Flagstaff AZ to Grants NM, May 25, 2012

We left our site at Greer’s Pine Shadow RV park this morning at 8:15.  The forecast for today was to be windy and it did not disappoint, as this wind sock indicates.

Our drive past the Painted Desert Petrified Forest was bittersweet.  Back in 2007 & 2008 we spent several months there volunteering.  Loved every minute of it.  But this year decided not to stop.

Some scenery along I-40.



We arrived safely at the Bar S RV Park at exit 79 in Grants, NM.  Good Sam discount $16.90/night for full 50 amp hookup, great deal.

More sightseeing in Flagstaff and a day of rest, May 23-24, 2012

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was our first stop. The last eruption was about 1,000 years ago so I was surprised to see a few flowers blooming in the barren landscape.   This penstemon was very striking against the cinders.

Some areas were covered where the lava had flowed.

I am sure this National Monument employee didn’t expect to have sidewalk sweeping as part of his job description.

Next a drive of about 25 miles to Wupatki National Monument with some very neat ruins to explore.

This one was complete with a window.

These two vessels were on display at the visitor center.  I can only imagine the excitement of the find in Feb 2009.  You just don’t ever see pots this large still intact.

The beam you see at the rear of this room has been in place for 800 years. 

We then walked to see a ball court,

and a nearby Blowhole.  Check out the link, it explains much better than I could.  All I know the cold air coming out sounded and felt like it was being forced out by a very high power fan.  The forced air was puffing out my shorts, boy did it feel great as it was a hot day.

With all the cinders around on the ground, guess what,  one or two would end up in my Keens.  Bob was Johnny on the spot for a photo.

We sure enjoyed today our brief glimpse into another culture and lifestyle, we did take the time to walk through the door and look out the window.  Great place to visit.

On the drive back to the coach, Bob had the window down.  Thought you would like to see the rest of the story!!  HeHe

5/24/12 – We extended our stay by one day so we could just rest and get caught up on things to do in the coach.  I did go through a couple of drawers and purged.  After cleaning out our stick and brick house purging is much easier.

We did go to Sam’s Club and dropped a letter off at the Post Office.  After we got back I got the buckets out and washed the windshield, front and one lower side of the coach.  I have been using the 303 Aerospace Protectant on the front of the coach for about six months now and was very pleasantly surprised,  the bugs just washed off.

Long drive then let the sightseeing begin, May 21-22, 2012

With 430 miles to drive from Mojave, CA to Flagstaff, we were up early and on our way, early for us, 7:30 am.    Before long we were crossing into Arizona.

Right around 3:30 pm we arrived at the Greer’s Pine Shadows RV Park on the east side of Flagstaff.  Amazingly both satellites connected, there was a small window amongst the tall pines.

This morning we drove about 5 miles to Walnut Canyon National Monument.  The only trail that takes you to see the ruins is down some 240 steps, but who is counting.  You know that 240 down mean 240 back up also. groan…  Also the altitude of 6800’ adds to that groan.

We saw several areas similar to this, several rooms under the rock with small separate entry doors. 

This is the area in 2007 that a large boulder tumbled down and smashed the railing and destroyed the steps.  Took the park about 10 months to remove the fallen boulder and stabilize the area.

This Banana Yucca were blooming along the trail, then we read where each plant doesn’t always bloom every year.  Guess we caught this one on a lucky year.

Even though we did not see any petroglyphs today (they did say there were some further down in the canyon which is not open to the public), this symbol was on all of the park’s interpretative signs. 

Tomorrow off to see Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki.