Tuesday, September 11, a day of remembrance of the horrific terrorist attack 17 years ago on our wonderful country, had us on the move. Leaving Albuquerque at 8:43 am we continued westward on I 40 for 215 miles to a spot on the map called Sun Valley, Arizona, just east of Holbrook. The views along the way were often of red stone cliffs and off in the distance mile long trains. We made a stop for fuel at an Indian Casino/ Truck Stop paying about $.25 per gallon less than other major fuel stations along the route. We arrived at Sun Valley RV Resort, resort being a questionable description, about 11:30 am. This campground has 25 sites, hardly what I would call resort size, but it was clean and our 50 amp electric was good, unlike some bigger campgrounds, and the employees were helpful and pleasant. Tom was having some problems this morning with his breathing issues so once we got in and set up we just stayed at the campground and rested after eating lunch. In the early evening, Tom was feeling better so we got busy cleaning up the deposits on the front of the motorhome.
Today Wednesday (12th) we drove into the Petrified Forest National Park before 9 am wanting to get around before the heat of the day. It was 58 degrees this morning with temperatures going up to near 90 degrees in the afternoon. We started at the Painted Desert entrance and the Visitor Center where we watched a movie about the park. We then started driving and taking in the views of this colorful park. At one stop I walked a rim trail, 0.8 mile, while Tom drove the Jeep to the next stop and then he walked out on the trail to meet up with me.
The Painted Desert Inn, which no longer functions as an inn, was open displaying some furnishings and exhibits.
Even though we had been through this park some years ago, it was every bit as awe inspiring as that first time. The drive through the park is 28 miles. The last part of the drive is through areas of petrified forests with these fallen trees turned now into stone scattered over the earth.
Leaving the park we drove into Holbrook to grab lunch at a local eatery, The Chameleon, and then to a grocery store before returning to the motorhome. This afternoon the wind has gotten quite brisk.
