Redman, as an

17:45 businessman, Floyd Redman, as an

17:45 businessman, Floyd Redman, as an engagement or a wedding present for his

17:47 engagement or a wedding present for his

17:47 engagement or a wedding present for his new wife, Lillian, who had actually been

17:49 new wife, Lillian, who had actually been

17:50 new wife, Lillian, who had actually been an employee here under the previous

17:51 an employee here under the previous

17:51 an employee here under the previous owner. And previous to that, had had

17:53 owner. And previous to that, had had

17:53 owner. And previous to that, had had some hospitality experience as one of

17:55 some hospitality experience as one of

17:55 some hospitality experience as one of the famous Harvey Girls. So, she knew a

17:57 the famous Harvey Girls. So, she knew a

17:57 the famous Harvey Girls. So, she knew a thing or two about the motel and hotel

18:00 thing or two about the motel and hotel

18:00 thing or two about the motel and hotel business. She knew a thing or two about

18:02 business. She knew a thing or two about

18:02 business. She knew a thing or two about hospitality, about charm, about making

18:05 hospitality, about charm, about making

18:05 hospitality, about charm, about making some place homey. And she made the Blue

18:07 some place homey. And she made the Blue

18:07 some place homey. And she made the Blue Swallow the work of her life. And after

18:10 Swallow the work of her life. And after

18:10 Swallow the work of her life. And after her husband, Floyd, passed away in the

18:11 her husband, Floyd, passed away in the

18:11 her husband, Floyd, passed away in the 1970s, even moved onto the property

18:14 1970s, even moved onto the property

18:14 1970s, even moved onto the property full-time, running the Blue Swallow with

18:17 full-time, running the Blue Swallow with

18:17 full-time, running the Blue Swallow with care and attention to detail, and

18:19 care and attention to detail, and

18:19 care and attention to detail, and keeping it perfectly locked in time for

18:22 keeping it perfectly locked in time for

18:22 keeping it perfectly locked in time for the next 40 years. Until she herself

18:25 the next 40 years. Until she herself

18:25 the next 40 years. Until she herself finally sold the property in her great

18:27 finally sold the property in her great

18:27 finally sold the property in her great old age. And as these things often

18:29 old age. And as these things often

18:29 old age. And as these things often happen, passed away shortly thereafter.

18:32 happen, passed away shortly thereafter.

18:32 happen, passed away shortly thereafter. From memory, I think the Blue Swallow

18:34 From memory, I think the Blue Swallow

18:34 From memory, I think the Blue Swallow since then has had four sets of owners

18:36 since then has had four sets of owners

18:36 since then has had four sets of owners who have all understood the assignment

18:38 who have all understood the assignment

18:38 who have all understood the assignment and been very committed to keeping the

18:40 and been very committed to keeping the

18:40 and been very committed to keeping the property locked in time and consistent

18:42 property locked in time and consistent

18:42 property locked in time and consistent with Lillian's vision, including keeping

18:44 with Lillian's vision, including keeping

18:44 with Lillian's vision, including keeping this original coral paint color, which

18:47 this original coral paint color, which

18:47 this original coral paint color, which by the way, look at some of these

18:48 by the way, look at some of these

18:48 by the way, look at some of these old-school details, right? Look at the

18:50 old-school details, right? Look at the

18:50 old-school details, right? Look at the clam shell there in the plastering. This

18:53 clam shell there in the plastering. This

18:53 clam shell there in the plastering. This place never sold out like other motor

18:55 place never sold out like other motor

18:55 place never sold out like other motor court motels. It never filled in the

18:56 court motels. It never filled in the

18:57 court motels. It never filled in the garages and doubled the amount of rooms

18:58 garages and doubled the amount of rooms

18:58 garages and doubled the amount of rooms they had. It always stayed small, cozy,

19:01 they had. It always stayed small, cozy,

19:01 they had. It always stayed small, cozy, consistent, and covered in neon and

19:04 consistent, and covered in neon and

19:04 consistent, and covered in neon and vintage signs, and even some old

19:07 vintage signs, and even some old

19:07 vintage signs, and even some old original artwork by legendary Route 66

19:10 original artwork by legendary Route 66

19:10 original artwork by legendary Route 66 artist, Bob Waldmire. If you know who

19:12 artist, Bob Waldmire. If you know who

19:12 artist, Bob Waldmire. If you know who that is. Look at there's vintage bikes

19:13 that is. Look at there's vintage bikes

19:13 that is. Look at there's vintage bikes on the property, vintage cars as you saw

19:16 on the property, vintage cars as you saw

19:16 on the property, vintage cars as you saw outside. Everywhere you look, you will

19:17 outside. Everywhere you look, you will

19:18 outside. Everywhere you look, you will see antiques, antique metal chairs and

19:20 see antiques, antique metal chairs and

19:20 see antiques, antique metal chairs and tables, the old original antique

19:22 tables, the old original antique

19:23 tables, the old original antique interior neon lit art deco fountain. And

19:26 interior neon lit art deco fountain. And

19:26 interior neon lit art deco fountain. And inside the rooms, the story gets even

19:27 inside the rooms, the story gets even

19:28 inside the rooms, the story gets even crazier cuz a lot of the rooms even have

19:29 crazier cuz a lot of the rooms even have

19:29 crazier cuz a lot of the rooms even have their old original furniture. That is

19:31 their old original furniture. That is

19:31 their old original furniture. That is why this property was placed on the

19:34 why this property was placed on the

19:34 why this property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

19:36 National Register of Historic Places.

19:36 National Register of Historic Places. That is why people always sought it out

19:38 That is why people always sought it out

19:38 That is why people always sought it out even before Route 66 retro tourism

19:40 even before Route 66 retro tourism

19:40 even before Route 66 retro tourism became a thing. People wanted to stay in

19:42 became a thing. People wanted to stay in

19:42 became a thing. People wanted to stay in an American original. They wanted to

19:44 an American original. They wanted to

19:44 an American original. They wanted to meet Lillian and hear the old stories.

19:47 meet Lillian and hear the old stories.

19:47 meet Lillian and hear the old stories. And of course, they wanted to photograph

19:49 And of course, they wanted to photograph

19:49 And of course, they wanted to photograph that epic neon sign. And that neon sign

19:52 that epic neon sign. And that neon sign

19:52 that epic neon sign. And that neon sign in this front office right here, they

19:54 in this front office right here, they

19:54 in this front office right here, they are the reason that I said this is

19:55 are the reason that I said this is

19:55 are the reason that I said this is probably the most famous, most iconic

19:58 probably the most famous, most iconic

19:58 probably the most famous, most iconic motel on Route 66. Cuz if there's a

20:00 motel on Route 66. Cuz if there's a

20:00 motel on Route 66. Cuz if there's a Route 66 calendar, this thing is in it,

20:03 Route 66 calendar, this thing is in it,

20:03 Route 66 calendar, this thing is in it, if not on the cover. Same thing with

20:05 if not on the cover. Same thing with

20:05 if not on the cover. Same thing with every Route 66 book, pamphlet, postcard.

