McGaffey and Fort Wingate

Above, at McGaffey Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I took a Jeep drive up through Six Mile Canyon to McGaffey Lake Recreational Area. 

The lake was very low due to the drought. It was more like a mudhole. There were some people along the lake's edge. It looked like they were fishing, or trying to.

From there I drove along New Mexico Highway 400 towards the national forest campgrounds and, eventually, Interstate 40. 

In Fort Wingate, I stopped at the Veterans Park and snapped some photos, including a historical marker sign. From there, I drove on to Historical Route 66 that parallels Interstate 40. At Iyanbito, I got onto the Interstate as Route 66 ended there and drove it to Jamestown.

All in all, it was an enjoyable drive. Some photos below.

Above, McGaffey Lake, or what's left of it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, on NM-400 going north near the campgrounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly at McGaffey Lake.

Above, on NM-400 near Quaking Aspen Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, at Veterans Park in Fort Wingate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a historical marker at Fort Wingate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, heading east on Historic Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Route 66: What To Avoid and How To Plan

Where I live in New Mexico, there are several segments of Route 66 with easy access nearby. If there is a traffic jam on Interstate 40, I'll drive on Route 66. If I have to bring my 1952 Jeep to Gallup, I take Route 66.

Much of Route 66 was obliterated by Interstate 40, but there are some segments still drivable. 

For the average automobile, Route 66 is safe to drive. But it is a different story for big rigs. 

RV Life posted an article on what to avoid and how to plan a drive on Route 66 during the 2026 Centennial Celebration.

They begin with:

America’s most famous highway turns 100 in 2026, and towns from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, are planning cruises, parades, rallies, museum events, and neon-lit celebrations.

For travelers in larger motorhomes, fifth-wheels, or travel trailers, exploring Route 66 is both a bucket-list dream and a logistical challenge. Much of the “Mother Road” is a two-lane patchwork of state highways, city streets, preserved alignments, and sections that have been absorbed by interstates. Most of it is manageable in a modern RV if you approach it as you would a a big-rig trip, not as a “follow every Historic 66 sign” scavenger hunt.

The safest way to do it: use interstates for the long hauls, drop onto Route 66 only for wide, easy segments, and treat tight towns as park-and-play stops, which means drop the RV elsewhere and explore in your tow vehicle or dinghy.

Above, the gateway to the former Fort Wingate Army Depot is 100 yards from Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Willys Jeep M38A1 Brief History

Above, my 1952 Willys M38A1 at the gate to Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the businesses I use for getting parts for my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 is Kaiser Willys Jeep.

To date, I have obtained several replacement parts since I bought it from a friend in 2019. They include a new gasoline tank, carburetor, lug nuts (right hand and left hand turns), wiper blade and arm.

Each year, they have a photo contest and those participating have their Jeep photo included in the following year's catalog. My Jeep was included twice.

They posted a "brief history" of the Willys M38A1 on their website.

It begins with:

The Willys M38A1 was produced from 1952-1971, with a production total of 101,488 (80,290 domestic / 21,198 foreign sales). The M38A1 was the introduction of the first rounded fender Willys Jeep which predates the civilian version CJ-5 (1955) of the Universal CJ series. Following the retirement of the flat fender M38, the M38A1 was redesigned with round front fenders, a contoured hood, two-piece windshield, top mounted windshield wipers, and outfitted with the 4-134 F engine and T90 transmission. The M38A1 (MD) was stronger than its civilian counterpart (CJ-5) with a stronger frame, suspension, reversed springs shackles and a 24 volt waterproof electrical system.

Above, the Jeep at McGaffey Lake, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Trip To Gallup and A Stop At Fort Wingate

Yesterday, I got the last tire the Jeep needed. So now it has new tires all around.

I had to wait to get to Gallup as Historic Route 66 was flooded near Church Rock. I found that it was reopened yesterday and headed into town.

The tire shop had to replace a lug bolt that they broke when I was there for two tires. 

Now I can take some drives into Six Mile Canyon again, at least until mid-December when it is closed to vehicles. 

On the way home, I stopped at the gateway to the former Fort Wingate Army Depot for a few pictures. One of them is below.

Forest Fire Near McGaffey

A fire broke out yesterday near McGaffey. 

It is situated south of Fort Wingate and Jamestown. We're keeping an eye on this.  

According to the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

Strong work today by McKinley County Fire Rescue. We had 4 confirmed Wildland Fires today. Also had two more called in that were found to be the forest fire in McGaffey. Thank you also for assistance by Gallup Fire Department and the US Forest Service. Three are out but the Forest Service is still on scene of the Merrill Fire in McGaffey. Additional resources will be arriving in the morning. Our units were released this evening. Good job everyone.

