Vlachos’ Views…Photos and Captions by Paul Vlachos

Paul Vlachos is a New Yorker who understands The West. And he is a New Yorker who understands New York. Wherever Paul goes, he finds signs of life…

1. Near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

This was not a real trading post – a few authentic ones still exist, actually, but this is not one of them. This was a tourist trap chotchka joint, made up as a very bad imitation of a trading post. It was probably more than authentic enough for most tourists in the late 40’s or early 50’s, which is my guess as to when it must have been built. It’s been around so long that it has become an abandoned ruin in its own right. It sits just a mile above Carlsbad Caverns. Unlike other roadside attractions, such as South of the Border or The Thing, or the Cabezon Dinosaurs, this place just could not chug along successfully into the 21st Century. People now don’t have the required suspension of disbelief that they used to have.

2. North of Las Cruces, New Mexico

This is on old US 70, also known as the “Bataan Memorial Highway.” Every time I notice this name on a map, I cannot help but wonder how many people living or driving on this road even know what Bataan represents or why the highway was renamed in its honor. The Bataan Death March would be about 60 years old to a teenager now, kind of like the Russo-Japanese War of 1903 was to me as a teenager – ancient history. I won’t get started on what happened or what it meant. I’m glad it has been memorialized, but it makes me wonder what memorials truly mean and for whom they are truly directed – those who cut the ribbon and sign the proclamation – or future generations, those who drive to get their fast food or hit the flea market? Big Daddy’s, by the way, seems to be strictly a weekend concern. It was never open when I passed. I happened to be in Las Cruces for a while week. My transmission had died and I was waiting for the rebuilders to finish their work. I’ll save that story for another day.

3. Lordsburg, New Mexico

I always slow down and roll through Lordsburg when I pass by on my way West or East. Something always draws me in, whether it’s the need for gasoline or just another gander at the old strip. I must have passed the Nugget a dozen times, but either did not notice it or did not stop. I had stopped to shoot something else this time and, when i turned around to get back in the van, I noticed the Nugget. The sun was in the right place and I took a photo, reinforcing again one of my operating principles – that you need to travel the same routes many times if you really want to find things. The standing rule is, if it looks interesting, shoot it now. You may not get another chance. The wrecking ball can show up at any time. Of course, this applies to all things in life – motel signs, old buildings, transmissions and intimate relationships.

4. El Paso, Texas

While I was in Las Cruces, waiting on the transmission wizards to finish their work, I hit El Paso almost every day. I had always want to spend some time there and this was the perfect opportunity. I shot a lot of interesting stuff and ate a ton of great Mexican food. I could never have planned it that way, but it’s important to be flexible in this life, as I like to tell everybody else. It’s never easy listening to your own advice, of course, but I had no choice in this case. This was not an easy shot to get. That’s all I’m going to say about it.

5. South of Alamogordo, New Mexico

6. Phoenix, Arizona

Copyright © Paul Vlachos 2016

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