20:07 every Route 66 book, pamphlet, postcard.

20:07 every Route 66 book, pamphlet, postcard. People come from all over the world just

20:09 People come from all over the world just

20:09 People come from all over the world just to see that neon sign. Now, the current

20:11 to see that neon sign. Now, the current

20:11 to see that neon sign. Now, the current owners of the Blue Swallow, Bob and Dawn

20:13 owners of the Blue Swallow, Bob and Dawn

20:13 owners of the Blue Swallow, Bob and Dawn Federico, like the previous owners, are

20:16 Federico, like the previous owners, are

20:16 Federico, like the previous owners, are hopelessly devoted to the Blue Swallow.

20:19 hopelessly devoted to the Blue Swallow.

20:19 hopelessly devoted to the Blue Swallow. And actually, I kind of think they take

20:21 And actually, I kind of think they take

20:21 And actually, I kind of think they take it up a notch. Cuz not only are they

20:23 it up a notch. Cuz not only are they

20:23 it up a notch. Cuz not only are they devoted to this place and keeping all

20:25 devoted to this place and keeping all

20:25 devoted to this place and keeping all the original qualities intact. Cuz if

20:27 the original qualities intact. Cuz if

20:27 the original qualities intact. Cuz if you come inside of here and you get a

20:28 you come inside of here and you get a

20:28 you come inside of here and you get a room at the Blue Swallow, they're going

20:31 room at the Blue Swallow, they're going

20:31 room at the Blue Swallow, they're going to tell you all about Lillian and all

20:33 to tell you all about Lillian and all

20:33 to tell you all about Lillian and all about how she preserved the place. And

20:35 about how she preserved the place. And

20:35 about how she preserved the place. And look at that. Here they are. Do you like

20:37 look at that. Here they are. Do you like

20:37 look at that. Here they are. Do you like Bob or do you like Robert Federico? I

20:39 Bob or do you like Robert Federico? I

20:39 Bob or do you like Robert Federico? I like Robert. Okay, so Robert, we'll keep

20:41 like Robert. Okay, so Robert, we'll keep

20:41 like Robert. Okay, so Robert, we'll keep it to Robert and Dawn. And you guys have

20:43 it to Robert and Dawn. And you guys have

20:43 it to Robert and Dawn. And you guys have owned this place since 2020 and it's the

20:44 owned this place since 2020 and it's the

20:44 owned this place since 2020 and it's the most amazing thing. You've kept it going

20:46 most amazing thing. You've kept it going

20:46 most amazing thing. You've kept it going perfectly and preserved it. And you guys

20:48 perfectly and preserved it. And you guys

20:48 perfectly and preserved it. And you guys have almost like a little car story. Cuz

20:50 have almost like a little car story. Cuz

20:50 have almost like a little car story. Cuz you just told me you came from Chicago

20:52 you just told me you came from Chicago

20:53 you just told me you came from Chicago and then moved to Tucumcari. So, you

20:55 and then moved to Tucumcari. So, you

20:55 and then moved to Tucumcari. So, you guys are like the real life Lightning

20:56 guys are like the real life Lightning

20:56 guys are like the real life Lightning McQueen and Sally that moved out here

20:58 McQueen and Sally that moved out here

20:58 McQueen and Sally that moved out here and like slowed down a little bit.

21:00 and like slowed down a little bit.

21:00 and like slowed down a little bit. >> We'll take that.

21:00 >> We'll take that.

21:00 >> We'll take that. >> We started on the route and then this is

21:02 >> We started on the route and then this is

21:02 >> We started on the route and then this is where we ran out of gas.

21:04 where we ran out of gas.

21:04 where we ran out of gas. >> I love that. You guys have done such a

21:05 >> I love that. You guys have done such a

21:05 >> I love that. You guys have done such a great job. And the merch game is so

21:08 great job. And the merch game is so

21:08 great job. And the merch game is so strong. Now, there was a reason The

21:09 strong. Now, there was a reason The

21:09 strong. Now, there was a reason The original cafe was it in here in this

21:11 original cafe was it in here in this

21:11 original cafe was it in here in this building? In the lobby?

21:12 building? In the lobby?

21:12 building? In the lobby? >> was this back here.

21:15 >> was this back here.

21:15 >> was this back here. >> Oh, so the back rooms.

21:16 >> Oh, so the back rooms.

21:16 >> Oh, so the back rooms. >> Yeah, my kitchen and bedroom were the

21:19 >> Yeah, my kitchen and bedroom were the

21:19 >> Yeah, my kitchen and bedroom were the cafe and kitchen.

21:20 cafe and kitchen.

21:20 cafe and kitchen. >> When Lillian's husband died, that's when

21:22 >> When Lillian's husband died, that's when

21:22 >> When Lillian's husband died, that's when she probably moved in here full-time.

21:23 she probably moved in here full-time.

21:23 she probably moved in here full-time. >> beforehand.

21:24 >> beforehand.

21:24 >> beforehand. >> Oh, really?

21:25 >> Oh, really?

21:25 >> Oh, really? >> By 1959 it was changed.

21:28 >> By 1959 it was changed.

21:28 >> By 1959 it was changed. >> So, did she live in here before that,

21:29 >> So, did she live in here before that,

21:29 >> So, did she live in here before that, too?

21:30 too?

21:30 too? >> Yeah, she

21:31 >> Yeah, she

21:31 >> Yeah, she they she was here

21:33 they she was here

21:33 they she was here and then they added in 1959 and the

21:35 and then they added in 1959 and the

21:35 and then they added in 1959 and the kitchen was done. They added the third

21:37 kitchen was done. They added the third

21:37 kitchen was done. They added the third part, the cinder block part in the back.

21:39 part, the cinder block part in the back.

21:39 part, the cinder block part in the back. >> Wow.

21:40 >> Wow.

21:40 >> Wow. >> So, this is 19 You can see this original

21:42 >> So, this is 19 You can see this original

21:42 >> So, this is 19 You can see this original structure here is 1939.

21:45 structure here is 1939.

21:45 structure here is 1939. >> Okay.

21:46 >> Okay.

21:46 >> Okay. >> a mobile structure. This was an outdoor

21:48 >> a mobile structure. This was an outdoor

21:48 >> a mobile structure. This was an outdoor It was an outdoor dorm.

21:50 It was an outdoor dorm.

21:50 It was an outdoor dorm. >> Oh, wow.

21:51 >> Oh, wow.

21:51 >> Oh, wow. >> By 1949 they added the kitchen and the

21:54 >> By 1949 they added the kitchen and the

21:54 >> By 1949 they added the kitchen and the cafe. And then by 1959 you can see the

21:57 cafe. And then by 1959 you can see the

21:57 cafe. And then by 1959 you can see the cinder block add-on in the back.

