Grants to Roswell, NM

Well it has been quite a day! Another big travel day but we also had quite a few stops along the way. We headed out this morning east on I40 towards Albuquerque - thankfully we could head south just before this big city on route 6 to Los Lunas. At Los Lunas we got back on the interstate this time I25 which took us to Socorro where we headed east on route 380.

Highway 380 is actually a really great road - particularly from Carrizozo to Picacho. We had many stops along the way.

Valley of Fires: There is a BLM campground here that we could have camped at for $12 no hook ups or $18 with water and electric. Because this area is still so cold we decided to continue on. Plus we are pretty cheap and don't want to pay to camp just yet. We did pull in however to look at the view of the lava flow from 5,000 years ago. There were quite a few RVs there.

Smokey the Bear Historical Site: Well we had to stop in and see where Smokey the Bear got his start. Not sure if you all know that there was a real Smokey the Bear - he was found just after a fire in the area when he was 2 1/2 months old. He went on to live until 25 at the Washington DC Zoo. Here in Capitan New Mexico where he was found is where he is buried. We enjoyed the look around the displays and a walk through the garden to the grave site. Smokey the Bear and the time that he was big is a sentimental moment for Derek and so he was happy to visit.

Smokey the Bear's grave site.

Lincoln County Site Monument: We almost drove right through the town of Lincoln until we realized all the old buildings it had along the main drive through and the many placards. We decided to pull over and have a look. We were glad we did - so many of the old buildings survive from the late 1800's. If you know your Billy the Kid history this is where he was and where the Lincoln County War shootout took place. We even met a couple from New Brunswick strolling the street as well.

Bradley's Fruit Stand: We actually had to turn around for this stop. Derek just couldn't let a fruit stand go by that was all nicely decorated with apples and pumpkins. Run by a nice couple we purchased some Buttered Pecan Syrup, Fatman's Beef Jerky (from Roswell), and a few tomatoes. They don't have a website but here is the link - we recommend stopping in if you are going by.

So, we came a long way today, the temperature is warmer and we are at Sam's Club right now in Roswell in a quite place in the parking lot with a big rig in front of us and free wifi. Tomorrow we take on Roswell --------- stay tuned.

Canyon de Chelly to Grants, New Mexico

Wednesday morning we headed to the White House Ruins along the South Rim Drive. This is the only location that you can walk down to the ruins unsupervised. We knew it was a bit of a walk but headed out anyway - 3 mile round trip. It was a nice walk down into the canyon - albeit a very cool day. The sun was shining but the wind was cold.

View of the White House Ruins from the Parking lot.

View down into the Canyon from the pathway.

You can walk up fairly close to the ruins but there is a fence keeping you from going right up to them. Much different from the Gila Cliff Dwelling we visited back in 2006 where you can walk right up to the ruins. We spoke with one of the jewelry sellers - bought a necklace and bracelet and headed back up. A bit of a struggle back up but we finally made and very happy to see our tailer. 

After a quick lunch we headed back out on the road with New Mexico our destination - not sure how far we would make it.

We headed south on 191 to Ganado and then east along 264 to Window Rock. We listen to a great Navajo Station out of WR - KTNN am 660. We were hoping to stop in and get a sticker or something - but we couldn't see it on the main strip and with all the traffic decided not to hunt around for it.

Instead we continued east on the 264 towards Gallup. Just outside of Gallup we filled our tank with the cheapest gas price to date $3.079/gallon. Once in Gallup we got on I40 continuing east. By dinner time we were in Grants and so decided to stay at the Walmart there.

It was a very cold night - down to 18F = -7C - and wouldn't you know it our propane ran out in the middle of the night. We were warm enough sleeping but it was a cool -5C when we woke up. Thankfully Derek went to Walmart and bought a tank. When we left home we realized both of our tanks were outdated and needed replacing. We bought one in Canada for $60 - holding off buying the second until south. We had been procrastinating about buying the second one thinking we still had sometime - guess not. Oh well we survived the night - hopefully the coldest we will see for a few months. The tank - filled - cost $20. What a difference!

