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Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 6 - On the Road to Lake Powell
The next morning we headed towards Lake Powell in Page, Arizona.
Lots of great red rock scenery along the way. Will let the photos speak
for themselves. I was tempted to take a detour to the Grand Canyon for
another visit but we were on a schedule.
That's
me with the toothy grin.. Lake Powell is a beautiful lake, with more
than 2,000 miles of shoreline to explore.
From
our site at Wahweap
RV Park at Lake Powell we had a great view of the lake, with just a
short walk to the store and the beach across the street. Entry into Lake
Powell is $15, which does not include your stay. Could see lots of
houseboats on the water.
We took a ride back into town to eat at a Mexican restaurant and
look around. Coming up, a long day hiking at amazing Antelope Canyon.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 5 - Flagstaff, AZ
We
then took Route 66 into Flagstaff, taking photos along the way.
Established in 1931, The
Museum Club is an icon roadhouse where many country stars have
played. We just missed Sammy Kershaw playing there. Old neon motel signs
still line the streets promoting color TV and air conditioning harkening
to the days when the Mother Road was a true adventure. One sign that is
over the skyline for the Motel Downtowner promotes rooms at $5 a night.
Flagstaff gets lots of tourists who are headed to the Grand Canyon. We
didn't have time to make the trip there this time. It is one of my
favorite National Parks. Saw an interesting site in town where someone
was carrying a large moose head in the back of their truck ready to be
mounted on their wall.
After
driving around for awhile, we decided to try out Himalayan
Grill for some Indian food. The lunch buffet included selections
from India, Nepal, and Tibet, plus some great naan. Naan is an oven
baked flatbread. Ate later at Granny's Closet Restaurant. Was attracted
to it as it has been in business since 1974, had a vintage tractor out
front with Paul Bunyan statue, and promoted home cooked food. Was NOT
impressed. Food was mediocre and it was very loud with a kid's soccer
team and crowds watching football on a large screen. The apple pie is
definitely not the best on Route 66 as promoted...It was pot pie sized
and a disappointment.
Next
up we went up to Lowell Observatory
to see some stars. The Moon was shining bright and there were several
amateur astronomers who brought their large telescopes for people to see
the Moon, Vega, and other stars. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, the
large telescope is still in use today over 100 years later. Through the
large lens in the Clark Telescope Dome in the photo above we viewed
Jupiter, which had streaks, and could see a large dot which we were told
was where an object had impacted the planet. Only a few people are
allowed within the Dome at one time, and flash photography is not
allowed. The telescope was built for the large sum of $20,000 back in
1896, and amazingly is still in active use today. From another large
telescope here Pluto was discovered in 1930. There are interesting
exhibits, a Space Theatre, and a store on the campus, including a
meteorite fragment found near Meteor Crater just down the road. It
weighs 535 pounds and includes traces of diamonds, nickel, gold,
platinum, and silver, but is mostly iron. This rock was part of a large
meteorite that fell to Earth with a bang some 50,000 years ago, creating
a hole 570 feet deep and 3/4 of a mile wide known today as Meteor
Crater. For many years it was on display at the Meteor Crater store
until the store closed in 2008 (the last family owned business in the
National Park system), and was moved to the Lowell Observatory.
After
a long day of sightseeing, we rest up and head next to Page, Arizona and
an adventurous tour of amazing Antelope Canyon.
Edited on: Thursday, October 22, 2009 11:55 PM
Categories: Attractions, Destinations
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 5 - Walnut Canyon National Monument
Along
these canyon walls over 700 years ago lived a peaceful people who lived
here over 150 years along the sides of the canyon. They dug caves
underneath overhanging rocks and built walls of limestone to separate
and enclose for living quarters and food storage. These dwellings were
built at different levels along both sides of Walnut Canyon. The
estimate is that from 75 to 400 people lived here during this time. They
had crops along the Rim and collected water from Walnut Creek as part of
everyday life. Imagine the trek that was made along the cliffs in doing
everyday tasks, and how physically fit they must have been. Maybe it was
a drought that caused the Sinagua people to move on. The creek waters
today are mostly silent in the canyon as they have been diverted for use
by the city of Flagstaff. Other peoples had inhabited the area of Walnut
Canyon long before, including the Anasazi (who also inhabited the Grand
Canyon). Designated as a National Monument in 1915, we took a hike along
Island Trail to see inside the Walnut Canyon cliff dwellings up close
and to see how the people lived.
The
pale wolfberry still thrives in the Canyon. Had rather a tart taste to
me. Other plants we came across along the trail with descriptions
included Mormon tea, rockmat, mahonia, Arizona walnut, mountain
mahogany, and alligator juniper, many still used by Native Americans and
now by herbalists for various purposes.
While
going through the shop I picked up a hiking medallion to add to my
collection.