21:59 cinder block add-on in the back.

21:59 cinder block add-on in the back. >> And so that and then they just absorbed

22:00 >> And so that and then they just absorbed

22:00 >> And so that and then they just absorbed the cafe into their own house.

22:01 the cafe into their own house.

22:01 the cafe into their own house. >> So, I have a mid-decade contemporary.

22:03 >> So, I have a mid-decade contemporary.

22:03 >> So, I have a mid-decade contemporary. >> That's so cool.

22:04 >> That's so cool.

22:04 >> That's so cool. >> Mid-century, mid-decade.

22:06 >> Mid-century, mid-decade.

22:06 >> Mid-century, mid-decade. >> And what year was the big neon sign and

22:08 >> And what year was the big neon sign and

22:08 >> And what year was the big neon sign and they turned it into Blue Swallow Motel,

22:10 they turned it into Blue Swallow Motel,

22:10 they turned it into Blue Swallow Motel, quote unquote?

22:10 quote unquote?

22:10 quote unquote? >> The original sign um here you can see it

22:12 >> The original sign um here you can see it

22:12 >> The original sign um here you can see it in 1953.

22:13 in 1953.

22:13 in 1953. >> Yeah.

22:14 >> Yeah.

22:14 >> Yeah. >> Well, Lillian was gifted the hotel in

22:16 >> Well, Lillian was gifted the hotel in

22:16 >> Well, Lillian was gifted the hotel in '54, '55 by her husband when she

22:20 '54, '55 by her husband when she

22:20 '54, '55 by her husband when she >> Yeah.

22:20 >> Yeah. >> On the on their wedding night, she had

22:22 >> On the on their wedding night, she had

22:22 >> On the on their wedding night, she had it installed by '54, '55.

22:25 it installed by '54, '55.

22:25 it installed by '54, '55. >> Okay, so that was one of her decisions.

22:27 >> Okay, so that was one of her decisions.

22:27 >> Okay, so that was one of her decisions. Like, "Hey, we're going to need a bigger

22:28 Like, "Hey, we're going to need a bigger

22:28 Like, "Hey, we're going to need a bigger like She She knew what she was doing."

22:30 like She She knew what she was doing."

22:30 like She She knew what she was doing." >> I think her Harvey Girl experience

22:32 >> I think her Harvey Girl experience

22:32 >> I think her Harvey Girl experience factored that.

22:33 factored that.

22:33 factored that. >> Yeah, she was a boss lady.

22:35 >> Yeah, she was a boss lady.

22:35 >> Yeah, she was a boss lady. >> Yes, be a part of the marketing.

22:37 >> Yes, be a part of the marketing.

22:37 >> Yes, be a part of the marketing. >> [laughter]

22:37 >> [laughter]

22:38 >> [laughter] >> I think she was just leaving Arizona,

22:40 >> I think she was just leaving Arizona,

22:40 >> I think she was just leaving Arizona, not realizing she was probably going to

22:41 not realizing she was probably going to

22:41 not realizing she was probably going to spend the rest of her life here in

22:42 spend the rest of her life here in

22:42 spend the rest of her life here in Tucumcari.

22:43 Tucumcari.

22:43 Tucumcari. >> Is that where she worked? She worked at

22:44 >> Is that where she worked? She worked at

22:44 >> Is that where she worked? She worked at the La Posada?

22:45 the La Posada?

22:45 the La Posada? >> Yes, that's where she was trained as a

22:46 >> Yes, that's where she was trained as a

22:47 >> Yes, that's where she was trained as a Harvey Girl.

22:47 Harvey Girl.

22:47 Harvey Girl. >> Really?

22:48 >> Really?

22:48 >> Really? >> Yeah, that's why I believe she ran the

22:51 >> Yeah, that's why I believe she ran the

22:51 >> Yeah, that's why I believe she ran the Blue Swallow so efficiently.

22:53 Blue Swallow so efficiently.

22:53 Blue Swallow so efficiently. >> So, she wasn't just used to tourism, she

22:55 >> So, she wasn't just used to tourism, she

22:55 >> So, she wasn't just used to tourism, she was used to Route 66 tourism. Because

22:57 was used to Route 66 tourism. Because

22:57 was used to Route 66 tourism. Because that's sitting right on Route 66, too.

22:59 that's sitting right on Route 66, too.

22:59 that's sitting right on Route 66, too. Yeah, that's amazing.

23:03 Yeah, that's amazing.

23:03 Yeah, that's amazing. And the Fred Harvey company knew how to

23:04 And the Fred Harvey company knew how to

23:04 And the Fred Harvey company knew how to pick them, so what's his face up here?

23:06 pick them, so what's his face up here?

23:06 pick them, so what's his face up here? He was in luck. See what I'm saying?

23:07 He was in luck. See what I'm saying?

23:07 He was in luck. See what I'm saying? They're hopelessly devoted to this

23:09 They're hopelessly devoted to this

23:09 They're hopelessly devoted to this place, to its story, to its legacy. That

23:11 place, to its story, to its legacy. That

23:11 place, to its story, to its legacy. That alone would make it worth staying here,

23:14 alone would make it worth staying here,

23:14 alone would make it worth staying here, but this. Look at that as the sun uh

23:16 but this. Look at that as the sun uh

23:16 but this. Look at that as the sun uh finally goes down below the horizon, the

23:20 finally goes down below the horizon, the

23:20 finally goes down below the horizon, the most epic neon sign on Route 66 is

23:24 most epic neon sign on Route 66 is

23:24 most epic neon sign on Route 66 is lighting up and

23:26 lighting up and

23:26 lighting up and it is just going to get brighter and

23:28 it is just going to get brighter and

23:28 it is just going to get brighter and brighter from here.

23:29 brighter from here.