Goosenecks to Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

On Tuesday morning we headed out from Goosenecks west on 163 towards Monument Valley. Initially we were going to forgo MV and head back to 191 south and the over to Shiprock and Farmington. However, once we got in we decided jut to keep going. The Monument Valley area is a beautiful drive. You have to drive into the Visitor Center to see MV up close but we didn't go in. Instead we carried on into Arizona and Kayenta.

Once in Kayenta we stopped for gas. You wouldn't believe what Derek found when he stopped. One of us forgot to close the front window cover and it was sticking up and all bent up. Some more tense moments. Turns out that Derek let it down the night before but didn't fasten it - so - thankfully it wasn't my fault!

From Kayenta we took route 59 which was a bit dodgy since it goes through the Navajo Reservation and is a yellow road on our map - which at least means it is paved. We took it because it was a good short cut over to Chinle. Well - it was a great and very quite road - very scenic. Once in Chinle we headed into the town to the Canyon de Chelly.

We learned in the Visitor Center that the Cottonwood Camground right next door had space and was free. So, we headed down to find a spot deciding to go see the ruins the next day.

Instead we walked around and treated ourselves to a Navajo Taco at the Lodge next door. We have loved Navajo tacos since our first in 2006 in Cameron by the Grand Canyon. We try to have a least on NT each trip.

It was yummy.......

Moab to Goosenecks State Park, Utah

Well it was a few days ago now - we are very behind on the blog right now. A lot of traveling - a lot of touring around but not a lot of computer time.

We left Moab late Sunday afternoon spending the night along highway 191. We just pulled up a side road to the looking glass rock - there was a no camping sign but we parked down the road a bit. It was a very dark and quite night.

The next morning we headed south on 191 stopping briefly at the Blanding Visitor Center. It was then off to Goosenecks State Park.

A view of our trailer from our walk along the rim.

Roofous enjoying some freedom to run.

Goosenecks SP is a great place to stay it is just along and looks down to the San Juan River - 1000 ft below. We got in early - just after lunch. There is primitive camping for free - when we got there there was already a large rig from where? yes B.C. - from Victoria. We had a nice afternoon looking at the view, going for a walk, and talking with the tourists that came by. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset!

Arches National Park

We spent yesterday in Arches National Park. It has definitely moved to the top of the best places I have ever been. I truly loved our day there - words escape me that express the beauty of such a place on earth!

The one thing I didn't know about Arches was the steep road up into the Park. We could have dropped off our trailer at the Visitor's Center but hooking and unhooking is not on Derek's favourites list. Plus it was nice to have all our stuff with us as it allowed us to stop for lunch and coffee.

Although we pulled in along the road here and there our first stop was The Windows Section. The parking lot was very busy and so we parked in the lower lot. Therefore we walked to the Cove of Caves Double Arch and didn't go up to the North/South Windows. It was a nice - and hot - hike up and we got some great pictures.

Walking up to the Double Arch.

The Double Arch

Then it was on to the Delicate Arch viewpoint. It was a good - and fairly - strenuous hike up to the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. You can hike up to the Delicate Arch but that would have been too far for us with Cassia in tow. We are also feeling the effects of the higher elevation, we were at 760 feet in Lytton, BC and now we are at approx. 6500 feet.

The arch at the top is Delicate Arch - there are actually people up there!

The 3 of us at the Delicate Arch lower viewpoint. DA is to the left of us.

It was a well spent day. This is what we came here to see and we thoroughly enjoyed our day - breathtaking. Like Carlsbad Caverns I wish that everyone would have a chance to visit this place.

Check our flickr site for all our Arches National Park pictures!

Today's Interesting Link: Since our camera could never do this place justice - please visit the Arches National Park website for great pictures.

Nampa, Idaho to Moab, Utah

Well it has been a big two days of traveling. We left Nampa on Friday about 11:30 - saying goodbye to our good friends there - sad to leave - BUT - wow have we seen a lot in the last two days.

