Today we spent time in three states (Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas), two joint national parks (Petrified Forest and Painted Desert), one national landmark (Meteor Creator), and enjoyed seeing all of the attractions along on our drive. We finally made it to our hotel tonight in Amarillo, Texas at...1:40 a.m. Winning! We only wish we could have had more time and can't wait to go back to this area.
We were all exhausted last night and slept in this morning in our hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona. After our late start, we opted to stop for an excursion right away when we approached the famous Meteor Creator National Landmark.
The staff here must be very concerned with people taking the proper way inside, as we counted seemingly dozens of signs pointing people in the correct direction.
Here is an actual chunk of the meteorite that created Meteor Crater! They estimate that the entire meteorite itself was probably over 150 feet across.
After touring the museum, we went outside to view the crater in person! There was both an "upper" and "lower" viewing area.
The lower area had lots of telescopes pictured at different heights to view parts of the crater up close, which really gave it a sense of scale. And for the record, I WAS yelling at the kids to get down (while taking a picture...)
Will managed to capture some of the images from the telescope! This was a piece of rock that was actually the size of a house.
This image shows a fence around a small area in the middle with a life-sized person and U.S. flag. They were completely impossible to make out from our view since the area is so huge.
At the viewing area!
From the lowest viewing area and a panoramic view of the whole crater. We really enjoyed this landmark and are glad that we stopped. Since we were somewhat pressed for time we did not go on the guided tour or see any of the movies, which would be fun to do next time.
Just a few miles down the road - Winslow, Arizona!! Of course I had to get out so that I could Stand on a Corner, in honor of The Eagles.
Our original plan was to go to the "Standin' on a Corner" park to make this photo shot REALLY official, but since we were behind time-wise we just took it near where we pulled into town. The sign was one that I can guarantee I have never seen in Kansas.
Our trip back overlaps with much of Historic Route 66. Below are Wigwams that you can spend the night in. I was excited because they look just like the motel rooms in the "Cozy Cone Motel" in the movie Cars, which was modeled off of Route 66!
It even looks like a Mater is here!
Despite running late, we decided that it was very important to take another detour to see...the Petrified Forest National Park! This is also connected to the Painted Desert, so it was a chance to see two park areas.
Entering the museum! Since the petrified forest area had all kinds of prehistoric animals that have been preserved, the museum had a lot of information about prehistoric life. The kids were in heaven.
My children would like you to know that these are NOT dinosaurs, but are other prehistoric creatures. I am not exactly sure what they are. :)
Some of the petrified wood! This was fascinating to see. The trees from millions of years ago have essentially turned to stone and are preserved.
And wood was EVERYWHERE!! There were many signs and harsh warnings about not taking the wood or touching the wood or even veering off the path.
Large pieces - they are fairly brittle and shatter easily, which is why there are more pieces lying around than intact trees. We went on a half-mile loop and enjoyed seeing all kinds of remnants of huge trees.
Another huge structure!
We drove through the national park and saw more petrified wood, and the area then gradually changed into the Painted Desert area.
This picture does not capture the beauty of the area at all, but the hills and rocks were truly vibrant.
Overlooking some of the painted desert.
More attempts to capture the vibrant beauty of the land. Arizona seems like it is just chock-full incredible landscapes and different types of terrain.
After leaving the park, we drove further and were in the Navajo Nation area for a while, and soon after entered New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment. Another new state for the kids!
One great thing about New Mexico is that they put green chilies on EVERYTHING. They even asked if we wanted some on our Sonic grilled chicken sandwiches!
Gallup, New Mexico - another place where Historic Route 66 ran. They were also having a huge Native American/Indian festival today with over 30 tribes present!
I learned today that I-40 through New Mexico is exactly 373.5 miles. Not that I was counting or anything. ;)
I did not get many good pictures, but we drove through Albuquerque and stopped to get some food there. We were able to see Sandia Peak in the distance! The east side of the city is right against the foothills of the mountains.
Very blurry sign, but this is welcoming us to Texas! Yet ANOTHER new state and Daniel's dream come true. He has mentioned for close to a year that he really wants to go to Texas and I finally figured out tonight that it is because he wants to see an armadillo.
FINALLY made it our hotel!! We began the day on Pacific Time and Texas is on Central Time, so we lost two hours today, making it "only" 11:40 p.m. at night under that logic.
Tomorrow we are heading back to Manhattan!! We are going to stop on the way in Wichita to see my parents, which will be wonderful, and hopefully we can make it there by a respectable time. Then it is on to home!! What a fascinating trip this has been. The kids are really excited to get back home but Will and I wish we could stay even longer. :)
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