The drive to Santa Rosa

It's always amazing when we come across a city that we've known from another state - this Santa Rosa is in New Mexico.  A little, sleepy town with a lot of history.

But there was a lot to see on the drive.  We saw many signs for PistachioLand and the largest pistachio in the world.  Hmmm, sounds interesting.  So when we got close, we decided we'd stop.  Look at that, not just the largest pistachio in the world but the best Pistachio Brittle.  

Alamagordo, New Mexico

And here's the largest pistachio - really?  Did they not think we'd figure out that it was not really a pistachio?

But, we gave them a break and went inside.  If you like pistachios, this was mecca!  A free sample bar!

I won't confirm or deny if we bought any.  You can't see it but I will confirm that we bought the best pistachio brittle and they were right - it was great! 

After a brief stop, we headed on our way planning for a stop in Lincoln, New Mexico.  What's in Lincoln, you ask?  More Billy the Kid stuff including the only known photo of Billy (William McCarty but everyone knew him as William Bonney)

Billy the Kid was tried in Mesilla (our last stop) and then taken to Lincoln for hanging.  However, while waiting execution, he escaped from the county courthouse killing two deputies in his escape.  Billy then rode an awaiting horse to Old Fort Sumner where he had many friends who could protect him.  More on that later.

After checking out the town a bit, we stopped in for a bite.  

Cute place but they didn't serve food.  No worries, there was a food truck outside.  Not impressive enough to take a photo but the lady's grandkids did bring our food inside to us when it was ready.   At least we had this.

And then we were back on the road.