Our Route 66 odyssey rolled on, bringing us to two memorable stops: Gallup, New Mexico, and Winslow, Arizona. Both offered a mix of old-school charm, roadside nostalgia, and—of course—a few quirks that come with RV life.
Gallup, New Mexico: USA RV Park
First up was Gallup, where we parked for a night at the charmingly practical USA RV Park. Nestled in the heart of New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66, this stop had wide, level spots, clean amenities, and a sprinkling of neon nostalgia that nearly kept us in the Route 66 vibe until we got the intense and overbearing park rules—short version – no dog fence.
Known as the “Gateway to Native American Culture,” Gallup is steeped in history and culture, and even a short stay leaves you feeling connected to its roots. The town’s murals and vintage roadside attractions winked at us as we drove through, but this stop was more about regrouping and recharging.
While Casey behaved himself (finally!), the dogs weren’t thrilled to be denied their portable fence yard. Still, the walking areas at USA RV Park provided a good outlet for their energy. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the clean facilities and got a bit of work done before rolling on to our next destination. Oops, I nearly forgot the humbling part. We forgot to turn off the master switch all night which resulted in a dead battery as we were trying to leave. John the Rockstar husband Laverty managed to boost us off the house batteries but it was a good reminder about sticking to the routine!
Winslow, Arizona: Taking It Easy (Briefly)
From Gallup, we continued westward along the Mother Road and found ourselves in Winslow, Arizona—yes, that Winslow, made famous by The Eagles. And yes, there was even a flat-bed truck on a corner, possibly turning around to take a look at us (we like to think). Winslow was more of a drive-through for us, though. One big win? Casey refrained from biting me this time, proving that even small victories are worth celebrating on the road!
Route 66: The Road Keeps Calling
Between Gallup’s neon charm and Winslow’s corner-turning fame, this leg of our journey encapsulated the essence of Route 66: part history, part practicality, and a whole lot of quirky character. While these stops were more about functionality than sightseeing, they reminded us why the Mother Road is still a bucket-list adventure.
Next up, it’s time to hit the highway again—here’s hoping for smoother roads, cooperative pups, and maybe a little more time to explore the history around us. Stay tuned!
