We sure tried to get away early this morning; it just wasn't to be. And with an unscheduled (but rewarding) stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook we were even later. After saying goodbye to Sedona and the Oak Creek Canyon we quickly passed Flagstaff and headed East on I-40. After playing "Take It Easy" by the Eagles we drove through Winslow, Arizona, to see if anybody was standing on the corner (nope). Then on to Holbrook for a bite to eat and an exploration of the rock shop (we like kids; they keep us in business!).
Petrified Forest National Park is made up of two parts; the petrified forest to the south and the painted desert to the north. We started from the south end and looked at rock logs and helped the kids get their junior ranger badges, before driving north. After a few overlooks including seeing the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock we crossed over I-40 and past the Painted Desert. Nice colors for a desert.
Leaving the park we headed East for 20 miles then turned northwards for the drive through the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley. The trip surprised me; the first part for the green hills (bushed and scrub trees) and the second for the A&W in Chinle. Even the Indian Road #59 turned out to be a good highway, cutting some time off the run to the North.
We arrived well after dark at the View Hotel, inside the tribal park, and found out that our King Suite (#230) was excellent! An extra long balcony lets you step back and see the stars and look around a 270 degree arc. And with an almost full moon we could see the monuments beckoning out in the valley; can't wait for sunrise tomorrow (6:45, another early morning I guess).
I'm typing this in the hotel lobby (wireless) and in the background there is Native American flute music playing; sounds wonderful! I will miss the southwest; it always puts me in a very enlightened state!
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