From Flagstaff to Santa Rosa

The first day on my return trip to Texas took me across Arizona and into New Mexico on Interstate 40.  There were not a lot of places to stop for photographs so I made the most of the time, saving lots of time for the next two days when I ventured back onto highways which didn't bypass all the small towns.  But much like the rest of Arizona, this area of the state has dramatic, although sometimes stark, scenery.

Near Window Rock, Arizona

Capitol of the Navajo Nation

 Stained Glass Window

Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church

 Santa Rosa, New Mexico

My first day was from Flagstaff to Santa Rosa, New Mexico.  The hotel clerk recommended the Lake City Diner for dinner.  I think he may have been a relative of the young man who was my waiter.  I was the only patron at 5:30 p.m. and the only one when I left at 6:30, and it was obvious it was a new restaurant, but if my visit is to be a typical one, it should be a resounding success.  The diner is located in an historic building just across the square from the Guadalupe County Courthouse, which in itself is an historic structure listed on the National Register.  If you had to guess, what kind of a building was the diner originally?  If you say bank, you're exactly right.  The front room still contains the original black and white tile floor, and the white marble on the countertop between the dining area and the kitchen was the original marble used on the front of the teller cages.  The kitchen is located in the bank vault with the original steel door which can be used to shut off the kitchen from the dining area.  Even the stamped tin ceiling (show below) is original and is in excellent condition.  I spent quite a bit of time talking with the cook/proprietor and his wife about the history of the building and the town of Santa Rosa. 

Now if all that weren't enough, I had a big plate of delicious New Mexico soft beef tacos with corn tortillas, scrumptious pinto beans (whole, not refried) and homemade Mexican rice, all for the sum of SEVEN whole dollars! 

Intricate stamped tin ceiling of the Lake City Diner, Santa Rosa, New Mexico