We headed east on I84 down into Utah having stopped for supplies in Burley Idaho. We had a long day because we drove until about 8:30 pm. We usually don't like to do night driving but it was still cold and if you know this area you know it is best to travel on 'off' hours. Are there any 'off' hours along the Salt Lake City stretch? I don't think so. At Odgen we stayed on the I84 headed east. We planned this route a while ago in order to avoid SLC. We stopped for the night at a rest stop and had a surprisingly good sleep beside the highway sandwiched between the steady hum of two semi trucks.

Back on the road the next morning we continued along the I84 until the route 40 turnoff toward Heber City. HC seems like a nice town nicely situated by the mountains. It is a place we would have spent more time exploring if it was warmer. Alas just a quick walk around and back in the truck and on our way.

Parked along Main Street Heber, Utah

We followed route 40 to Duchesne and then south on the 191 taking us to Price. Now if you are looking on the map or know this area you are probably wondering what were we thinking taking this route. And right now on the other end I am saying 'who the heck knows'!!!! It seemed a good idea - avoid SLC - see some of eastern Utah. Mistake! My job as a route planner is as tentative as that of navigator. In my defense I did try to research route 191 prior to leaving Nampa. It was all going so well until we were on such a steep incline that we almost stopped. Have you had that happen before? NO FUN! We asked way more of our little truck then we have a right and yes the inside our our truck was pretty tense for a little while. I used this time to pray pray pray. Well we made it up and way back down and again and into Price where we picked up route 6.

Stopped for lunch along route 40.

Beautiful along route 191 though!

Went for a walk at a rest stop along route 6 - the first warmth we have felt.

Now this was a great pretty flat drive and we were feeling much better about things. After a brief stop in Green River along I70 we turned down the 191 and arrived in Moab just before dinner.

Our descent into Moab - yes through our dirty windshield.

We had read about a downtown boondocking spot in Moab behind a hotel so we headed there. We were happy to find a park nearby and went for a much needed walk.

Today's Interesting Link: Since we are in Moab - take a look around their website. A great little town - we could live here for sure to be near all of the outdoor activity - but - you would have to be ok with sharing your town - very very busy here with tourists!

Snake River Canyon - Nampa, Idaho

It was a beautiful day for a Sunday drive. Our friends J and K suggested a ride out to Snake River Canyon south of Nampa. It gave them a chance to go for a spin on their bike and for us to test our recently fixed truck out on the road.

We are excited to announce that our truck is almost finished. Mike has been great and spent Friday replacing our tie rods (which really needed doing) and our power steering pump. We just need to go get a front wheel alignment on Monday and we will be good to go. AND Derek finally solved our trailer break issue with a new magnet from the guys at Interstate next door and he did an oil change. So Tuesday we should be on our way east and south.

The trail to the overlook.

To get to the canyon today we traveled through a beautiful area of first hobby farms which gave way to larger scale crop and dairy farms. Soon civilization fell away to be replaced with open grasslands and sage - just what we like! The sound of nothing.

Cassia learning about the large birds found in the area.

The view to the left.

The view to the right.

From the parking lot it is just a short walk to the canyon overlook - much to the disappointment of Roofous who had to remain on his leash this time around. The view was magnificent with all of the fall colouring of the grasslands and shrubs - I love the golden colour of fall grass! The sun was warm on our backs - what a real treat for the end of October.

Cassia enjoyed climbing on the volcanic rock.

A man and his dog - gee Derek looks a bit scary here - ha ha.

Our good friends J and K on their bike. 

Just can't beat the USA for beer! Yes, we can great some really good micro brews back at home but the selection here is great as well. I am not the biggest beer drinker but like to try the unique. Derek found Harvest Pumpkin Ale from Blue Moon Brewing Company which is comprised of "vine ripened pumpkin and flavors of clove, allspice and nutmeg." It is pretty good - I like it -  but to be honest I cannot taste those flavors!

Today's Interesting Link: While cruising around the internet last night I happened upon 'Becoming Minimalist'  by Joshua Becker - I took a quick look around. The 2 articles I have enjoyed  most so far were are under the most popular posts category - 35 Gifts your Children will Never Forget and Why Fewer Toys will Benefit your Kids  - boy do I agree with him!!!

Thanks for visiting!