Albuquerque, NM - Day 10

Mesas, mesas, and more mesas!

Doesn't this look like a scene from "The Wizard of Oz"?

Welcome to New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment

This is lava rock.  There are 5 volcanos in the area.  Where?  I don't know.

Entering Albuquerque - pop 500,000

Today was overcast and windy. We even had a few drops of rain. The tumbleweed were tumblin across the highway. Too fast to get a picture.

We had supper at the Olive Garden. It was very good. I don't think I have ever been to one before. I had the Italian sampler. Chicken parmesan, linguine alfredo and lasagna. Couldn't even touch the lasagna, I was so full. The waiter boxed it up and then I forgot to bring home the box. Sorry, Wayne - no lasagna for you.

We wanted to stay here for 2 nights to have a break from driving, but our site is booked for tomorrow night. So we decided to press on and stay an extra night at the next stop. We don't have time to check out the diners, drive ins and dives of Albuquerque. There are 4 in the city.  Next time.

Holbrook, AZ - Day 9

Today we travelled out of the desert and back into mountains. We were 7,000 feet high at one point. Fairly gentle climbs and only one steepish decline. I think we are at about 5,000 feet now. However we are back into desert like terrain again. Very dry and dusty. Temperature hit 80 degrees F.

Thought this cut looked like a pyramid.

Actual real trees in Flagstaff

We even saw snow today.  On mountain tops and a bit on the roadside in Flagstaff

The terrain has changed. Mountains are now mesas. Flat topped with a pinkish colour. I think we will see the wind eroded pink rocks tomorrow.

Coal fired power generating plant

We saw lots of old Rte 66 sites today. The first was 2 huge arrows(about 30 feet high) stuck into the ground. I didn't get a picture as we passed by too quickly.

Old trading post

Another trading post sign

We stopped at a rest area today. It was near the site of a huge meteor crater. Astronauts trained here for the moon walk. The rest area was also home to poisonous snakes and insects. Let me tell you - I stayed on the sidewalk. Didn't want to meet a snake or scorpion. Wayne was braver. He did a little dance on the gravel.

Sunset

Kingman, AZ - Day 8

Sunset in the desert

We had dinner and breakfast at this diner.  It is on I15 halfway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.  The owner was an actress.  She has lots of memorabilia from the movies.  Everybody seems to stop here including famous people.  Lots of pictures and stuff.

Heading for the hills - again.

Colorado River

Needle Mountain

Just outside of Kingman, AZ

Tonight we had supper at The Cracker Barrel. Never been to one before. The food was great. They also have a gift shop. Very nice.

We have been for a walk around the park and we're now settled in at our site. Wayne is busy planning our stops for tomorrow. We have a book called "The Next Exit". It tells you about all the services available at interstate exits. Great tool.

Barstow, CA - Day 7

Today we drove from California farmland, through Tehachapi Pass to the Mojave Desert.

On the way we drove past fields of grapevines, tangerine and olive groves, and nectarine orchards.  We passed through the Raisin Capital of the World.

Heading Into the Mountains Again

Oh, What a Winding Road

We passed this rock slide along the way.

We are in Route 66 country.  Could this be Mac from Cars?

Yellow flowers blooming in the desert

Is this a tree or a cactus?

First traffic light we passed while towing RV on this trip

Keep on Trucking

Calico - Ghost Town near KOA

Our Site - Barstow/Calico KOA

Heading into the desert

Wayne Too

I found today very interesting. I've always been fascinated by Route 66. We are following parts of the old highway route for the next week or so. The history and mystique intrigues me.

We have never been to a hot desert before. The Mojave is very interesting. All in all a very good day.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Chowchilla, CA - Day 6

Palm Grove

Almost all the interchanges with services have these gigantic signs that tower over the road.  It makes it easy to find the business that you want.

I've been experimenting with the video recording option on my camera.  Try this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_QHNzkXRzo

Rear of clubhouse

Patio, pool and lake

Lake

 

Sunset over the palms

The drive today was pretty good.  We were nervous about travelling through Sacramento.  We had to change highways there.  However, the signage was very good, traffice was pretty light and the exits were easy to access.

I believe that tomorrow is our longest drive that we have left.  We are also heading back into some mountains.  Nothing too bad, I hope.  We will be in the desert this time tomorrow.

Red Bluff, CA - Day 5

Last night's sunset

Sacramento River runs along the campground.  Very high and fast.

Communal Firepit - One of Two

Used this pristine laundry. Maytag HE machines.  Such luxury.

Fantastic landscaping.  Main clubhouse in background

Clubhouse with pool and outdoor fireplace. (Forgot to take picture of pool.  Water was freezing.)

Barbecuing supper.  Yummy.

We had a great day, enjoying the sunshine.  Wayne washed the truck and I did laundry.  We tried to swim but the water was so cold.  Very refreshing though as it was hot today.

Packing up as much as possible tonight.  Want to get a early start.  We have to travel through Sacramento and change highways there.  It looks like a pretty big city and tomorrow is one of our longer travel days.

I'd better get back to work.  Bye for now.