Original Route 66

[DougW]

This sign is on the old original route 66 when it went through Santa Fe. It was re-routed in 1937, bypassing the city. The old road leads to a steep grade with big switchbacks that then headed to Albq. It was a rough road and many of the early vehicles would make the climb in reverse as this was the lowest gear and would also help keep gas feeding the gravity fed carburetors. Image was shot with a Fuji IS-1 that was a rare manufacture release of a fullspectrum. I believe this was taken at 590nm but was quite a few years-ago, thinking 2010?

 

[Ben Egbert]

Neat shot.

 

[AlanLichty]

Almost looks like a sign for brand new Model-Ts wandering across the area.

 

[Panther]

Neat image and History Doug !!!

 

[JimFox]

Wow Doug! I have been traveling and photographing Route 66 a lot over the last year, and I have seen that section of the original road on maps, but haven’t traveled it yet. I didn’t know the history about some of the cars driving In reverse, that was really interesting.

This is really cool looking. The IR helps give it age, fitting how old it is.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

That is a really neat image, Doug. Great job.

 

[DougW]

Thanks all! Cochiti Pueblo gated off the road with the switchbacks a few years-ago. Part of the land belongs to the Pueblo but as I understand, the majority is Federal belonging to the Forest Dept. There was quite an uproar about it with all kinds of statements about lawsuits but while I don't know, it seems it has petered out with capitulating to closing the road. It is a bummer as I enjoyed walking the old road which is also part of the El Camino Real but I also suspect there likely is truth that people were abusing and vandalizing.

This link might prove interesting:
https://www.route66news.com/2017/07/01/pueblo-blocks-access-la-bajada-hill/

 

[JimFox]

Thanks all! Cochiti Pueblo gated off the road with the switchbacks a few years-ago. Part of the land belongs to the Pueblo but as I understand, the majority is Federal belonging to the Forest Dept. There was quite an uproar about it with all kinds of statements about lawsuits but while I don't know, it seems it has petered out with capitulating to closing the road. It is a bummer as I enjoyed walking the old road which is also part of the El Camino Real but I also suspect there likely is truth that people were abusing and vandalizing.

This link might prove interesting:
https://www.route66news.com/2017/07/01/pueblo-blocks-access-la-bajada-hill/

Wow, that's so sad Doug! It's a shame it's been blocked off. That would have been fun to hike up to. Have you heard if there are any permits? They mentioned that as a possibility.

 

[DougW]

No, I haven't Jim but I have a friend that is checking into it. I would like to be able to walk this part of the old road again.

 

[Dan Moorehead]

Fantastic