An interesting demonstration was being conducted by
Stephanie Lomatewama who explained the process of making Hopi baskets
while Horace Kayquoptewa carved ornate katsina dolls from cottonwood at
the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Stephanie is a member of the Hopi
tribe and belongs to the Badger clan, and teaches in Sacaton. Horace is
also a member of the Hopi tribe and carves fulltime. As part of the
tradition passed on, as a Hopi child matures, they get a new doll to
herald their advancement in stages to adulthood. The Hopi Indians are
descendants of the peoples that inhabited Walnut Canyon and is one of
the reasons why it is viewed as sacred.
From here, we will
venture 10 miles up the road and take Route 66 into Flagstaff where we
drive around town, grab a bite, and see Jupiter up close at Lowell
Observatory.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 5 - Route 66 Haunts
Today
was another jam packed today of seeing the sights. First, we spent a few
hours scouring over the ruins at Two Guns along Route 66 just down the
road from Meteor Crater. Two Guns was the perfect tourist trap, complete
with shops, gas station, lunchroom and zoo which included coyotes and
mountain lions. What could be more fun than that? Cages were located
throughout the property, some over deep caves or next to the canyon
cliff. The property used to be fenced off but had a gate down so we
proceeded. Keep in mind that this is private property.
Note
the rickety wooden bridge, below it is a deep cave. An original Route 66
bridge is in the distance that we walked over and found to be still in
good shape.
The 1946 Guide Book to Highway 66 describes Two Guns
as follows:
One establishment, offering gas, lunchroom, and curios.
At the rear of the building is a small zoo exhibiting western animals.
In previous years, US 66 ran behind this building, and some old Apache
Caves in a canyon there were great showpoints. They can still be visited
if you care to walk a few hundred yards back."
The
campground in the distance has seen better days. From the highway can
still be seen the sign beckoning all to see "Mountain Lions." Maybe
someday someone can fix up the property to what it used to be for so
many years along old Route 66.
Coming up, we venture onward later
in the day to explore the cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National
Monument, Flagstaff, and see Jupiter up close!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 4 Part II - Arizona Route 66 Views
After departing Gallup, NM, we head west on I-40 towards
Arizona. At Holbrook, we took the opportunity of driving along Route 66
again. There are numerous vintage motels and businesses that line the
street with old neon signs. Here's an old one for Dairy Queen. We drove
past Joe & Aggie's Cafe.
Homemade chili is the forte here along with much more on the menu.
The
Wigwam Motel
caters to the young and young at heart, with individual tepee rooms and
vintage cars parked all around. The rate are quite affordable if you
happen to be passing through it will be a unique experience for you. We
had to venture on as our fifth wheel had a site it was hankering for at Meteor
Crater RV Park next to Route 66.
Since we had seen Meteor Crater when we were here several years ago,
we opted to drive up the rough road next to the RV Park to see the old
Meteor Crater Observatory and take photos. Now mostly ruins, Meteor
Crater Observatory used to have a curio shop with model of Meteor
Crater. From the tower could be viewed the crater.
Back
at our site we took in another beautiful Western sunset.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 4 - Hotel El Rancho, Gallup, NM
We ate breakfast at Hotel
El Rancho in Gallup, NM. Steeped in history, signed photos line the
hotel walls, with a one-of-a-kind lobby with Western and Native American
influences evident throughout with a large stone fireplace and vintage
furnishings. All the great movie stars have stayed here while filming
nearby since the hotel opened in 1937, from John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart,
Jackie Cooper, Spencer Tracy, Kirk Douglas, Errol Flynn, Gregory Peck,
Alan Ladd, Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, Jane Wyman, and many
more. While eating, we saw some British couples who were touring Route
66 and had brought over their vintage cars to drive it first-hand.
After
our breakfast of pankcakes, eggs, bacon, and breakfast tacos, we toured
the Presidential Suite where Presidents Ronald Reagan and Dwight
Eisenhower have stayed. The large room had a Western motif, with the
bathroom a purple framed mirror, sink, and shower with rock walls. Each
room within the hotel has the name above the room of a famous movie star
who stayed there.
Each
August in Gallup the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is held, a tradition
for over 60 years, with rodeos, pow-wows, arts and crafts. Just a short
drive from many national monuments and sites, Gallup also contains many
signs and businesses along Route 66 to remind you of how the highway
used to be.
From here we head to Meteor Crater to explore more
of Route 66 and Flagstaff.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 3 - Canyon de Chelly National Monument
The next morning we departed from the RV park at Dancing Eagle Casino
headed along I-40 towards Gallup. Along the way we could see some
sections of Route 66 that paralleled I-40.
