By Robbi Ross (edited by Mark Wing)

Photos by Mark and Susan Wing, and Paul and Marilyn Duncan

Note:  Click on hollow box on far left (top) of slideshow to start at the beginning.  Hovering over the image will stop the automatic slideshow.

Thursday, August 23rd

Our bags are packed and the truck is loaded for our very first Model T tour. Our 26 Roadster sits proud atop its trailer ready to ride down the road. The 2 hour drive to Las Vegas was riddled with gawkers who would slow down to look at our car then speed up to check out the two Model Ts on Dean’s trailer.

Las Vegas, NM is a step back in time. The plaza remains the way it was back in the 1800’s when it was a big railroad town. As our cars were parked around the central park, a transformation began to happen. The speed of the modern freeway was left behind, replaced by a slower, gentler time. The Plaza Hotel across from the park was built in the 1880’s and was our base of operation. The Victorian décor and antique furnishings bade us to a time of grace and elegance.

Our first night together was a gathering where we brought in our own food and drinks to the basement of the hotel. Through the transom windows you could see people walking along the sidewalk; the loud, booming noises of the city had been left behind. The absence of rush and loud noises was a relaxing break from the city – but we made our own noise!  Laughter flowed like a waterfall over the entire bottom level of the hotel. Acquaintances became friends and friends became family as we bonded over food and drink. We then got down to business. Larry, Lorna, Kirk and Susan not only picked a great hotel as our base, but had designed a fabulous tour of this part of the Land of Enchantment!

Friday, August 24th

Friday morning began with us taking over the hotel café. After descending on the plaza, we started our T’s. The sound was like a melody that took you away from the 21st century. The procession through town began our 72 mile round trip tour with locals waving and wishing us well. The locals had welcomed us wholeheartedly to this beautiful old town. The drive to Mora was through plush, wooded rolling hills. With our top down, the wind gently tossed our hair and cooled the skin that the sun was toasting, we could feel and smell the wonder and beauty of nature. The more we drove these hills, the more I was amazed that 90+ year old cars could navigate and handle the long roads ahead of us to Mora and the Alpaca Ranch.

The drive through the village of Mora took one to a different time. The adobes of buildings past their prime were crumbling and the only noises to be heard were our cars and barking dogs. We had made it to our first stop at the Alpaca Ranch. After a short lesson about Alpacas and a visit to their store, we were led out to the kindergarten corrals to feed the yearlings. After a short “quiz” we gave our guide and his wife a ride then went on down the road to the mill.

From the Alpaca Ranch, we took the short drive to Mora to visit the Tapetes de Lana Weaving Center where we were given an extensive tour of what happens to wool from sheep or alpaca from the time it is sheared to the beautiful garments made from it. The weaving center encourages  residents of the economically challenged community to learn a trade and to help a long and proud craft history in northern New Mexico alive.  To show our appreciation for the excellent tour and to demonstrate our support of this worthwhile cause, the Tin Lizzies presented the weaving center with a donation.

On the road again to Pendaries and lunch, a golf course community that opened their arms and embraced the parade 14 Model Ts touring created. After lunch we drove back through the sweet smell of tall pines and fragrant flowers to Las Vegas.

After placing manifold cookers on several Ts and loading the Hackster and pickup with supplies we caravanned to the drive in movie theater. We had fresh sweet corn on the cob and hot dogs for a tailgate party. Onlookers were very interested in our cars and we obliged to answer questions and take pictures. It was a great day and everyone had a fantastic time.