From the McKinley County Office of Emergency Management:

Updated 5.23.25 at 2259

Fire crews have made good progress on the Merrill fire with the help of two air tanker retardant drops. USFS resources will remain on scene overnight to continue building and reinforcing containment lines.

Front End Friday (FEF)

Front End Friday (FEF).

Yesterday at Fort Wingate in New Mexico near Gallup.

Martin Link, R.I.P.

Above, yours truly with Martin Link two years ago. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Only moments ago, I received sad news that local Gallup historian, author, activist, instructor Martin Link passed away last Thursday (December 5). 

I believe he was 90. 

According to the Gallup Sun Facebook page:

Unofficial local historian Martin Link reportedly passed away last night. He was an anthropology professor at the University of New Mexico-Gallup. Read this 2016 story about his book "New Mexico Kicks on Route 66." More information about his life and what he did for Gallup will run in next week's paper.

https://www.gallupsun.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9431:local-historian-gets-his-kicks-on-route-66&catid=173:features&Itemid=622 

Above, Martin Link's book on Route 66 in New Mexico.

From the Gallup Veterans Helping Veterans Facebook group:

We are saddened to tell you of the passing of Martin Link. Please pray for his soul as he ascends to Heaven to sit at the side of the Lord. Gone with Martin is a plethora of knowledge and memories about Gallup and its people. His stories will be greatly missed. *Rest in Peace, Martin.

We had our monthly supper group dinners at his home in Gallup. We will try to hold a gathering before the end of the month.

A memorial service will be held on or about January 4. 

He was very knowledgeable on the history of New Mexico. He worked to get Fort Wingate a national monument status. He published a book, "New Mexico Kicks On Route 66". He autographed my copy at one of our dinners.

He will be missed.

Fort Wingate Missile Launch Possible Today

Above, yours truly at the Six Mile Canyon gate.

There may be a missile launch from Fort Wingate today. As such, for public safety, some areas are under a temporary closure order. This includes Six Mile Canyon of the Cibola National Forest.

Fort Wingate is roughly ten miles from Jamestown (as the crow flies).

According to the order posted by the Grant County Beat:

Albuquerque, NM, October 2, 2024 – A Temporary Area Closure Order (03-03-02-24-12) has been reissued within the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, McKinley County, New Mexico. The previously announced launch dates of Sept 25 and 28 were postponed by White Sands Missile Range. A launch is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, Oct 5 with a backup date of Sunday Oct 13 requiring an area closure order within the Mt Taylor Ranger District.

This Order shall be in effect from October 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM, through October 5, 2024, at 4 PM, and if necessary, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, Through October 13, 2024 at 4 PM. unless rescinded.

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during the U.S. Army's planned missile launch, including pre-launch periods, near the Fort Wingate Army Depot.

The Described Area is within Township 14N., Range 16W., Sections 1-24 and 27-35; Township 13N., Range 16W., Sections 2-6; Township 14N., Range 16W., Sections 7, 8, and 18; specifically, all NFS lands within the boundary starting at the Forest Service gate on NFS Road 547 in Six Mile Canyon, then following NFS Road 547 in a southwesterly direction for 4.6 miles to the intersection of the section lines of Sections 23, 24, 25, and 26, then following south along the section line between Sections 25 and 26, until the southwest corner of Section 2, T13N., T16W., then following the section line west to the southwest corner of Section 6, T13N., R16W. (excluding private inholdings), then following the Cibola National Forest boundary north then east, back to the point of beginning, which is the Forest Service gate on NFS Road 547 in Six Mile Canyon, as depicted in Exhibit A Map of this Order. 

To read more, go here. 

Flooding Near Fort Wingate On Hwy. 118

About three hours ago, we had a storm come through with downpours in Jamestown.

A few miles away (about 10 miles), New Mexico Highway 118 was closed due to flooding near Fort Wingate. Highway 118 was once a part of U.S. Route 66.

The rain has stopped for now. 

That stretch of Highway 118 gets flooded quite frequently in heavy rainstorms. Much of it gets covered in mud.

 

Tribes and Feds Agree On Fort Wingate Restoration

Above, the front entrance to the Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About 10 miles west of my home (as the crow flies), Fort Wingate sits unused since 1993. It is a former Army depot.

Two tribes have come to an agreement with the federal government on future restoration of the Fort Wingate property.

AP News (Associated Press) reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two Native American tribes, the state of New Mexico and the U.S. Army have finalized a restoration plan for a former military installation near Gallup.

Explosives and munitions were stored and disposed of at Fort Wingate until it closed in 1993.

The Navajo Nation, Zuni Pueblo and the New Mexico Office of Natural Resources Trustee reached an agreement with the federal government in March 2022 to settle claims that land, water and cultural resources were negatively impacted by hazardous substances at the site.

