Fatality Yesterday In Prewitt, NM On I-40

Above, yesterday's fatal accident in Prewitt.

The accident yesterday morning in Prewitt, New Mexico that caused the closure of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 at Thoreau resulted in a fatality.

According to a post by Ferguson Law:

Prewitt, NM (February 7, 2023) - A car accident outside of Prewitt on Tuesday morning, February 7, resulted in a fatality. 

The deadly crash was reported on Interstate 40 EB near NM-412. The roads were reportedly slippery due to snow and inclement weather. The site was temporarily closed and traffic was routed to NM-122. 

At least one person involved in the crash was killed. At this time, the number of involved parties has not been made public. No further information on the accident has been provided at this time. 

Local authorities are handling the ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash. 

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time.

Above, another view of yesterday's accident.

I had a feeling that a fatality was involved while we were stuck in the resulting traffic jam. Interstates in New Mexico are generally not closed due to accidents unless the vehicles are blocking all lanes or a fatality is involved. 

We noticed that semi trucks kept speeding along at 70 mph (at least) in snowy/icy conditions. Those jackass drivers never seem to want to slow down to safe speeds. 

Didn't Quite Make It To Albuquerque

Above, Interstate 40 traffic near Thoreau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I was to take Larry Lucier to his dentist appointment in Albuquerque.

The forecast for today was partly cloudy with 0% chance of precipitation. Sounded good.

It didn't exactly turn out that way. It clouded up about two hours before we were to head to Albuquerque and then it started snowing.

Above, nice sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We debated whether or not to go, but the snow was more of a light dusting. So we headed out.

All was going good on eastbound Interstate 40 until we saw stopped vehicles ahead near Continental Divide. Then, it started snowing. At times, it snowed hard. We then slowed to a crawl for about an hour. There was no indication on the cause of the tie-up. At least I took the opportunity to call my cousing and wish her a happy birthday while stopped.

We decided to skip going to Albuquerque and head back to Jamestown. Except the traffic got even worse before we reached Thoreau. Once we got to the Thoreau off-ramp, we saw that the New Mexico State Police were diverting traffic off Interstate 40 at the Thoreau off-ramp and the freeway was closed from there. (We later heard it was due to a bad accident.)

Above, snowing in Thoreau as we were stopped in traffic. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once we got off at Thoreau, we went under the overpass and headed onto the westbound ramp to go back to Jamestown.

Getting back was not easy either. The New Mexico Dept. of Transportation closed one lane about five miles from our exit. 

Once we reached our off-ramp, we headed to Denny's at the Flying J. We were joined by Victor, Greg and Russell. 

By the time we were done eating, the skies cleared and the sun came out. What a morning. 

The weatherman did not get this one right!

UPDATE:

I found that the road closure was due to this traffic accident in Prewitt, near the exit.

The Horsey Next Door

Above, getting the horse ready for a saddle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Mustang (the car) decided to go on the "Fritz" this morning, I won't be going back to Prewitt for the fair's rodeo.

Above, the trainers and the horse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, I watched a rodeo of sorts at home. My next door neighbors (who moved in last December) brought in some horse trainers to break the gelding he has. Mike, my neighbor (whom I met today), says the horse was a wild one, about four years old. He's never been ridden.

Above, the horse giving some resistance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since this day had turned out not what I expected, I hung around and watched the men work the horse. They managed to get a saddle on him and all the other gear. Then, one of them mounted the horse and WHAMO!

Nothing happened.

The horse just stood there. No bucking or any other resisting moves.

Above, the first time the horse had a rider. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mike, who has a ranch nearer to Gallup, said he's never seen such a thing and he had broken many horses over the years.

This was the first time seeing the horse up close and he has sky blue eyes. He has no name as yet. I told Mike that if he wants to work the horse in the Barking Spider Acre, he can feel free to do so.

So, I guess this day hasn't turned out to be such a dud after all.

The Bi-County Fair

Above, the fair's main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I decided to head over to nearby (26 miles) Prewitt, New Mexico for the annual Bi-County Fair.

It was a nice, sunny day with a few clouds and temperatures in the mid-80s.

Above, the entrance's sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I arrived, I passed the entrance and had to turn around. It consisted of a small dirt road. To say that this was the smallest fair I've ever been to could almost be an understatement. Perhaps the Hawthorne (California) Community Fair (do they still have that?) was a little bit smaller, but at least it had rides. The Bi-County Fair had none (they would draw more people if they did). It is mainly for the 4-H Clubs of Cibola and McKinley Counties.

Above, one of the 4-H entries. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What I saw were outdoor pens of pigs, goats and cows. The was a separate building with rabbits and poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.). The snack bar shared the small indoor rodeo arena. There were a few vendors present and a separate building with art, quilts, photography and cooked goods for judging. There's an outdoor rodeo arena with a big grandstand.

Above, the outdoor rodeo grounds and grandstand. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They don't charge for admission or parking, the sponsor (Marathon Petroleum) covers these.

Above, this has got to be one of the biggest bunnies I've ever seen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fair staff were friendly and were easy to strike up a conversation with.

Above, the indoor arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is interesting that this fair is so small, considering that it is for two counties (Cibola and McKinley Counties). I would hope they add a "fun zone" of rides in the future. It would draw more people.

Above, one of the vendors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I wasn't expecting Goliath-sized fairs like the Los Angeles and Orange County Fairs, but at least it was something to so and get out of house. I may return for their rodeo.

I'm not done with fairs yet. The Navajo Nation Fair will take place next week in Window Rock, Arizona.

More photos:

Above, geese and turkeys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of several relaxing hogs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the cow section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Col. Sanders's main ingredient. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, more chickens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, things are just ducky with this one. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a couple of turkeys. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the rabbits and poultry building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, getting coiffed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a hog being led to the shower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, being returned to his pen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, it's a hog's life. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another photo of the huge bunny. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2019 Bi-County Fair

The next big event in the area appears to be the Bi-County Fair that will be held over Labor Day weekend in Prewitt, New Mexico (about 27 miles east from Jamestown). It is for McKinley and Cibola Counties on August 29 to September 2.

According to their website:

Welcome to Bi-County Fair! Our fair takes place every year over Labor Day weekend in Prewitt, NM. We support 4-H youth in both McKinley and Cibola counties, as well as, community members interested in exhibiting quilts, arts & crafts, vegetables, baking and flowers - just to name a few.  Please feel free to look at our fair book (located on the General Fair Information page) or contact us for more 

I will try to head over to the fair and see how it compares to other fairs (such as the Los Angeles County Fair) I've been to.

For more information, go here. 

Sunday Drive and a "Hanging"

Above, after the "hanging". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, since it was a nice day out and I had no other plans, I headed out 31 miles to the other side of Prewitt, New Mexico to the Bluewater Outpost in Bluewater Village (off Interstate 40).

I wanted to see what they may have to fill in some wall spaces near the "Three Mesas" painting by Asya.

Sure enough, I found a small porcelain decorative steer skull and a Navajo arrow. The total price of my purchase was just $48.00.

On the way back to Jamestown, since I had a sweet craving and I had to stop at the Flying J anyway, I went to Denny's there and had a hot fudge sundae. That hit the spot!

After I got home, I hung both items. I am pleased with the result.