Off to the Grand Canyon - 2014 - Day 2

Today, after a stop at the Blue Beacon Truck Wash in Gallup, NM, it was on to the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest. Most reviews that I had seen online indicated a couple hours were all that were needed. After stopping at the visitor center, unhooking the Jeep, we were off on a four hour 20+ mile trek through first the Painted Desert and then the Petrified Forest. We had purchased a driving guided tour CD that we loaded into the Jeep’s stereo and listened to along the way. This was definitely a good investment. The Painted Desert is where we started,

 

the colors are incredible the reds to grays with the green thrown in made for some beautiful landscapes.

As we headed into the Petrified Forest, the terrain and colors did not change much.

There were several stops along the way. Like this petrified log, known as Agate Bridge, that was used to cross this small arroyo, after the rains had washed the ground out from underneath it.

This 110 foot long stone tree resisted erosion from the waters as the softer ground and stone around it washed away. After many years, in order to preserve it, the concrete beam was added underneath to support it.

This project was completed in 1917. Other items found by explorers were Indian Petroglyphs on the flat surfaces of the rock.

Of course railroads played an important role in the development of this western country

and there are many references to Fred Harvey creator of the Harvey Houses along the path of the Santa Fe Railroad.

Many of the view points offered the chance to wander into the landscape deeper, like this one trail down into a beautiful canyon.

Many interestingly shaped Hoodoos could be seen from the road

something that we were not expecting to see.

And of course being the Petrified Forest, there was a lot of petrified wood.

Illegal to remove from this National Monument, it is sold in the gift shop and in stores in a wide vicinity. After hooking up the Jeep and having a quick lunch it was on the road to the destination for the day, Williams, AZ.

Off to the Grand Canyon - 2014 - Day 1

Back in 2014 we decided it was time to visit the south rim of the Grand Canyon and to visit a couple other sites along the way. As always the fastest way from Lubbock is through Clovis and Santa Rosa to I40, then go west. We always try and break the trip up so that we never go more than 400 miles in a day or eight hours on the road. Generally, we try and keep it in the 300 miles and six hour range. After fueling in Albuquerque, NM we stopped for the night at the Sky City Casino and hotel. 

They have a 36 site RV park

 FHU (Full Hook Up) with cable. They provide a shuttle service (driven by the security staff) to and from the casino/restaurant 24 hours a day. You are kind of in the middle of nowhere,

but it is just off I40, about 50 miles west of Albuquerque. For being so close to both the Interstate and Railroad tracks, you hear very little noise from either. On a trip in 2016 we did try the restaurant and found it acceptable. There is a little store on the property that though not over large does provide a fair variety of chips, snacks and frozen meals. There is also diesel and gas available at the location. A good place to spend the night.

45th Annual Albuqureque Balloon Fiesta Does Not Disappoint

Along with three other couples and our good friend David, we attended the 45th Annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The last one that we attended was five years ago - the 40th Annual. As always the event is filled with anticipation and excitement. And, like the last time, we had some "newbies" with us. It is fun to watch first time visitors when they see all the balloons go up for the first time. Since we normally arrive on the last Thursday of the event, that evening there is normally a balloon glow, and this year was no exception. First thing every morning is what is called "Dawn Patrol" This is generally three or four balloons that launch to check the wind currents. The two pictures below are from "Dawn Patrol."

 

As the sun begins to come up over Sandia Peak and the mountains to the east, more balloons get laid out on the ground, inflated and launched. Of course there are a bunch of people watching. This year the total attendance for the nine day event was around a million people.

 

 As the sky gets brighter, more and more balloons get filled and sent skyward. Catching the winds and sailing down the valley. All sizes and shapes of balloons. bright colors contrasting with the bright blue sky. A site to be seen for sure.

Where we have stayed for the last three times is right on the grounds near the International Balloon Museum. They turn a large parking area into an RV parking lot.

From this vantage point there is a perfect view of the balloons rising above the launch field and sailing away. Some times it can provide some very exciting moments, if a balloon looses a little altitude as it crosses over.

 

There are a few other traditions that have developed over the years. These include breakfast one morning at Weck's Restaurant. Weck's is a great place for breakfast. The other is a trip to Old Town Albuquerque. It is amazing what you see around the square - besides the shopping.

So, we finish another Balloon Fiesta - plan for more trips and head for home. We will visit again  in the future - but for now, so long and safe travels.