Thursday ~ Gallup to Tucumcari

Overnighting in Tucumcari, a medium-sized town in north-eastern New Mexico. It's a romantic sounding name, there are several versions of its origin. Most serious investigators have decided that it comes from a Native American word for "look-out point" because of the nearby mesa which would have offered a good vantage point for watching distant movements. A more fanciful version involves a tale that has become a legend:

".... in 1907 a Methodist minister created a story about how the name evolved. The two finest warriors of an Apache tribe that made their home at the mountain met in combat to determine who would succeed their dying Chief Wautonomah. The survivor would also win the hand of the chief's daughter, Kari. Tocom, the brave loved by Kari, was slain by Tonopah in the battle. Overcome with grief and rage, Kari seized her knife, killed Tonopah and took her own life. Heartbroken at this tragic turn of events, the old chief stabbed himself, crying out as he died, "Tocom-Kari, Tocom-Kari." This story is what became known as "The Legend of Tucumcari." " (Here).

This state is certainly doing its bit to educate students on the need for alternative energy sources. This wind turbine stands in mid-town.















Tomorrow we'll bid a fond farewell to New Mexico and perhaps head for Lubbock, Texas where the Buddy Holly Museum could be worth a look.