23:29 brighter from here. >> is the 100th anniversary year of Route

23:32 >> is the 100th anniversary year of Route

23:32 >> is the 100th anniversary year of Route 66, and the Blue Swallow Motel is

23:34 66, and the Blue Swallow Motel is

23:34 66, and the Blue Swallow Motel is popular every year, even on the less

23:37 popular every year, even on the less

23:37 popular every year, even on the less than busy years. This place only has its

23:40 than busy years. This place only has its

23:40 than busy years. This place only has its original 12 units. And so on weekends in

23:43 original 12 units. And so on weekends in

23:43 original 12 units. And so on weekends in the busy part of the tourist season, it

23:45 the busy part of the tourist season, it

23:45 the busy part of the tourist season, it books up solid. And of course, it books

23:47 books up solid. And of course, it books

23:47 books up solid. And of course, it books up super solid on a centennial year of

23:50 up super solid on a centennial year of

23:50 up super solid on a centennial year of the highway. Luckily, the other night

23:52 the highway. Luckily, the other night

23:52 the highway. Luckily, the other night when London and I were in Albuquerque,

23:54 when London and I were in Albuquerque,

23:54 when London and I were in Albuquerque, very miserable in a very gross big brand

23:56 very miserable in a very gross big brand

23:56 very miserable in a very gross big brand name hotel that was disgusting, sitting

23:58 name hotel that was disgusting, sitting

23:58 name hotel that was disgusting, sitting there fantasizing about being in

24:00 there fantasizing about being in

24:00 there fantasizing about being in Tucumcari, being back at the Blue

24:02 Tucumcari, being back at the Blue

24:02 Tucumcari, being back at the Blue Swallow Motel, and I noticed they had a

24:04 Swallow Motel, and I noticed they had a

24:04 Swallow Motel, and I noticed they had a random late cancellation, one room

24:07 random late cancellation, one room

24:07 random late cancellation, one room available,

24:07 available,

24:07 available, >> and I snagged it and started screaming,

24:09 >> and I snagged it and started screaming,

24:09 >> and I snagged it and started screaming, freaking the boy out. And lo my friends,

24:11 freaking the boy out. And lo my friends,

24:11 freaking the boy out. And lo my friends, rather than just being here to look at

24:13 rather than just being here to look at

24:13 rather than just being here to look at the beautiful neon sign, we're actually

24:15 the beautiful neon sign, we're actually

24:15 the beautiful neon sign, we're actually going to be able to look at it all night

24:17 going to be able to look at it all night

24:17 going to be able to look at it all night long because we booked ourselves a room

24:19 long because we booked ourselves a room

24:19 long because we booked ourselves a room at the Blue Swallow, and not just any

24:21 at the Blue Swallow, and not just any

24:21 at the Blue Swallow, and not just any room, but room number one, the closest

24:24 room, but room number one, the closest

24:24 room, but room number one, the closest one to Route 66, and the only one where

24:27 one to Route 66, and the only one where

24:27 one to Route 66, and the only one where you can sit on your front doorstep. Wait

24:29 you can sit on your front doorstep. Wait

24:29 you can sit on your front doorstep. Wait for it. Wait for it. Even sit down on

24:31 for it. Wait for it. Even sit down on

24:31 for it. Wait for it. Even sit down on the edge of your bed and stare out

24:34 the edge of your bed and stare out

24:34 the edge of your bed and stare out directly at

24:36 directly at

24:36 directly at >> that. Now, it wasn't just the outside of

24:38 >> that. Now, it wasn't just the outside of

24:38 >> that. Now, it wasn't just the outside of the property that they've kept original.

24:41 the property that they've kept original.

24:41 the property that they've kept original. Tell me what modern hotel in 2026

24:44 Tell me what modern hotel in 2026

24:44 Tell me what modern hotel in 2026 has furnishings or blankets or anything

24:48 has furnishings or blankets or anything

24:48 has furnishings or blankets or anything like this. From the old original light

24:51 like this. From the old original light

24:51 like this. From the old original light fixtures and original glass to the

24:53 fixtures and original glass to the

24:53 fixtures and original glass to the original hardware in the bathroom, look

24:56 original hardware in the bathroom, look

24:56 original hardware in the bathroom, look at that sink and that ancient toilet

24:58 at that sink and that ancient toilet

24:58 at that sink and that ancient toilet right there, not to mention the

25:00 right there, not to mention the

25:00 right there, not to mention the old-school shower and even the furniture

25:03 old-school shower and even the furniture

25:03 old-school shower and even the furniture in here, which is very important. I'll

25:04 in here, which is very important. I'll

25:04 in here, which is very important. I'll tell you about that in a second. This is

25:05 tell you about that in a second. This is

25:05 tell you about that in a second. This is not your average, anonymous, random,

25:08 not your average, anonymous, random,

25:08 not your average, anonymous, random, sanitized hotel. This is cozy, comfy,

25:13 sanitized hotel. This is cozy, comfy,

25:13 sanitized hotel. This is cozy, comfy, old-school, 1940s, '50s grandma style, I

25:17 old-school, 1940s, '50s grandma style, I

25:17 old-school, 1940s, '50s grandma style, I guess you could say. But, this is the

25:19 guess you could say. But, this is the

25:19 guess you could say. But, this is the way a lot of these mom-and-pop

25:21 way a lot of these mom-and-pop

25:21 way a lot of these mom-and-pop businesses would have looked back in the

25:22 businesses would have looked back in the

25:22 businesses would have looked back in the day, especially a business owned by

25:24 day, especially a business owned by

25:24 day, especially a business owned by somebody like Lillian. It would have

25:25 somebody like Lillian. It would have

25:25 somebody like Lillian. It would have been very personalized. Each room would

25:28 been very personalized. Each room would

25:28 been very personalized. Each room would have been a little bit different. Okay,

25:29 have been a little bit different. Okay,

25:29 have been a little bit different. Okay, and I promised I was going to tell you

25:30 and I promised I was going to tell you

25:30 and I promised I was going to tell you about the furniture. This furniture

25:32 about the furniture. This furniture

25:32 about the furniture. This furniture right here is original to the Blue

25:35 right here is original to the Blue

25:35 right here is original to the Blue Swallow, both the desk and chair and

25:37 Swallow, both the desk and chair and

25:37 Swallow, both the desk and chair and this little bedside table right here.

25:40 this little bedside table right here.

25:40 this little bedside table right here. All three of those pieces were delivered

25:43 All three of those pieces were delivered

25:43 All three of those pieces were delivered in 1940 to the Blue Swallow as they were

25:45 in 1940 to the Blue Swallow as they were

25:46 in 1940 to the Blue Swallow as they were building this place out. And we know

25:47 building this place out. And we know

25:47 building this place out. And we know that because Robert just showed us that

25:49 that because Robert just showed us that

25:49 that because Robert just showed us that underneath the furniture, they still

25:51 underneath the furniture, they still

25:52 underneath the furniture, they still have the original delivery tags with the

25:56 have the original delivery tags with the

25:56 have the original delivery tags with the original date. Now, that is commitment

25:58 original date. Now, that is commitment

25:58 original date. Now, that is commitment right there to keeping this place, you

26:00 right there to keeping this place, you

26:00 right there to keeping this place, you know, true to its original spirit and

26:03 know, true to its original spirit and

26:03 know, true to its original spirit and literally true to its original

26:05 literally true to its original

26:05 literally true to its original furniture. Obviously, the mattresses

26:07 furniture. Obviously, the mattresses

26:07 furniture. Obviously, the mattresses have been upgraded. The towels and such

26:09 have been upgraded. The towels and such

26:09 have been upgraded. The towels and such like have been upgraded. Everything is

26:10 like have been upgraded. Everything is

26:10 like have been upgraded. Everything is nice and clean, nice clean sheets and

