We bid goodbye to Taos (and the Paragon Inn) and began what was to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable rides of the trip, as well as, for the last 20 miles, one of the most difficult. We would take the southern route around Wheeler Peak (el: 13,161 ft) that would take us through an area of beautiful homes, galleries and ranches on the outskirts of Taos, then up a climb of about 3,000 ft through Angel of Fire and finally to the charming town of Eagle Nest.
We stopped for lunch by Cimarron Creek just before the start of the Cimarron Canyon.
Much too quickly we emerged from the canyon and entered the town of Cimarron (el 6430 ft.), which is at the boundary of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Here we would leave our beloved Route 64 on which we had traveled about 310 miles since entering New Mexico.
We were now clearly in the Great Plains with flat dry land as far as you could see. We spotted a number of animals including the antelope in the center picture below. We also crossed the Santa Fe trail which brought many pioneers into New Mexico. But as we continued on Route 58 the head winds started to pick up and got stronger and stronger, making the 25 mile trip from Cimarron to Springer extremely difficult. In Springer, we stayed at the Oasis Motel, and savored an enjoyable dinner at the Simple Simon pizzeria.
Just past Eagle Lake, we started the next climb where road construction was taking place that would lead us to the incredibly beautiful Cimarron Canyon.
We stopped for lunch by Cimarron Creek just before the start of the Cimarron Canyon.
Much too quickly we emerged from the canyon and entered the town of Cimarron (el 6430 ft.), which is at the boundary of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Here we would leave our beloved Route 64 on which we had traveled about 310 miles since entering New Mexico.
We were now clearly in the Great Plains with flat dry land as far as you could see. We spotted a number of animals including the antelope in the center picture below. We also crossed the Santa Fe trail which brought many pioneers into New Mexico. But as we continued on Route 58 the head winds started to pick up and got stronger and stronger, making the 25 mile trip from Cimarron to Springer extremely difficult. In Springer, we stayed at the Oasis Motel, and savored an enjoyable dinner at the Simple Simon pizzeria.
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