Monday, March 27, 2017

The Other Road to Endee

Endee's most photographed landmark is this abandoned restroom.
SR 93 is to the right.
Any Route 66 fan can tell you that Endee, New Mexico is an abandoned village between Glenrio and San Jon, but not many of them are familiar with SR 93, the road that runs on a north/south route through Endee. Today, I want to look at the southern portion of the road.

The road down Endee Hill. I got so caught up with the drive that I forgot to take a picture,
this one is by John E. Stout of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service.
The bottom of the hill, looking north.
Endee was founded by the Day Brothers, owners of the ND Ranch. They built the town, along the CRI&P railroad as a supply point and as a place for their employees to unwind. According to the Clovis News Journal (June 3rd, 1935 edition), the place consisted of a store, blacksmith, restaurant, and two saloons. John Day said that cowboys would come in for a meal and stir their coffee with the muzzles of their six shooters, they also liked to shoot the pie pans. 
The view from the Caprock, looking north towards Endee,
 the road down is on the far right.
Southbound SR 93 runs from Endee proper, in Quay County, across the Eroded Plains and up the Caprock to Bellview NM, in Curry County. Since Endee was first located some miles south of its present location, it's safe to assume this route runs through portions of the old ND Ranch. 
The Eroded Plains are still eroding.
The road is dirt/caliche and I wouldn't recommend it in wet weather, especially Endee Hill, which is winding, steep, and devoid of guardrails.
Wether you're making a side trip off 66 or a day trip out of Clovis, SR 93 is a rustic treat. Be aware that there are no bathrooms or stores or gas stations or even many houses between Clovis and Endee, a drive of about two hours. 
Approaching Endee and Route 66.

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