New Mexico

[Normspeed]

Well, made it to NM just fine. After a couple of tentative runs in OD with the teardrop hooked up, I just put it in OD and left it there. No problems, even up the few hilly areas.

Today I did the front brakes, so I'll have some good stopping power going home. Tomorrow 3 of us guys will head for Las Cruces where we will Christmas shop and perhaps visit a pub or two.

Hope you all have a great holiday.

[Dennis Hemingway]

That's great news that you had no problems. Have yourself a Happy Holiday.

Dennis:cool:

[Tony Cipponeri]

Hey Norm, Are you staying warm? Tony C

[55 Fargo]

Have a great trip Norm and a Merry Christmas to you and yours...........Fred

[Mr. Belvedere]

Made Chiraco summit pulling a trailer in O.D., very impressive indeed!

[james curl]

Sounds like quite a trip,how many miles did you drive? Secondary highways or Interstate Highways? what kind of speed were you able to maintain? While in La Cruces go on down I-10 about 30 miles to El Paso then you can say you went to Texas. Isn't it wonderful to drive an old car across this great country of ours, so many people enjoy seeing the old cars on the open road and will ask questions at every stop and say things like you drove all the way from California.

[blueskies]

Terrific to hear your OD is working well pulling the trailer. I have to say I'm jealous, sitting here in several feet of new snow...

Pete

[Normspeed]

Chiriaco was the only place I came out of OD, because my Pep Boys switch crapped out. I put an alligator clip on the terminals for the rest of the drive and replaced the switch yesterday. I ran 65-75 on the clock which is probably 60-70 actual. 700 miles, and the P24 is a lot nicer on the highway than my 86 Bronco. I got lots of thumbs up on the road and every fuel stop was good for a half hour or more of chewing the fat with interested folks. The overnight temp at the State Park in AZ was 30 or so, and the teardrop was a toasty 50f inside by morning. With a sleeping bag and 2 small dogs, that was pretty good sleeping weather.

It was shirtsleeve weather in NM the past 2 days but turning colder and we'll get a little snow tonight.

[bob_amos]

Norm, You lucky dog you!!! Sounds like you are have a dream trip and I wish I was there with my '53 for all the fun. But, alas, work calls so a trip like that will have to wait. I'd say, "Have a wonderful Christmas" but there is no need to. It is a sure thing that you are, indeed, having a wonderful time. Take loads of photos and share them with all of us.

[eric wissing]

Norm ,great pics, it looks like the two of the New Mexican pygmy wolves have found your camp site. Be Careful. Eric

[greg g]

Cheap gas. we are at about 3.29/3.30. glad you are enjoying your trip. So at what temp does it become a three dog night?

[47heaven]

Hey Norm...looks pretty good. I can't wait to take my car out on old Highway 66 to Arizona. I may take it out with an 'ol high school buddy of mine out to Needles next weekend and stay the night out there then come back. It will be great driving on the old highway, right where this car belongs. BTW...I get the car out of the shop today. I hope the freeze plug situation is solved because there are a few grades going towards Needles in the desert. My confidence on the grades isn't too great right now. Let's hope they stay in this time.

I think you can drive on the old Highway 60 to New Mexico till, can't you?

RE: U.S. 60

New Mexico

This short section requires expansion.

It takes about 400 miles to cross New Mexico on U.S. 60, traveling West from the Texas state line at Texico, NM to the Arizona state line between Quemado, NM and Springerville, AZ. The highway goes through Clovis, NM, passing by Cannon Air Force Base, and then on to Fort Sumner, where Billy the Kid is buried. There are some beautiful seasonal lakes near Willard. Continuing West, the highway goes through Mountainair, where several Pop Shaffer folk-art buildings have been preserved. Several nearby pueblo ruins are preserved as part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, with headquarters in Mountanair. The highway passes between Chupadera Mesa to the South and the Southern end of the Manzano Mountains to the North, before crossing the Rio Grande, after which the highway joins Interstate 25 and follows this freeway for about 25 miles to Socorro, NM. In Socorro, the highway continues West through Magdalena, across the Plains of San Agustin, past the Very Large Array, and across the Continental Divide near Pie Town.

[Dennis Hemingway]

Hey 47heaven remember I'm in Barstow so you can give me a call if you have any problems. I should be home on New Years weekend. Sent you a PM with my phone #'s.

Dennis:cool:

[Normspeed]

Hi Darin, I see you got your name shortened like you wanted. That 60 ride sounds great, and there is some nice country up there. I've been to Quemado for fishing and camping, it's a beautiful little lake. The town motto is "Conveniently located in the middle of nowhere".