glc,
Thanks for the heads up re: ABQ and Moriarty. If I end up on that route, I have now been advised, and most likely will push on to Moriarty if I have clear roads leaving ABQ over the mountain. Do you have a recommendation for lodging in Moriarty?
As for the Big Texan, heck it's just a road meal, I'm in, it sounds like fun! I went and watched some video of the place and it seems like it's a welcome diversion on a long non-recreational trip. I'm not going to drive past the place without stopping, and if I'm stopping anyway I'll want some food so... a ribeye sounds like a fine idea to me!