Make Chief Great Again!

This morning, I took a little jaunt to the Tee Pee Smoke Shop in Lupton, Arizona (at the Arizona-New Mexico border) to pick up some stogies for this weekend's clampout.

I've been there several times before, but not with my Canon camera. This time I brought it and took some photos.

The first stop was just down the road from the Tee Pee Smoke Shop where there are several Navajo gift shops operated by Chief Yellowhorse.

Above, Indian stores at the Arizona-New Mexico border on historic Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, above the Indian stores, we're being watched from above on the rocks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Tee Pee Trading Post that contains the Tee Pee Smoke Shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to Roadside America, Chief Yellowhorse died September 27, 1999 of a heart attack. But the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post near the Tee Pee Trading Post (down old Route 66) is still in operation. It is currently operated by the Yellowhorse family.

Above, this section of the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post operations
 appears to be closed for the season. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the old Chief Yellowhorse fort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, there are cave dwellings at the Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, tee pees above the cave. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking west in Lupton, Arizona on Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Why is this blog post titled the way it is?

Here's why:

Above, signs to catch the eyes of tourists. Note the third sign from the left. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After visiting the Chief Yellowhorse landmarks, I headed back into New Mexico on historic Route 66 as far as this stretch of it lasts, before merging into Interstate 40.

Above, the sign on Route 66 welcoming drivers to New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in Gallup, I stopped at the Navajo Travel Plaza (on Route 66 at Exit 16 of Interstate 40) to pick up something to drink. Inside, a vintage Buick was on display. I asked the clerk if I may take a photo of it. He said okay. (Indians are somewhat touchy about photography in their businesses, so it is best to ask first.)

Above, a 1950 Buick on display at the Navajo Travel Plaza in West Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following my stop at the Navajo Travel Plaza, I made a quick stop at the Flying J to check my mail and headed home to pack up for the clampout.

Make Chief Great Again!

I couldn't resist:

Above, "Don't call me Chief!"