The site now is undergoing environmental cleanup before the tract of land can be transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to benefit the two tribes. Both tribes have long-standing historical ties to the lands in and around Fort Wingate, which sits on about 24 square miles (62 square kilometers). The land is almost entirely surrounded by federally owned or administered lands, including national forest and tribal lands.

To read more, go here. 

New Jeep Carburetor Arrived

Above, the Jeep at the gateway to the Fort Wingate Army Depot in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The new carburetor for the Jeep arrived today via United Parcel Service at 3:40 this afternoon.

I called my mechanic in Gallup and they said they will be closing today at 4:30. This was plenty of time for me to drive there to drop off the carburetor.

As it turned out, I got there with about 20 minutes to spare.

On the way back home, I hit a few rain squalls. It looks like we'll be having ourselves a rainy night.

July 4th Gathering

Above, yours truly and Martin Link last year. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Independence Day for me was a laid-back day for me.

I spent most of the day at home relaxing and listening to music and reading. Later, I headed for a little gathering at author/historian Martin Link's home in Gallup. 

As there was no planned fireworks displays in Gallup, we didn't have the gathering at Link's gazebo, but in the central patio of his home. It was ironic that the so-called "Most Patriotic Small Town In America" didn't have a city-sponsored fireworks program, one guest observed.

The discussion ranged from Gov. Lujan Grisham's lunatic EV and gasoline hike scheme, movies and Fort Wingate (no progress on that). 

All in all, it was a pleasant evening.

Survey Being Conducted On Public Interest of Fort Wingate

Above, Fort Wingate base buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nearly three years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic started, plans for the Fort Wingate Army Depot and base buildings were proceeding. 

Planning ideas including making part of Fort Wingate a national historic site or monument and some portions would be turned over to the local tribes (Navajo and Zuni) after clean-up of munitions storage areas and bunkers. Author/historian Martin Link was active in the planning discussions.

Above, the entrance to the Army Depot munitions storage section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the pandemic hit, things ground to a halt. Some of it was due to disinterest on the part of the governor of New Mexico after the pandemic eased.  

Now, it appears that things may be starting up again, but the powers-that-be want to see how much public interest there is for the reactivation of the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board first. They are conducting a survey to determine interest.

USACE-Albuquerque District - US Army has posted the following:

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The U.S. Army Fort Wingate Depot Activity is conducting a survey to determine if there is enough public interest to re-activate the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board. The RAB provides a public venue for citizens to provide input on the decisions that are made by the Army to clean up the installation and meet the permit requirements.

The New Mexico Environmental Department issued a permit to the Army in December 2005, defining the requirements necessary for the cleanup of environmental contamination, munitions, and explosives at Fort Wingate Depot Activity before property can be transferred to the Department of the Interior. The permit requires extensive consultation with the Pueblo of Zuni and the Navajo Nation, as the two tribes will ultimately receive any land the Army transfers to the Department of the Interior. However, federal law also requires the Army to involve other stakeholders from the surrounding communities in the cleanup process.

If re-activated, the RAB will include community members who reflect the diverse interests of the local community. RAB members will be asked to review and comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at FWDA. Members will be expected to serve as a voluntary liaison between the community and the RAB and be available to meet with community members and/or groups. RAB meetings will be open to the public.

Fort Wingate is roughly ten miles from my home (as the crow flies). 

If you would like to see Fort Wingate become a national historic site or monument, please let your views known. Remember, this is where the famous Navajo Code Takers of World War II were trained.

To read more and participate in the survey, go here. 

We May Lose Our Post Office

Above, the little post office serving Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I went over to the post office at the Flying J and found it closed with no new mail in our post office boxes.

The p.o. mistress called off and the Flying J doesn't want to have Rihanna (who ran the post office until about a month ago) doing any back-up. 

I spoke with the manager and he said that they only get $10,000/year for the post office from the Postal Service and that doesn't cover the Flying J's costs.

Also, he said that it will probably be closed down in a month and we'll likely have to get our mail in Gallup. 

Unless the Postal Service forks over more cash, we'll lose our post office. If we have to go into Gallup for our mail, we're screwed unless they can have it moved to either Fort Wingate or Church Rock, where there are existing post offices. 

We'll have to wait and see what happens. 

Maybe we ought to hold a protest and block the road to the Flying J. 😄

Interstate 40 Flooded In Both Directions

The monsoon season is continuing here in Northwestern New Mexico.

It isn't too bad in Jamestown, just some showers and a spectacular lightning display, some of which were about a half mile long running parallel to the ground. I am nice and dry at my hillside home.

Interstate 40, six miles west of Jamestown, is flooded in both directions. Some truckers are braving the flooded highway by driving through it. Fools!

There's no alternate route as Route 66, that runs parallel to I-40, was flooded days ago and still hasn't been cleared for use. This storm probably flooded it again.

