On Saturday, April 6th we got up early and headed for home. But first we had to stop in Rock Springs for early breakfast with Ron and Jane. Or was that pie? Anyway we had breakfast with Ron and Jane and then we headed to Flagstaff where we are going to spend some time sightseeing. Rather than drive the freeway all the way to Flagstaff, we took a route suggested by friends of ours. Thanks Bob and Twilla, it was a very enjoyable drive. The route was to turn east on 260 at Camp Verde, then northeast on 87 for about 10 miles before picking up 3 (Lake Mary Road) north to Flagstaff.
After we checked in at the campground we headed to the Meteor Crater National Landmark. Although very interesting, we were disappointed to find out it was a private operation and fairly expensive. BUT, that hole is sure impressive. To think that a meteor 150 feet across could create a hole that is a mile across and 550 feet depth is something to behold. 50,000 years ago, this huge iron-nickel meteor weighing several hundred thousand tons struck the rocky plain with an explosive force greater than 20 million tons of TNT.
The next morning we drove to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. We also explored the Bonito National Forest Campground near Sunset Crater. Too bad the campground wasn’t open yet as we would have loved to camp there. It is probably the nicest national forest campground we have ever seen.
It is amazing to see how trees can grow in the hard lava rock and cinders created by the volcanic eruption 800 years ago.
The Wupatiki Pueblo area was inhabited by indigenous Southwest people for at least 400 years before the volcano erupted. These people were farmers, but were forced to leave the area until about 100 years later when plants and animals slowly returned adapting to life in the lava earth. Their decendants still live nearby, including Hopi, Zuni and Navajo people.
A view of Mount Humphreys (12,633 elevation).
Some of the scenery between Flagstaff, AZ and Albuquerque, NM.
We had planned on spending more time in the NE Arizona and the SW Colorado areas before continuing on home. However, after looking at the weather forecast we decided to head for home, so at 1:00PM we headed for Albuquerque.
We left Albuquerque around 7:00AM and made the mad dash home. I drove all day and all night and got to the house at 6:15AM on the 9th. I think I’m getting too old for this, but we did beat the snow storms that were hot on our heels.
Our Lazy Daze safely tucked away from the weather.
Just a little note, December 9th this was the scene out our back windows as the first snow storm of the season dumped 12 inches of snow on us.
And now today, April 23rd, we woke up to 5.5 inches of new snow. Enough already. This is about the third snow storm we have had since we returned home. At least we were gone for 7 weeks of this. Here is a view out our back window today.
A view out our kitchen window.
And, a view down the freshly plowed street. Hopefully, this will be the last snow and Spring will finally arrive! The snow doesn’t seem so pretty and exciting anymore.
Until next time,
Dave and Sandy
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