From El Morro National
Monument,
through Petrified Forest National Park
To Holbrook AZ
Distance traveled:
137 miles + unknown miles side trip through the Petrified Forest
Morning at the camp site was just so peaceful and delightful. I enjoyed the coolness of the early morning air and the breezes. The scent of the cedar trees was present in the air and the gentle colours of the desert flowers were a treat for my eyes.
Morning at the camp site was just so peaceful and delightful. I enjoyed the coolness of the early morning air and the breezes. The scent of the cedar trees was present in the air and the gentle colours of the desert flowers were a treat for my eyes.
 |
| Hummingbird moth on purple blossom |
I
had to get a bit of car maintenance business done, refilling the windshield
wiper fluid. I needed some help from
“man logic” to find the latch to open the hood, learning curve!
Enjoying
the morning was just such a pleasure and as I ate breakfast and packed I kept
looking out at the amazing view. Finally
though, it was time to say goodbye to my camp site friends and to make my way
on my journey west.
 |
| one of the many spectacular views along the road. |
As
I left the Zuni Indian Reservation I did not even realize it that I had crossed
into Arizona. Only in the evening when I
looked at that map did I make the connection!
I just blissfully drove along enjoying the amazing scenery.
At
Sanders I added some fuel to the car and then headed toward the Petrified
Forest National Park. After stopping at
the information center and picking up a coffee to go, I headed through the
park.
I am absolutely flabbergasted
that such a short distance from the interstate there is such incredible
scenery! I stopped at every single
viewing point and even sometimes between pull outs points to just look at and
appreciate the wonders of the Painted Desert.
I ate my lunch sandwich overlooking this desert. I thrilled to the shapes and the colours,
visible as far as the eye can see.
 |
| The Painted Desert |
Finally,
leaving the Painted Desert behind, I stopped at the Route 66 marker and then I
crossed the interstate on the park road to enter the next section. This section started with a historic archaeological site and then the Petrified Forest.
 |
| Petrified log |
All
too soon the experience of being up close with these magnificent specimens of
petrified trees was over and it was time to continue back to the main
road. I arrived in Holbrook at 5:30 and
I was hoping for a room at the historic Wig Wam Motel.
Unfortunately
they were already fully booked and I had to be satisfied with staying next door
at the Magnuson Hotel Adobe Inn where I got a very comfortable room on the
second floor. As I looked at the clock
on the nightstand I realized that I had crossed into another time zone and so I
am now 3 hours different from my home.
I
spent the evening hard at work on notes and pictures. I never seem to get any closer to be caught
up no matter how hard I work. I know
that is just an illusion but that is how it sometimes feels. I posted 2 blogs and two days’ worth of
pictures. I also enjoyed a lovely long
chat with Mel and caught up on all my emails.
As
the sun set and the sky got dark I walked outside and down the street to see
the full moon. It was hidden by some
trees but still glowing very brightly.
Finally
I closed down my work and relaxed and got cozy with the 4 pillows on my bed and
settled in for a good night’s sleep hoping that the images of the day would
follow me into my dreams.
Renate Dundys Marrello
2014 – 08 – 10
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