Hello Southwest…I Have Arrived, Kickin It On 66

Hello Southwest…I Have Arrived, Kickin it On 66

11/29/13

As I awoke at the truck stop, I happened to catch the sunrise.  It was some great color and a beautiful way to start the day.  Nothing like a truck stop sunrise…

I was on the outskirts of Albuquerque and on my way into Arizona. Along the way I remembered some great advice; “follow the brown signs.”  These signs lead to parks, both national and state.  I saw a sign for Petroglyph National Monument outside of Albuquerque.  I followed the signs and started to really feel like I was in the Southwest when I got to the park.  The palate of colors, styles of houses, and the terrain all made me believe it.

I hiked some short trails that led to “rock drawings.”  Some believed to be dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.

I decided that I would drive the historic Route 66 through New Mexico.   It was much slower, but so much cooler.  It was nice to slow down again and take it all in.  To see the U.S. before the highways, to see these once great towns, some areas literally falling apart was something special.  Along the way there were many great shops, diners, old gas stations, motels.  I took some photos of some of the old signs.

I went into an Indian Trading Post and I was “surprised” and a little saddened to find gifts with stickers that said made in Pakistan.  Not sure what I expected, there was some jewelry.  I tried looking at some things, but the Native American Woman behind the counter was more interested in her video slot machines on her smartphone.  Eh, what ya gonna do…walk out.  She must not have been interested in business.

I made it all the way to Petrified Forest near Holbrook, AZ.  I entered the park and was informed that they would be closing at 5 and at that time you are expected to be in your car and going towards an exit without stopping.  They were very adamant about not even stopping your car after 5.  I wondered if it was like the rules for Mogwais, you know you can’t feed them after midnight or something horrible happens.  Maybe if I got out of my car after 5 evil spirits would become unpetrified and cause mischief.  I started off at the Painted Desert area…

More amazing petroglyphs…

I heard that train whistle a blowin’, and only one person comes to mind.  Thinking of you Jim.

Regardless, I quickly left the park knowing I could return the next day to take my time.  The pictures of actual petrified wood would have to wait til the next day. On my way out I hit another sunset and thought what a perfect ending to a colorful day.

I reached a KOA in Holbrook and was thankful to take my first shower in almost 5 days.  Ah…life on the road.  I got cleaned up and went to a local diner on the historic route 66.  Full and ready to rest…clean.