This morning I am writing from our motel on Route 66 in Tucumcari, renowned in song and story. The place we are staying is a typical roadside motel, but they have added some retro twists that make it fun. There is an old radio that plays only songs about Tucumcari, of which there are a surprising number.

Yesterday we drove from our bed and breakfast in the mountains outside Durango to Santa Fe, where we spent the afternoon shopping for trinkets. They were filming a movie in the central Plaza, and all the streets were closed to vehicle traffic, so that was an extra bonus.

The big fire in Arizona has affected our weather off and on. You can see from the headline that smoke is blowing all the way across New Mexico and beyond. That is one reason why our trip through Monument Valley was so hazy, and why the wind has been so strong on some days.

All in all, it hasn't affected us much, and it resulted in a nice sunset last night as we drove from Santa Fe to Tucumcari last night.

Today it is supposed to be steaming hot, 102 in Amarillo, which we will pass through on our way to Little Rock and my sister Carol's house. They are celebrating the 85th birthday of Route 6t6 this week. So Happy Birthday!