The photo below is a screen capture from a motorist's video of the flooded area of Interstate 40 at the Fort Wingate exit with semi trucks stopped on Interstate 40.

Maybe it's time to build some arks?

Missile Test This Morning

Above, the entrance to Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

White Sands Missile Range issued a press release on a missile launch they're planning for this morning.

The track of the missile will have it over Cibola National Forest behind our community. The missile target missile will be launched from the Fort Wingate Army Depot that is about eight miles east of Jamestown between 6 and 7 am.

If it isn't too cold out, maybe I'll go outside to possibly view it. The press release says there's viewing at Red Rock Park.

Here's the press release:

Former Military Base Town Is For Sale

Above, Bear Springs Plaza, which is part of the listing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first saw the following story, I had a feeling that the town was Fort Wingate, New Mexico. This was confirmed when I opened the article.

Fort Wingate, the town and former Army Deport, are ten miles from me (as the crow flies). I have been there a few times. To reach McGaffey Lake Recreational Area, one has to drive through Fort Wingate (the town). It is situated between Gallup and Jamestown.

Well, the town has been listed on the market as of November 5. If one has $11 million to spare, they can buy it.

From the New York Post:

A New Mexico town that housed military men from 1860 until it was abandoned in 1910 is up for sale for $11 million, The Post has learned.

The potential buyer would be getting an original trading post with Fort Wingate, which spans over 7,000 square feet and includes a café, a post office and even a gas station. It also comes with a massive parking lot that currently houses over 80 RVs as well as 27 rental homes, all of which are “100 percent occupied,” according to the listing.

To read more, and see plenty of photos, go here. 

Martin Link To Be On KYAT-FM Sunday Morning

Gallup historian (and host of our monthly dinner gatherings) Martin Link and the rest of the committee working to preserve Fort Wingate will be guests on "Impact" on KYAT-FM 94.5 to discuss the progress being made on their preservation efforts. The show starts at 6:00 AM.

Above, Martin Link. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I am an early riser, I should be able to listen to the program. Link told us last Sunday that progress has been made on their preservation efforts of Fort Wingate.

About KYAT-FM:

Today’s Navajo County is on 94.5 FM K-YA-T. This one of a kind station provides the best access to the predominant “buying demos” in this market. The audience is comprised of active consumers with both first-time big-ticket purchases and participation in entertainment activities. The format is full of energy and connects with its audience through Navajo language announcing 24-7. Navajo County blends currents, re-currents, and 70s and 80s country hits to create a mix that sizzles.

Today Is National Navajo Code Talkers Day

Above, the Legendary Navajo Code Talkers statue in Window Rock, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Today, we remember the Navajo code talkers who played a big part in the Allied victory over Germany and Japan during World War II.

From Six-String Soldiers Facebook page:

On this day in history in 1982, National Navajo Code Talkers Day was established as a yearly holiday by President Ronald Reagan. This special day celebrates the Native Americans that used their native Navajo language to create unbreakable codes against the Axis Powers in World War II. Roughly 25 percent of all Native American men served in World War II. These code breakers played a crucial role in many individual battles, including D-Day and Iwo Jima. Today we ask you to take a moment to honor and celebrate their service and sacrifice.

Above, the Navajo Code Talkers statue at the Gallup Cultural Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

From the National Park Service:

Fort Wingate, with its earthen, igloo-like storage buildings visible from Route 66, became a major storage center.  Most famous of Fort Wingate’s World War II contributions, however, were the Navajo code talkers who trained here.  The code talkers baffled Japanese forces in the Pacific using a code based on the Navajo language. 

Above, some of the remaining buildings of Fort Wingate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

Dinner Group Last Night

Above, the dining area before everyone arrived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, we had our first dinner group dinner in months historian Martin Link's home. It was nice to see everyone after at least six or seven months.

Discussion on what's happening in the Gallup, New Mexico area was interesting.

Due to the pandemic, decisions on what to do with Fort Wingate have been put on hold. Much of the problem rests with the governor, who runs her staff like a dictator. But, an infusion of funds for the Fort Wingate project is about to arrive, and it is a sizable amount. I just hope it isn't wasted on any legal battles and that it goes instead in making Fort Wingate a historic site that people can visit and learn its history.

It was proposed that some portions of Fort Wingate be turned over to a couple of Indian tribes, but that idea is not flying as neither tribe wants to be next to each other. One wants use their portion of land to open their own casino, which would be "too close for comfort" for the existing Fire Rock Navajo Casino.

Martin celebrated his 86th birthday on Saturday and we celebrated that. The man keeps very busy and that's what keeps him in good health for his age.

Some photos:

Above, a Micky Mouse kachina? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a more traditional kachina. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, dessert time. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Martin (center) about to give his projects updates. Photo by Armand Vaquer.