After we got unhitched at USA
RV Park, we took a side trip over to Canyon
de Chelly just across the Arizona border on the Navajo Indian
Reservation. Along the way, the land changes and turns into a dense
forest. Noticed several Navajos that had stopped their vehicles along
the road to pick pinyon pine nuts, highly sought after for their great
taste. We stopped in at the historic Hubbell Trading Post. John Lorenzo
Hubbell and his family conducted trade with the Navajo here for over 90
years starting in the late 1800s. The Hubbell
Trading Post today has the authentic feel, down to the creaking
floors, fresh bread, groceries, Arbuckles Ariosa coffee, Navajo rugs,
baskets, and jewelry for sale.
As
we drove through the town of Chinle we saw loose cattle milling about.
The terrain gets more rugged as you enter Canyon de Chelly National
Monument. Watch out for sheep along the road... On the way back down the
road near sunset we saw three wild horses running loose near us so keep
alert here.
At
the first big scenic overlook there is a trail that ventures into a side
canyon. I talked with the Navajo artist Terry Yazzie displaying examples
of his paintings on sandstone and rock and purchased one.
History
runs deep here. On up the road we stopped at an overlook where we could
see cliff dwellings in the distance on the other side of the canyon.
Several examples of pictograph rock art can be found along the sandstone
canyon walls here that were first painted by the Anasazi, a prehistoric
Pueblo people who lived here from A.D. 1 until 1300. The Navajos settled
in the area about 200 years later. Areas such as Spider Rock in Canyon
de Chelly and the surrounding area of Arizona and New Mexico that are a
part of the Navajo Nation are sacred to the Navajo, with deep symbolical
meaning. The Navajo word for their homeland is "Dine'bikeyah." As
pioneers inhabited the West, the Navajos were forced to move from their
homes by the U.S. Army during the Civil War to Fort Sumner in New
Mexico. Villages, houses, and property was destroyed. The conditions at
Fort Sumner were severe, with lack of food and deplorable conditions.
When this became known to officials in Washington, negotiations were led
by Grant that led to the return of the Navajo in 1868 back to their
homeland that is defined today as the Navajo Reservation comprising
parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This area contains many historic
and recreational sites, with over a dozen national monuments.
After a day at Canyon de Chelly, we stopped in at the Junction
Restaurant in Chinle for some authentic Navajo food. My beef soup
and fry bread were delicious and a perfect way to end the day.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 2 - New Mexico
Our trek took us over into New Mexico, along I-40 with a wide sweeping
plain and never ending billboards attracting tourists to stop and shop.
We
visited Clines Corners, a
longtime attraction that dates to the 1930s and Route 66's heyday. Lots
of touristy stuff, a restaurant, and motel, with many interesting Native
American pottery and dolls.
As
we traveled further along I-40, I began to look for traces of Route
66. There are still remnants, small sections of the original highway
that were not covered by I-40. Look for the signs where you can exit and
see an old motel, or signs of when the Mother Road had it's heyday.
Some
curious scenes can still be found along the highways. This camper made
me think of the movie The Grapes of Wrath for some reason.. As the sun
set, we were amazed again at how beautiful the sunsets are here out
West.
We
stopped in for the night at Dancing
Eagle Casino, where we parked in their RV Park for the night with
hookups and wireless Internet for only $10 (after getting their Player's
Card). In addition, they had a 2 for 1 special on their prime rib
dinners ($10) which was quite tasty.
For dessert, we shared a huge dish called the Avalanche, consisting
of layers of brownies, chocolate syrup, strawberries, and ice cream.
After devouring, we decided to call it a night.
On Day 3, we venture further along and explore more of Route 66 in
New Mexico.
Wild West Trip: Day 1 - Texas is a big place...
Our trek out West had us explore interesting places in Texas, New
Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. I will detail our adventures on a
daily basis here in the blog. In time we will also be updating our state
sections with new feature segments.
On Day 1 after getting our
truck hitched up to our 37 foot Titanium fifth wheel, we headed out
around 11:30. Our route took us along 183 as we passed many interesting
Texas towns: Lampasas, Lometa, Goldthwaite, Mullin, Early, Rising Star
(and don't forget Zephyr!), and Cisco. Lots of signs for ranch land,
goats, horses, donkeys, even old wagons for sale. On our journey back
(future post), we decided to stop at a few of the more rustic towns.
We
took a "shortcut" on Highway 283 on the way which turned into a
gravel/dirt road from construction (we still have dirt caked up on our
truck and fifth wheel).
We
then ventured onto I-20 and saw huge windmills around the Sweetwater
area (a big project of T. Boone Pickens), and made our way to Lubbock by
nightfall. Boondocked our fifth wheel at the Flying J and checked our
email via their wireless Internet ($4.95 per day) and cranked up our
generator for some added power before turning in for the night. Didn't
bother with our two slideouts as we were just there for the night.
Flying J also has special parking for RVers. If staying, bring along
some ear plugs and a sound machine, as we heard planes, trains, trucks,
and automobiles...
On
Day 2, we will make it on into New Mexico.