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  3. TRAVEL: 2007 through 2011
  4. JULY AND AUGUST, 2011

NEW MEXICO II

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Well 'tarnation! I think we just here see Yosemite Sam's Cousin a robbin' the safe! I knew we couldn't trust a varmint with those shifty eyes!
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Well 'tarnation! I think we just here see Yosemite Sam's Cousin a robbin' the safe! I knew we couldn't trust a varmint with those shifty eyes!

jameshotelrestaurantcimarron

  • Well 'tarnation! I think we just here see Yosemite Sam's Cousin a robbin' the safe! I knew we couldn't trust a varmint with those shifty eyes!
  • We are in the Express St. James Hotel. The town in which this is located, Cimarron, New Mexico, was a bustling community along the Santa Fe Trail in the 1840's. Our cowboy scout (or outlaw?) is looking at a display of original room passes (I guess they used to use these instead of keys?) and the names of some of the more famous folks who used these very passes.<br /> <br /> Famous scouts / gunslingers (e.g. Bat Mastersen) to Cowboys / showmen (e.g. Buffalo Bill) to legendary authors (e.g. Zane Gray) to notorious outlaws (e.g. Jesse James) are represented.<br /> <br /> Some noteworthy folks who supposedly stayed here but don't appear in the display include Wyatt Erp, Blackjack Ketchum, and Annie Oakley.
  • Today, guests at this hotel can choose from the historic part or a more modern wing. There are also rooms (such as this one) which are "retired" from use and set aside for display due to the prominent folks who stayed there.
  • Pancho Griego was gunned down by Robert Clay Allison in this very hotel in 1875.<br /> <br /> More on the origin of this place:<br /> <br /> Henry Lambert had been personal chef to Abraham Lincoln. He later moved to Elizabethtown (now a ghost town with little left to see), near Cimarron, to look for gold. When he failed at prospecting, none other than Ulysses S. Grant talked him into establishing a hotel and saloon. He named it the Lambert Inn. For reasons I can not find, it was later changed to Express St. James Hotel.<br /> <br /> So many men were gunned down inside this establishment, that a common saying in the area at one time was "It appears Lambert had another man for breakfast." Perhaps the most frequent question in Cimarron was "Who was killed at Lambert's last night?"
  • They have a huge lobby, with various fascinating artifacts. And the general feel of the place is a bit tamer than what it must have been back in the "good" old days.
  • Of course, Buffalo Bill, Bat Mastersen, Annie Oakley, and the rest of 'em have nothing on THIS group!<br /> <br /> Lunch was quite nice. I highly recommend this place, especially for wild west history buffs (but I think pretty much anyone who enjoys good food in an impressive setting will like this).<br /> <br /> You'll find this place at 617 S Collison Ave. Click on the little "i" in the circle beneath the photo for a map (you'll need to zoom in considerably to see details).<br /> <br /> Call for reservations at (575) 376-2664.<br /> <br /> I can say that the Bison burger is definitely worthwhile (If I remember correctly, it is listed on the menu as a buffalo burger, but I easily forgave that common error with the taste of the first bite). And, if you are an aficionado of bread pudding, or if you simply wonder what bread pudding may taste like when prepared superbly, then this is the place to order it. Some at our table said they know of a place with better bread pudding, but this is the best I've ever had (I almost always find bread pudding to be disappointing, but found this to be that highly sought-after and rare delight -- the one that keeps me ordering the stuff even through all the disappointments).<br /> <br /> Tell them you were referred by Optimimagery.com and you'll likely receive one free blank, inquisitive stare.
  • You can see the bullet holes from the old west days in the ceiling. Mr. Lambert had enough foresight to add an extra layer of wood directly above here to stop bullets from entering into the rooms of the guests directly above the restaurant. I'm sure that lead to a better night's rest for his customers.
  • If you prefer a more open-air atmosphere, just step out the back door onto this nice patio area with the fountain and detailed mural. I think they serve pizza and other such fare out here (totally different menu than what they have in the restaurant, I believe).<br /> <br /> More about the St. James Hotel at <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-stjameshotel/">https://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-stjameshotel/</a>
  • Back into the minivan and Taos-ward we go! This is a panorama of 5 photos I took while we were in transit. I was actually surprised that it went together this well.
  • We are now northwest of Taos, on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
  • Dedicated September 10, 1965, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the 5th highest bridge in the United States. The 1,280-foot span is 650 feet above the Rio Grande.
  • Movie fans may recognize this bridge. It has appeared in the movies TWINS, SHE'S HAVING A BABY, WILD HOGS and TERMINATOR SALVATION. But Woody Harrelson fans will likely have the fondest memory: This is where the wedding scene in the movie NATURAL BORN KILLERS was filmed. I never saw the film, but you can see the aforementioned scene (which showcases the bridge pretty well) by clicking the following:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slwpt4gtCNg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slwpt4gtCNg</a>
  • In 1966 this bridge was named the "Most Beautiful Steel Bridge" in the "Long Span" category by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
  • More recently, some of this majestic bridge's claim to fame has come from a more tragic note: According to federal data, about 3 people per year since 1999 have chosen to end their lives here, making it one of the busiest hotspots in the country for suicides. Personal memorials dot the railings, including natural plants, synthetic flowers, and various hand-made artifacts.
  • As can be expected in a place with so many deaths, there are also lots of ghost stories about this span. One of the more interesting can be found at the following link:<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.sgha.net/rio-grande-gorge-bridge-investigation-report/">https://www.sgha.net/rio-grande-gorge-bridge-investigation-report/</a>
  • There is a nice rest area south of the highway at the west end of the bridge. Thank goodness for us one of the restrooms was left open beyond the time stated on the sign!<br /> <br /> This allowed us to be much more comfortable for our return ride to Red River.
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