May 2nd, 2015. Shortly after getting back on Route 40 heading out of Amarillo we began to see what turned out to be windmills up ahead. Once we got up to where the windmills started we drove another 25 miles to Vega, TX where we left the highway for route 385. At our exit the three rows of windmills were still stretching out down route 40.
This has to be one of the largest wind farms going. Local literature says this plain has the most steady winds in the country. The scope of this operation surprised us.
At Dalhart, TX we turned onto Route 87 for the drive into Raton, NM. About 25 miles east of Raton we saw signs for the Capulin Volcano National Monument. It was early so we decided to check it out. There was a road nearly to the top of the volcano. At the top there is a one mile loop trail around the rim and a 1/4 mile trail down into the core. We trekked both. This volcano has been inactive for 30,00 years.
The experience was very interesting. Looking across the surrounding plains from above we learned all of the many small peaks had once been volcanoes. The flat-topped buttes visible through out the area were the result of lava from many volcanoes being pushed up to form the buttes.
Next we were off to Raton and a stop at the railyard and the White House Inn. In 2000 Bob had traveled with our sons and the Bristol Vt Boy Scout Troop by train from Rutland, VT to Raton, NM. They were then bused to Cimarron, NM and the Philmont National Boy Scout Ranch. They did an eleven day, 50+ mile wilderness trek. It was one of the greatest experiences of Bob's Life.
Upon their return to Raton by bus, in the early afternoon, the troop was distressed to learn that the train would be late. It had not yet left California! They spent 12 to 15 hours sitting around the station in their scout travel uniforms. Neil Lindblad (the scout leader) and Bob looked longingly just up the street at the White House Inn. An obviously popular local watering hole. Dutifully they could not partake at that time. Today was to be Bob's day to stop in for a thirst quencher. The train station was there in all it's glory but alas the bar owner sold his liquor license about a year ago. The bar was closed to the public. (A private party was being held to watch the Kentucky Derby, but we didn't join them.)
Nursing his disappointment we headed to Cimarron. We stopped in at the St. James Hotel. Their famous past customers included Jesse James, Bat Masterson, Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Clay Allsion. Wyatt Earp and his brother Morgan and their wives stayed here 3 nights on their fateful journey in 1880 from Dodge City to Tombstone. We took a self guided tour of the amazingly preserved historic hotel and went into the beautiful bar room about 10 minutes before the start of the Kentucky Derby. This stop turned into an excellent consolation prize.
Bob drove me down to the Philmont Ranch for a look around.
Finally we headed out of town on Route 64 West. Just up in Cimarron Canyon we found a large pull off without a "No Overnight Parking" sign. After our long busy day we spent a quiet night in the Canyon next to a babbling brook. (Just a little further up the road was available campgrounds not marked on our map).
Next we were off to Raton and a stop at the railyard and the White House Inn. In 2000 Bob had traveled with our sons and the Bristol Vt Boy Scout Troop by train from Rutland, VT to Raton, NM. They were then bused to Cimarron, NM and the Philmont National Boy Scout Ranch. They did an eleven day, 50+ mile wilderness trek. It was one of the greatest experiences of Bob's Life.
Upon their return to Raton by bus, in the early afternoon, the troop was distressed to learn that the train would be late. It had not yet left California! They spent 12 to 15 hours sitting around the station in their scout travel uniforms. Neil Lindblad (the scout leader) and Bob looked longingly just up the street at the White House Inn. An obviously popular local watering hole. Dutifully they could not partake at that time. Today was to be Bob's day to stop in for a thirst quencher. The train station was there in all it's glory but alas the bar owner sold his liquor license about a year ago. The bar was closed to the public. (A private party was being held to watch the Kentucky Derby, but we didn't join them.)
Nursing his disappointment we headed to Cimarron. We stopped in at the St. James Hotel. Their famous past customers included Jesse James, Bat Masterson, Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Clay Allsion. Wyatt Earp and his brother Morgan and their wives stayed here 3 nights on their fateful journey in 1880 from Dodge City to Tombstone. We took a self guided tour of the amazingly preserved historic hotel and went into the beautiful bar room about 10 minutes before the start of the Kentucky Derby. This stop turned into an excellent consolation prize.
Bob drove me down to the Philmont Ranch for a look around. 
Just when I taught I'd seen everything in the US you have taken me to the Capulin Volcano and the Philmont National Boy Scout Ranch. There is so much to explore in this great land. Glad that you guys are having a good time.
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