Motels are expensive. That’s why I camp. On my little excursion, I plan on staying in only five motels (out of 45 nights). Three of them are just random cheap motels – no campgrounds around. But the other two are amazing.

First, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, a town famous for its old motels and neon, there’s the Blue Swallow Motel.

I stayed there two years ago and can’t wait to stay there again. Here’s what I wrote oh so long ago…

Tucumcari tonight! Tucumcari used to boast 2000 motel rooms. I’m not sure how many there are now, but that doesn’t matter because we found the best freaking motel with the best freaking room and the best freaking owners EVER.

Welcome to the Blue Swallow Motel. A beautifully restored motel from the 40’s now run by Bill and Terri. Red bearded Bill, clad in bib overalls greeted us, checked us in and showed us a “suite.” And sweet it was. It has a stove.. a PINK stove!, two bedrooms, a 1940’s style bathroom and so much nostalgia you’ll go crazy. Bill offered us so much assistance and help and fun that I can’t even begin to describe it. Actually, it’s a lot like staying in a B&B. He took care of us.

Every evening he also takes pictures of in front of the sign of everyone who stays at the motel. He prints them out at night and then gives you a 5×7 of them the next day. For free. What a guy!

Boo went for a run to Tucumcari Mountain while Nikki and I got our picture taken in front of the sign. She and I were on the computer, reading some comments left by you guys (thanks!) when we looked our the window to our right to see Bill walking towards us. He held up his camera with a big smile as if to say “It’s time!” He was excited. You can really tell he loves this place. They bought it in February, I think. New owners totally in love with each other and their motel. I could live here.

May this year they’ll adopt me and Ruby.

The second motel is a few days after Tucumcari. At one time it was a small chain of motels, but since then, only three remain. Two are on Route 66. I’ll be staying in the one in Holbrook, Arizona.

It’s the Wigwam Motel!

I stayed in it in 2004 and 2006 and will stay again in 2008. Every two years! I wish I would have written more about it in 2004. The owner of the Wigman (he’s the original founder’s son) and I had a wonderful conversation about the government. He’s one of those republican/libertarian/anarchist/militia type who are always a blast to chew the fat with.

But no, for some reason, I’ve never really written much about the place. In both ‘04 and ‘06 I hardly mention that I stayed there at all. Weird, huh?

But Holbrook was the place where I got a free plate of fries from Denny’s.

We drive the 20 sleepy miles to Holbrook to our castle for the night, The Wigwam Motel! I love this place. Hungry, we hit Denny’s where our waiter, Jep, took a liking to a certain journal keeper (blogger?) and I didn’t get charged for my fries or my Sprite. Oh yeah! I still got it!

Go me. Maybe Jep will still be there! Oh I hope!

Anyway, those are the two motels I was just itchin’ to tell you about. Are you happy that I did?

Sure you are.

Motels are expensive. That’s why I camp. On my little excursion, I plan on staying in only five motels (out of 45 nights). Three of them are just random cheap motels – no campgrounds around. But the other two are amazing.

First, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, a town famous for its old motels and neon, there’s the Blue Swallow Motel.

I stayed there two years ago and can’t wait to stay there again. Here’s what I wrote oh so long ago…

Tucumcari tonight! Tucumcari used to boast 2000 motel rooms. I’m not sure how many there are now, but that doesn’t matter because we found the best freaking motel with the best freaking room and the best freaking owners EVER.

Welcome to the Blue Swallow Motel. A beautifully restored motel from the 40’s now run by Bill and Terri. Red bearded Bill, clad in bib overalls greeted us, checked us in and showed us a “suite.” And sweet it was. It has a stove.. a PINK stove!, two bedrooms, a 1940’s style bathroom and so much nostalgia you’ll go crazy. Bill offered us so much assistance and help and fun that I can’t even begin to describe it. Actually, it’s a lot like staying in a B&B. He took care of us.

Every evening he also takes pictures of in front of the sign of everyone who stays at the motel. He prints them out at night and then gives you a 5×7 of them the next day. For free. What a guy! (PS – Bill is New Mexico’s answer to Madhava Ghosh).

Boo went for a run to Tucumcari Mountain while Nikki and I got our picture taken in front of the sign. She and I were on the computer, reading some comments left by you guys (thanks!) when we looked our the window to our right to see Bill walking towards us. He held up his camera with a big smile as if to say “It’s time!” He was excited. You can really tell he loves this place. They bought it in February, I think. New owners totally in love with each other and their motel. I could live here.

May this year they’ll adopt me and Ruby.

The second motel is a few days after Tucumcari. At one time it was a small chain of motels, but since then, only three remain. Two are on Route 66. I’ll be staying in the one in Holbrook, Arizona.

It’s the Wigwam Motel!

I stayed in it in 2004 and 2006 and will stay again in 2008. Every two years! I wish I would have written more about it in 2004. The owner of the Wigman (he’s the original founder’s son) and I had a wonderful conversation about the government. He’s one of those republican/libertarian/anarchist/militia type who are always a blast to chew the fat with.

But no, for some reason, I’ve never really written much about the place. In both ‘04 and ‘06 I hardly mention that I stayed there at all. Weird, huh?

But Holbrook was the place where I got a free plate of fries from Denny’s.

We drive the 20 sleepy miles to Holbrook to our castle for the night, The Wigwam Motel! I love this place. Hungry, we hit Denny’s where our waiter, Jep, took a liking to a certain journal keeper (blogger?) and I didn’t get charged for my fries or my Sprite. Oh yeah! I still got it!

Go me. Maybe Jep will still be there! Oh I hope!

Anyway, those are the two motels I was just itchin’ to tell you about. Are you happy that I did?

Sure you are.