26:13 nice and clean, nice clean sheets and

26:13 nice and clean, nice clean sheets and laundry. The owners live on the premises

26:15 laundry. The owners live on the premises

26:15 laundry. The owners live on the premises themselves, and so that means that they

26:17 themselves, and so that means that they

26:17 themselves, and so that means that they are taking care of this place every

26:19 are taking care of this place every

26:19 are taking care of this place every single day, right? They're not going to

26:20 single day, right? They're not going to

26:20 single day, right? They're not going to let it slouch. They are as invested in

26:22 let it slouch. They are as invested in

26:22 let it slouch. They are as invested in this place as you could possibly ever

26:24 this place as you could possibly ever

26:24 this place as you could possibly ever be. I've never stayed in room one

26:25 be. I've never stayed in room one

26:25 be. I've never stayed in room one before. I just love how every room has

26:26 before. I just love how every room has

26:26 before. I just love how every room has different little details, different

26:28 different little details, different

26:28 different little details, different little old vintage pieces from the light

26:30 little old vintage pieces from the light

26:30 little old vintage pieces from the light switch to the glass and the old locks on

26:33 switch to the glass and the old locks on

26:33 switch to the glass and the old locks on the doors. And look at this epic

26:34 the doors. And look at this epic

26:34 the doors. And look at this epic freaking lamp. And according to our

26:37 freaking lamp. And according to our

26:37 freaking lamp. And according to our hosts, this is an original old telephone

26:40 hosts, this is an original old telephone

26:41 hosts, this is an original old telephone that's been here on the property for

26:43 that's been here on the property for

26:43 that's been here on the property for decades. In fact, I don't know how much

26:44 decades. In fact, I don't know how much

26:45 decades. In fact, I don't know how much of it I had the camera rolling for, but

26:46 of it I had the camera rolling for, but

26:46 of it I had the camera rolling for, but he gave us a very quick, whirlwind,

26:48 he gave us a very quick, whirlwind,

26:48 he gave us a very quick, whirlwind, nickel tour, especially for London's

26:49 nickel tour, especially for London's

26:49 nickel tour, especially for London's benefit, cuz he's never actually got to

26:51 benefit, cuz he's never actually got to

26:51 benefit, cuz he's never actually got to stay here before. It absolutely blew us

26:54 stay here before. It absolutely blew us

26:54 stay here before. It absolutely blew us away.

26:55 away.

26:55 away. >> The desk and chair, the side table,

26:57 >> The desk and chair, the side table,

26:57 >> The desk and chair, the side table, those were delivered in 1940 by the

26:59 those were delivered in 1940 by the

26:59 those were delivered in 1940 by the Franciscan Furniture Company. The sink,

27:01 Franciscan Furniture Company. The sink,

27:01 Franciscan Furniture Company. The sink, the tile, the toilet, the shower, the

27:03 the tile, the toilet, the shower, the

27:03 the tile, the toilet, the shower, the windows, all original. 1950s lamps and a

27:06 windows, all original. 1950s lamps and a

27:06 windows, all original. 1950s lamps and a working telephone from 1941.

27:09 working telephone from 1941.

27:09 working telephone from 1941. Do I need to explain what a dial tone

27:10 Do I need to explain what a dial tone

27:10 Do I need to explain what a dial tone is?

27:11 is?

27:11 is? >> No.

27:11 >> No.

27:12 >> No. >> Okay.

27:12 >> Okay. >> [laughter]

27:13 >> [laughter] >> Wi-Fi on the desk, information in the

27:15 >> Wi-Fi on the desk, information in the

27:15 >> Wi-Fi on the desk, information in the drawer including a map of our town, and

27:17 drawer including a map of our town, and

27:17 drawer including a map of our town, and you adjust the AC with the small remote.

27:20 you adjust the AC with the small remote.

27:20 you adjust the AC with the small remote. >> Now, here's the conundrum, right? We've

27:22 >> Now, here's the conundrum, right? We've

27:22 >> Now, here's the conundrum, right? We've only got the one bed, boy. We've only

27:24 only got the one bed, boy. We've only

27:24 only got the one bed, boy. We've only got the one bed and I'm not sharing. And

27:26 got the one bed and I'm not sharing. And

27:26 got the one bed and I'm not sharing. And yet, I want you to stay in the Blue

27:28 yet, I want you to stay in the Blue

27:28 yet, I want you to stay in the Blue Swallow and have the Blue Swallow

27:31 Swallow and have the Blue Swallow

27:31 Swallow and have the Blue Swallow experience because I feel like if you're

27:32 experience because I feel like if you're

27:32 experience because I feel like if you're going to be a Route 66er for life for

27:34 going to be a Route 66er for life for

27:34 going to be a Route 66er for life for your children and your grandchildren and

27:36 your children and your grandchildren and

27:36 your children and your grandchildren and your great-grandchildren and your

27:37 your great-grandchildren and your

27:37 your great-grandchildren and your great-great-great-grandchildren,

27:40 great-great-great-grandchildren,

27:40 great-great-great-grandchildren, you've got to stay in the Blue Swallow

27:41 you've got to stay in the Blue Swallow

27:41 you've got to stay in the Blue Swallow at least one night in your life and I've

27:42 at least one night in your life and I've

27:42 at least one night in your life and I've done it a few times already. So, I'll

27:44 done it a few times already. So, I'll

27:44 done it a few times already. So, I'll give you the Blue Swallow because

27:46 give you the Blue Swallow because

27:46 give you the Blue Swallow because spoiler alert, I actually have a backup

27:49 spoiler alert, I actually have a backup

27:49 spoiler alert, I actually have a backup room cuz I knew we were only going to be

27:50 room cuz I knew we were only going to be

27:50 room cuz I knew we were only going to be able to get the one bed and I knew they

27:52 able to get the one bed and I knew they

27:52 able to get the one bed and I knew they weren't going to have any other

27:53 weren't going to have any other

27:53 weren't going to have any other cancellations. I hoped for it, but I I

27:55 cancellations. I hoped for it, but I I

27:55 cancellations. I hoped for it, but I I knew it was unlikely. And it's just

27:56 knew it was unlikely. And it's just

27:56 knew it was unlikely. And it's just walking distance away. But first, let's

27:58 walking distance away. But first, let's

27:58 walking distance away. But first, let's wait for the sun to go down and check

28:00 wait for the sun to go down and check

28:00 wait for the sun to go down and check out this freaking neon. Oh my gosh, I

28:02 out this freaking neon. Oh my gosh, I

28:02 out this freaking neon. Oh my gosh, I just laid down on the bed and where you

28:04 just laid down on the bed and where you

28:04 just laid down on the bed and where you put your head on the pillow, you can see

28:06 put your head on the pillow, you can see

28:06 put your head on the pillow, you can see the freaking sign from laying on your

28:08 the freaking sign from laying on your

28:08 the freaking sign from laying on your bed. You dog, you lucky dog. And boy,

