Today was a great day - we saw a lot and took a lot of pictures (definitely more than the previous day). Started out with waking up and having the continental breakfast at the Adobe Inn. Overall, we liked the place and the trains that seemed to go by every 10-15 minutes or so didn't bother us that much.
We then back-tracked a bit and went to the South Entrance of the Petrified Forest National Park. After going through the visitor center and walking on a loop trail for a little bit, we headed North on the main park road. The view was nice... some interesting formations and, of course, petrified wood spread across the park. One of the highlights on this southern part of the road was the petroglyphs that were near an old pueblo; one of them seemingly being a large bird or stork eating a man!
Once we crossed over I-40, the next stop was where 66 went through the park. Except for the roadside sign and the row of old telephone poles, you couldn't see much of the old road at all. At this point, we entered the Painted Desert portion of the park; actually, the whole area is considered Painted Desert... but it is this area that people most associate with the name. WOW! The views were great and our pictures probably will not do it any justice.
After a quick rest stop, we headed out of the park and back on the Interstate; partially retracing our path from the previous early evening. Just off of a 5-mile spur of old 66 was our next stop - Stewart's Rock Shop. Very cheesy... complete with female mannequins being eaten by dinosaurs and a very crowded gift shop. One highlight here - Ostriches!
We then went back through Holbrook and stopped for lunch at Joe & Aggie's Cafe. It was a good meal, despite the fact that Jeff's chicken tacos were bland. Ilana liked the salsa a lot so we purchased a bottle. However, it is very possible that it won't last the next couple of days ... so we may have to use it up on the road.
After going on and off the interstate for about 15 miles... we next stopped at the Jackrabbit Trading Post. As you tell by the picture... where else can you sit on a giant jackrabbit?
10 or so miles up the interstate, we went through the town of Winslow. 66 went through the city on two different routes, so we made it a loop. We were both surprised at the overall size (or length thereof) of the city and the business along the route. While we had hoped to stop and take a picture of "Standin' on the Corner", the construction fence, equipment, lack of parking, and the overall traffic in the area made this impossible to accomplish.
We then drove passed the ruins of Two Guns and Twin Arrows. These were former towns along the route, but nothing exists of them today. We then went through Winona, and into Flagstaff. We had talked about staying here overnight previously, but since it was fairly early still, we decided to keep driving. Flagstaff is a beautiful city. It reminded us more of being in the Rocky Mountains than being in Arizona. However, the cool year-round temperatures would keep us from ever living there!
After Flagstaff, we drove our first of two gravel options for the day. The gravel road was well maintained, and took us through the small town of Parks. We then went on our second gravel road of the afternoon, which took us down Deer Farm Road, and to a very unique petting zoo. We decided to stop here, and paid our admission and bought a cup of food for the deer. We were only allowed to feed the deer, llamas, and miniature cows, as all of the other animals were on a restricted diet. However, the deer are pretty aggressive when it comes to food, and it didn't last very long! We also saw buffalo, other types of deer, reindeer, birds, miniature donkeys, and marmosets. What a fun stop!
Our next town was Williams, which is notable mostly because it is considered the "jumping off" point to the Grand Canyon. Like Winslow, we drove through town both ways to see all of it. We then drove through Ash Fork, and then we were able to get off of I-40 for the rest of the day (and part of the next, as well!). We drove through Seligman, and then finally stopped at Grand Canyon Caverns for the night. The hotel also has a restaurant, which provided adequate food last night. We ordered from the menu, but most people choose the overpriced buffet. We will try their breakfast shortly! We are up a little earlier than planned due to LOUD kids outside our room this morning. Oh well - on to California today!
Ilana and Jeff
1 comment:
the painted desert left me breathless with how beautiful it was. And i laughed when i read your title and knew immediately where you had been - as we drove through that section of the park singing that too !!!!
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