Plain Jane Plain Talk

May 16, 2026

RogueLines.com

Santa Fe NM to Winslow AZ: Take it Easy

Song inspiration for the day:
Take it Easy (Eagles, 1972)

Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand

We quickly realized that high altitude – 7000 feet above sea level in Santa Fe – did wonderous things for humanity. In addition to crispy air and that sense of being oh-so-much-closer to the sun, drivers slowed for clueless touristas (us), waved us on with a smile, artie folks shared lengthy stories about someone they knew who knew Georgia O’Keeffe, and desk ladies at the motel just finished making a fresh batch of sugar cookies with real butter and wouldn’t we like to take some for the road?

As if the day couldn’t get any better, we spent time exploring the Railyard District and Canyon Road Galleries. Canyon Road is located in downtown Santa Fe, and is the home for hundreds of artists, art galleries, studios and every detail from the landscaping to interior space is thoughtfully cultivated. No amount of time would be enough to take in the art and beauty of Santa Fe.

Back on the road we made numerous stops and drive by’s along Route 66, and got in some extra kicks at Gallup, NM. Gallup is a hub for the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni tribes, and we had to take in the artistry of Native Americans.

As we neared the Arizona border, the time changed again, to our favor apparently, though Arizona doesn’t recognize daylight savings time so depending on the season and if your brain is fully functioning after many long days of driving, bring your dart board — it’s either Mountain Time or Pacific Time. Regardless of the time, we made it to Winslow Arizona, giddy with a growing list of memories, and now, takin’ it easy.

Thanks for joining us on our Route 66 roadtrip, drop us a comment if the mood strikes, and stay tuned for more…

Santa Fe Canyon Road Arts District