28:12 bed. You dog, you lucky dog. And boy,

28:12 bed. You dog, you lucky dog. And boy, what a sign. This is my view from

28:14 what a sign. This is my view from

28:14 what a sign. This is my view from standing in the doorway

28:17 standing in the doorway

28:17 standing in the doorway to the motel room. That is freaking

28:18 to the motel room. That is freaking

28:18 to the motel room. That is freaking epic. All right, we're going to go get

28:19 epic. All right, we're going to go get

28:19 epic. All right, we're going to go get some groceries. We're going to come back

28:20 some groceries. We're going to come back

28:20 some groceries. We're going to come back when the sign is fully lit up in the

28:22 when the sign is fully lit up in the

28:22 when the sign is fully lit up in the dark and then I'll show you where I'm

28:23 dark and then I'll show you where I'm

28:23 dark and then I'll show you where I'm probably ending up sleeping. Real quick

28:25 probably ending up sleeping. Real quick

28:25 probably ending up sleeping. Real quick before any of that happens though, I

28:26 before any of that happens though, I

28:26 before any of that happens though, I want to show you something that's

28:27 want to show you something that's

28:27 want to show you something that's sitting out here still behind the Blue

28:30 sitting out here still behind the Blue

28:30 sitting out here still behind the Blue Swallow. It's Beto the Burro and his

28:33 Swallow. It's Beto the Burro and his

28:33 Swallow. It's Beto the Burro and his more recent friend. I'm talking about

28:35 more recent friend. I'm talking about

28:35 more recent friend. I'm talking about the other burro. I don't know where this

28:36 the other burro. I don't know where this

28:36 the other burro. I don't know where this guy came from. I left Beto the Burro out

28:38 guy came from. I left Beto the Burro out

28:38 guy came from. I left Beto the Burro out here on my first day at the Blue

28:41 here on my first day at the Blue

28:41 here on my first day at the Blue Swallow. I picked him up in Oatman,

28:43 Swallow. I picked him up in Oatman,

28:43 Swallow. I picked him up in Oatman, Arizona on Route 66. I picked up the

28:45 Arizona on Route 66. I picked up the

28:45 Arizona on Route 66. I picked up the other one in the same place in 2024 when

28:48 other one in the same place in 2024 when

28:48 other one in the same place in 2024 when London and I were traveling the route

28:50 London and I were traveling the route

28:50 London and I were traveling the route together for the first time. Our first

28:51 together for the first time. Our first

28:51 together for the first time. Our first father and son Route 66 journey. Bonus

28:54 father and son Route 66 journey. Bonus

28:54 father and son Route 66 journey. Bonus points if you can remember what Beto,

28:56 points if you can remember what Beto,

28:56 points if you can remember what Beto, who's been repainted by the way, is

28:57 who's been repainted by the way, is

28:57 who's been repainted by the way, is friend is named because I actually don't

29:00 friend is named because I actually don't

29:00 friend is named because I actually don't at the moment. You got to leave it in

29:01 at the moment. You got to leave it in

29:01 at the moment. You got to leave it in the comments for me I guess cuz I'm

29:02 the comments for me I guess cuz I'm

29:02 the comments for me I guess cuz I'm totally blanking. all right, all right,

29:04 totally blanking. all right, all right,

29:04 totally blanking. all right, all right, let the sun go down. Okay, night time it

29:06 let the sun go down. Okay, night time it

29:06 let the sun go down. Okay, night time it is and those of you who have been

29:08 is and those of you who have been

29:08 is and those of you who have been following my adventures for a while

29:10 following my adventures for a while

29:10 following my adventures for a while probably saw this coming but our other

29:12 probably saw this coming but our other

29:12 probably saw this coming but our other chosen hotel is none other than my

29:15 chosen hotel is none other than my

29:15 chosen hotel is none other than my favorite motel on the entire route. A

29:18 favorite motel on the entire route. A

29:18 favorite motel on the entire route. A place that feels like home every time.

29:21 place that feels like home every time.

29:21 place that feels like home every time. The freaking Road Runner Lodge.

29:24 The freaking Road Runner Lodge.

29:24 The freaking Road Runner Lodge. Mid-century style with modern comfort. I

29:27 Mid-century style with modern comfort. I

29:27 Mid-century style with modern comfort. I have been staying here since uh pretty

29:30 have been staying here since uh pretty

29:30 have been staying here since uh pretty early on in its story of recovery and

29:32 early on in its story of recovery and

29:33 early on in its story of recovery and restoration when the new owners bought

29:35 restoration when the new owners bought

29:35 restoration when the new owners bought it and started to fix it up, give it

29:37 it and started to fix it up, give it

29:37 it and started to fix it up, give it snazzy 60s rooms and I've just watched

29:39 snazzy 60s rooms and I've just watched

29:39 snazzy 60s rooms and I've just watched it grow and grow and grow literally as

29:40 it grow and grow and grow literally as

29:40 it grow and grow and grow literally as they restore more and more hotel rooms.

29:42 they restore more and more hotel rooms.

29:42 they restore more and more hotel rooms. But this isn't a story about the Road

29:44 But this isn't a story about the Road

29:44 But this isn't a story about the Road Runner. This is a story about the Blue

29:45 Runner. This is a story about the Blue

29:45 Runner. This is a story about the Blue Swallow today, which is where I think

29:48 Swallow today, which is where I think

29:48 Swallow today, which is where I think London is going to be spending the night

29:49 London is going to be spending the night

29:49 London is going to be spending the night but we did get the Road Runner in case

29:51 but we did get the Road Runner in case

29:51 but we did get the Road Runner in case you were wondering. I get it every time

29:53 you were wondering. I get it every time

29:53 you were wondering. I get it every time somehow. We got a plainer room with two

29:55 somehow. We got a plainer room with two

29:55 somehow. We got a plainer room with two beds that we're going to share tomorrow

29:57 beds that we're going to share tomorrow

29:57 beds that we're going to share tomorrow and then one of us will have today and

29:58 and then one of us will have today and

29:58 and then one of us will have today and one of us will have the other. London is

30:00 one of us will have the other. London is

30:00 one of us will have the other. London is a little worried

30:01 a little worried

30:01 a little worried about staying in the Blue Swallow. It's

30:02 about staying in the Blue Swallow. It's

30:03 about staying in the Blue Swallow. It's just so outside of his comfort zone but

30:04 just so outside of his comfort zone but

30:04 just so outside of his comfort zone but I'm like, "Dude, you've got to. It's

30:05 I'm like, "Dude, you've got to. It's

30:05 I'm like, "Dude, you've got to. It's legendary, right? Everybody's got to

30:07 legendary, right? Everybody's got to

30:07 legendary, right? Everybody's got to stay in the Blue Swallow at least once."

30:08 stay in the Blue Swallow at least once."

