Jerry's Cafe

We grabbed lunch at Jerry's Cafe, located at 406 W. Coal Ave.

Migue's Delight--$12.25.  A chile relleno and chicken enchilada smothered with green chile and cheese with a crisp beef taco, served with rice, beans and sopaipilla.

Across the street from the restaurant is a mural of Jerry's Cafe.

2020 09 25

Outdoor Murals in Historic Downtown Gallup

Stop at the Visitor's Center and pick up a copy of the Outdoor Murals in Historic Downtown Gallup. It lists the murals around town.

"Navajo Code Talkers" at 2nd & Coal.

"Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial" at 2nd & Coal.

"Hispanic Heritage" at 1st & Coal.

"Native American Trading" at 3rd & Coal.

"Coal Mining Era" at the downtown walkway.

"Women's Multi-Cultural" at 2nd & Aztec.

"Zuni Culture" at 2nd & Hill.

"Japanese Culture" at 2nd & Hill.

"Veteran's Memorial" at Richardson Courthouse Plaza.

"Long Walk Home" at 3rd & Hill.

"Gallup Community Life" at 2nd & Aztec.

"Tile Mosaic" at 3rd & Mesa.

Rex Museum Murals at 3rd & Route 66.

Student Art Mural at 4th & Route 66.

2020 06 25

Gallup, NM

Gallup is a small city in New Mexico with a population of nearly 22,000. Native Americans make up a good percentage of its population.

Route 66 runs through town.

As you come into town from the west, you'll see the Rex Museum. It has local history, information on the Navajo code talkers in WW II and Route 66.

Route 66 is also US 118. There are several trading posts on the main road.

One of the largest is Richardson's.

The store has quite a large selection of turquoise jewelry. 

The Visitor Center is near the railroad tracks.

Next door is the Chamber of Commerce with a neon sign. The sign is designed by Jerry McClanahan, author of the EZ 66 Guide for Travelers.

There is a small downtown area.

Gallup is the county seat for McKinley County and the Courthouse is a large modern building in town.

Nearby is a memorial to those lost in wars.

The El Morro Theater on Coal Street is historic.

John's Used cars is also on Coal Street.

It has a giant muffler-man cowboy.

Continuing on Coal Street, you'll find Glenn's Bakery.

2020 06 25

In Search of Cave Dwellings

There were supposed to be cliff dwellings just as we crossed into New Mexico. We couldn't find them so the next morning, we backtracked to search for them.

From the USA RV Park, we got off I-40 at Exit 8 and drove on US 118 towards Manuelito. Unfortunately, the road was blocked by a jackknifed truck. We retraced our steps and got on I-40 to Lupton.

At Lupton, we drove east on US 118. Unfortunately, there was a rock slide and the road was blocked as well. We got out, walked the stretch and could see the jackknifed truck so we did cover the entire US 118 from Lupton to Manuelito.

The scenery was beautiful but we couldn't find the cliff dwellings. These were part of a set built for "Ace in the Hole," which starred Kirk Douglas and was released in 1951.

Could this have been the "big hollow in the rock face" that was home to the Cliff Dwelling Trading Post?

Oh well, we gave it a good try and were disappointed we couldn't find it. Back on I-40 to cross into New Mexico. Welcome to New Mexico once again!

2020 06 25

USA RV Park

After Yellow Horse, cross into New Mexico.

We spent the night at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico.

There is a playground at the RV park, as well as a heated pool.

Communal picnic tables were empty during COVID.

The park has few trees. The sites are flat and there is a picnic table at each site. Most sites are pull through with water & electricity. Some have sewer as well. Otherwise, dump at the entrance to the park. Laundry facilities, cable TV and free WiFi round out the amenities.

2020 06 24

Lupton & Yellowhorse

At Exit 354, take the south Frontage Road for 4.6 miles to Lupton.

At the base of the brown cliffs, there is the Yellow Horse Trading Post.

Multiple gift shops make up the trading post. Note the yellow horse.

This is the beginning of the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Tbere is a painted mural on the cliff.

Plastic animals perch high on the cliff.

There is a giant teepee nearby.

2020 06 24

Sanders & some Bridges

After visiting the Petrified Forest National Park, we re-entered I-40 at Exit 311. At Exit 333, take US 191 north in Chambers. Turn right on Apache Co 7060, which becomes the frontage road. Continue to Sanders.

Just before reaching Sanders, across the railroad is a closed 1923 bridge used until 1931 to cross the Rio Puerco.

Retrace your steps to I-40 and take Exit 341. Drive the dirt road to the Querino Canyon Bridge. This 269-foot bridge was built in 1930.

2020 06 24