There are 377 miles of Route 66 in New Mexico. Right off the bat the pavement to gravel sign was posted. I drove the backroads for a few miles. The alignment I took follows alongside some of what is left of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Bouncing around on the gravel road seeing more cattle and just enjoying the drive. 
After finding a the paved Route 66 I came up on a Stock on Highway sign and sure enough a couple minutes down the road. There he was standing in the middle of the road not budging. He turns his head a looks at me and continues to just stand there. So not wanting to drive around in front of him and upset him and get charged, I drove behind him off the road and back on about 20 feet past him and looked back. He was still just standing there looking at me. Never even moved. No Fear.
New Mexico seems to have a lot of old dirt roads. The picture on the left I was still on Route 66. Several times on this trip I wondered if I was going the right way. Finally after a couple of miles of driving down the rough roads I came to a crossing and got back on the paved Route 66. If you decide to get off the road make sure you are ready. Some of the roads are not going to do well if you are in a car. I haven't needed 4 wheel drive, but the clearance alone has been nice. I came to Santa Rosa, New mexico and stayed the night. I headed down to Joseph's Restaurant. It was nice to sit down and have a few beers and some chicken quesadillas. More New Mexico soon.