30:09 stay in the Blue Swallow at least once." But of course I'm a nice guy. If he

30:10 But of course I'm a nice guy. If he

30:10 But of course I'm a nice guy. If he really doesn't want to, I'll switch with

30:12 really doesn't want to, I'll switch with

30:12 really doesn't want to, I'll switch with him. So we'll see what happens. This is

30:14 him. So we'll see what happens. This is

30:14 him. So we'll see what happens. This is the first time I've actually stayed

30:16 the first time I've actually stayed

30:16 the first time I've actually stayed in the number one wing. You can actually

30:18 in the number one wing. You can actually

30:18 in the number one wing. You can actually see London up there opening a box of

30:19 see London up there opening a box of

30:19 see London up there opening a box of donuts in room number 23. I've never

30:22 donuts in room number 23. I've never

30:22 donuts in room number 23. I've never slept upstairs that I can remember.

30:24 slept upstairs that I can remember.

30:24 slept upstairs that I can remember. Maybe it's happened, I don't know. And

30:25 Maybe it's happened, I don't know. And

30:25 Maybe it's happened, I don't know. And I've never had any rooms in this first

30:28 I've never had any rooms in this first

30:28 I've never had any rooms in this first wing of suites, which I like to call the

30:30 wing of suites, which I like to call the

30:30 wing of suites, which I like to call the owner's box because of course the owners

30:32 owner's box because of course the owners

30:32 owner's box because of course the owners have their apartment right upstairs in

30:33 have their apartment right upstairs in

30:33 have their apartment right upstairs in the front. Or the owner I should say cuz

30:36 the front. Or the owner I should say cuz

30:36 the front. Or the owner I should say cuz now it's just down to one, David

30:37 now it's just down to one, David

30:37 now it's just down to one, David Brenner. Personal friend or at least I

30:39 Brenner. Personal friend or at least I

30:39 Brenner. Personal friend or at least I like to think so. For all I know when he

30:40 like to think so. For all I know when he

30:40 like to think so. For all I know when he sees me coming he's like, "Oh no, this

30:42 sees me coming he's like, "Oh no, this

30:42 sees me coming he's like, "Oh no, this guy again?" Nah, but I love the guy.

30:43 guy again?" Nah, but I love the guy.

30:44 guy again?" Nah, but I love the guy. This place is Randomland approved and

30:45 This place is Randomland approved and

30:45 This place is Randomland approved and highly recommended. Ooh, it's pretty

30:47 highly recommended. Ooh, it's pretty

30:47 highly recommended. Ooh, it's pretty nice up here.

30:49 nice up here.

30:49 nice up here. I enjoy this very much. And even though

30:51 I enjoy this very much. And even though

30:51 I enjoy this very much. And even though it's not technically a snazzy 60s room,

30:53 it's not technically a snazzy 60s room,

30:53 it's not technically a snazzy 60s room, one of the deluxe rooms, he did have

30:55 one of the deluxe rooms, he did have

30:55 one of the deluxe rooms, he did have free Moon Pies. They've got their own

30:57 free Moon Pies. They've got their own

30:57 free Moon Pies. They've got their own radio station here at the Road Runner,

30:58 radio station here at the Road Runner,

30:58 radio station here at the Road Runner, so you can go full 60s. London is eating

31:00 so you can go full 60s. London is eating

31:00 so you can go full 60s. London is eating a Subway sandwich. We got all our

31:02 a Subway sandwich. We got all our

31:02 a Subway sandwich. We got all our supplies up here. And I've been drinking

31:05 supplies up here. And I've been drinking

31:05 supplies up here. And I've been drinking chocolate milk. I'm a naughty boy.

31:08 chocolate milk. I'm a naughty boy.

31:08 chocolate milk. I'm a naughty boy. Subway and chocolate milk. We know how

31:10 Subway and chocolate milk. We know how

31:10 Subway and chocolate milk. We know how to party.

31:11 to party.

31:12 to party. Spooky. It's all dark now. Just walking

31:14 Spooky. It's all dark now. Just walking

31:14 Spooky. It's all dark now. Just walking down the street, walking back over to

31:15 down the street, walking back over to

31:15 down the street, walking back over to the Blue Swallow to check on London.

31:17 the Blue Swallow to check on London.

31:17 the Blue Swallow to check on London. He's gone back over there for a while.

31:19 He's gone back over there for a while.

31:19 He's gone back over there for a while. He's editing some of these episodes that

31:21 He's editing some of these episodes that

31:21 He's editing some of these episodes that you've probably already seen, hopefully

31:23 you've probably already seen, hopefully

31:23 you've probably already seen, hopefully already seen. Look at TP Curio's over

31:24 already seen. Look at TP Curio's over

31:24 already seen. Look at TP Curio's over there.

31:25 there. All lit up with neon. I just let loose

31:27 All lit up with neon. I just let loose

31:27 All lit up with neon. I just let loose on my own on the wild streets of

31:29 on my own on the wild streets of

31:29 on my own on the wild streets of Tucumcari at night. Ah, here we go.

31:32 Tucumcari at night. Ah, here we go.

31:32 Tucumcari at night. Ah, here we go. We're back. And look at that. Come on,

31:34 We're back. And look at that. Come on,

31:34 We're back. And look at that. Come on, dude. That

31:36 dude. That

31:36 dude. That is a beautiful sight. It's a sign. I

31:40 is a beautiful sight. It's a sign. I

31:40 is a beautiful sight. It's a sign. I mean, there's nothing quite like it.

31:42 mean, there's nothing quite like it.

31:42 mean, there's nothing quite like it. Part of it is like, there's some other

31:43 Part of it is like, there's some other

31:43 Part of it is like, there's some other epic neon on Route 66, but most of it is

31:46 epic neon on Route 66, but most of it is

31:46 epic neon on Route 66, but most of it is far higher above the ground. The fact

31:48 far higher above the ground. The fact

31:48 far higher above the ground. The fact that it's so down low and there's just

31:51 that it's so down low and there's just

31:51 that it's so down low and there's just so much of it and so many colors.

31:54 so much of it and so many colors.

31:54 so much of it and so many colors. That is epic. And let's not forget the

31:55 That is epic. And let's not forget the

31:56 That is epic. And let's not forget the whole place is trimmed in neon with

31:59 whole place is trimmed in neon with

31:59 whole place is trimmed in neon with those beautiful neon bluebirds right

32:02 those beautiful neon bluebirds right

32:02 those beautiful neon bluebirds right above the carports, the old Blue Swallow

32:05 above the carports, the old Blue Swallow

32:05 above the carports, the old Blue Swallow Courts sign back there.

32:07 Courts sign back there.

32:07 Courts sign back there. I mean, what a freaking place, dude. I'm

32:09 I mean, what a freaking place, dude. I'm

32:09 I mean, what a freaking place, dude. I'm kind of jealous of the fact that London

32:11 kind of jealous of the fact that London

32:11 kind of jealous of the fact that London can just open his blinds at night. He

32:13 can just open his blinds at night. He

32:13 can just open his blinds at night. He can go to bed looking at that thing

32:15 can go to bed looking at that thing

32:15 can go to bed looking at that thing blink.

32:16 blink.

32:16 blink. Every third blink is slower.

32:20 Every third blink is slower.

32:20 Every third blink is slower. Room service. Hello. I bring you soda.

32:23 Room service. Hello. I bring you soda.

32:23 Room service. Hello. I bring you soda. You like?

32:25 You like?

32:25 You like? You like soda?

32:27 You like soda?

32:27 You like soda? Soda at night time? Whoa. I went inside

32:30 Soda at night time? Whoa. I went inside

32:30 Soda at night time? Whoa. I went inside to check on him for 2 seconds.

32:32 to check on him for 2 seconds.

32:32 to check on him for 2 seconds. And look at that. Sign is off. I guess

32:34 And look at that. Sign is off. I guess

32:34 And look at that. Sign is off. I guess we got here

32:35 we got here

32:35 we got here just in time. Well, I guess it won't uh

32:38 just in time. Well, I guess it won't uh

32:38 just in time. Well, I guess it won't uh blink through his window all night then.

32:39 blink through his window all night then.

32:39 blink through his window all night then. I left him with all the supplies.

32:42 I left him with all the supplies.

32:42 I left him with all the supplies. There he is.

32:44 There he is.

32:44 There he is. See you.

32:45 See you.

32:45 See you. You going to be all right?

32:46 You going to be all right?

32:46 You going to be all right? >> Yes.

32:47 >> Yes.

32:47 >> Yes. >> Okay, this feels weird even though I

32:48 >> Okay, this feels weird even though I

32:48 >> Okay, this feels weird even though I know you're an adult, this is so weird.

32:50 know you're an adult, this is so weird.

32:50 know you're an adult, this is so weird. It's so strange, dude. Not that long

32:51 It's so strange, dude. Not that long

32:52 It's so strange, dude. Not that long ago, he was just a little kid. But I

32:54 ago, he was just a little kid. But I

32:54 ago, he was just a little kid. But I guess to my parents, it's the same

32:56 guess to my parents, it's the same

32:56 guess to my parents, it's the same story. Anyway, now it's quiet and

32:58 story. Anyway, now it's quiet and

32:58 story. Anyway, now it's quiet and everyone over here is sleeping. I think

32:59 everyone over here is sleeping. I think

32:59 everyone over here is sleeping. I think that's where our adventure ends. Tune in

33:01 that's where our adventure ends. Tune in

33:01 that's where our adventure ends. Tune in next time to see what little gift we

33:03 next time to see what little gift we

33:03 next time to see what little gift we leave the Blue Swallow. On this

33:05 leave the Blue Swallow. On this

33:05 leave the Blue Swallow. On this occasion, we got more Route 66

33:07 occasion, we got more Route 66

33:07 occasion, we got more Route 66 adventures ahead as we travel the Mother

33:08 adventures ahead as we travel the Mother

33:09 adventures ahead as we travel the Mother Road during the Centennial year. We've

33:12 Road during the Centennial year. We've

33:12 Road during the Centennial year. We've done our duty. It's time to hotel and

33:15 done our duty. It's time to hotel and

33:15 done our duty. It's time to hotel and sleep well.

33:16 sleep well.

33:16 sleep well. >> Make sure you grab a bottle of

33:17 >> Make sure you grab a bottle of

33:17 >> Make sure you grab a bottle of Randomland hot sauce at randomland.com

33:19 Randomland hot sauce at randomland.com

33:19 Randomland hot sauce at randomland.com if you want the best hot sauce in the

33:20 if you want the best hot sauce in the

33:20 if you want the best hot sauce in the world. I just delivered some to David at

33:22 world. I just delivered some to David at

33:22 world. I just delivered some to David at the Road Runner for him to eat, not for

33:23 the Road Runner for him to eat, not for

33:23 the Road Runner for him to eat, not for not for him to sell. The only place you

33:25 not for him to sell. The only place you

33:25 not for him to sell. The only place you can get it on Route 66 so far is the

33:27 can get it on Route 66 so far is the

33:27 can get it on Route 66 so far is the Jack Rabbit Motel out in Arizona, but

33:30 Jack Rabbit Motel out in Arizona, but

33:30 Jack Rabbit Motel out in Arizona, but we'll see what happens. All right, I

33:31 we'll see what happens. All right, I

33:31 we'll see what happens. All right, I don't want to repeat the whole spiel

33:32 don't want to repeat the whole spiel

33:32 don't want to repeat the whole spiel now, so I'll just show you the spiel

33:33 now, so I'll just show you the spiel

33:34 now, so I'll just show you the spiel from the last video. See you later.

33:36 from the last video. See you later.

33:36 from the last video. See you later. >> But if you want to keep Randomland

33:37 >> But if you want to keep Randomland

33:37 >> But if you want to keep Randomland fueled up and on the go, please consider

33:39 fueled up and on the go, please consider

33:39 fueled up and on the go, please consider checking out our merch. We got hats,

33:40 checking out our merch. We got hats,

33:40 checking out our merch. We got hats, books, stickers, all kinds of stuff

33:42 books, stickers, all kinds of stuff

33:42 books, stickers, all kinds of stuff including the best hot sauce in the

33:44 including the best hot sauce in the

33:44 including the best hot sauce in the universe at randomland.com. And of

33:46 universe at randomland.com. And of

33:46 universe at randomland.com. And of course, the best way is to join our

33:47 course, the best way is to join our

33:47 course, the best way is to join our Patreon, but liking, subscribing, and

33:50 Patreon, but liking, subscribing, and

33:50 Patreon, but liking, subscribing, and sharing these videos with a friend,

33:51 sharing these videos with a friend,

33:51 sharing these videos with a friend, that's free, easy to do, and helps us

33:53 that's free, easy to do, and helps us

33:54 that's free, easy to do, and helps us out a whole lot. Thank you for watching.

33:55 out a whole lot. Thank you for watching.

33:55 out a whole lot. Thank you for watching. Thanks for watching all the way to the

33:56 Thanks for watching all the way to the

33:56 Thanks for watching all the way to the very end. You guys are my heroes.

33:58 very end. You guys are my heroes.

33:58 very end. You guys are my heroes. >> You've done your duty. You can go home

34:00 >> You've done your duty. You can go home

34:01 >> You've done your duty. You can go home and sleep well.

34:38 [music]

34:38 [music] >> So that London can drive some old school

34:41 >> So that London can drive some old school

34:41 >> So that London can drive some old school Route 66.

34:44 Route 66.

34:44 Route 66. >> [music]

The Empty Ghost towns & Legendary Motels of New Mexico’s Route 66

Transcript