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Published: July 10th 2009
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July 3, Friday
We were up a bit early again this morning, although the temps had been very nice the past two days I didn't know quite what to expect the coming day to be. I wasn't sure if we'd hold the elevation or drop down low into the desert temps again. I-40 to Flagstaff, then off the dreaded "Interstate" and on to what was marked as BIA 15. I think this stand for Bureau of Indian Affairs since we were on Navajo Indian Lands. This was a very nice, but very lonely several hundred miles of traveling, and it was all high desert so temps stayed nicely in the upper 80's. We stopped for coffee and a pastry in Dilkon at the Basha Grocery store, and wandered through a major flea market in Window Rock right on the New Mexican border. The rodeo was in town for the weekend, and there were turquoise sellers in abundance at the market. Once into New Mexico, and into Gallup we had no other choice again but to join up with I-40 east bound. I wanted to pick up another free state map, but after four unsuccessful tries, I said forget it, and
we took the slab. We pulled off the highway in Grants, NM and into the National Forest visitor center. I got my free map finally, and was a little mollified to learn there really was no other way to get to Albuquerque but by I-40. The Motel 6 was just on the other side of the highway, so we pulled in here, with plans to make the relatively short ride to Santa Fe, NM tomorrow. We had been dodging showers for the last two hours, and one finally caught us just after our arrival. Ha.
July 4, Saturday
Happy Independance Day! After making it to Santa Fe, the last few miles in a rain shower, we decided to spend the money on a nice hotel downtown so we could easily walk around and see the sights. Just before the entrance into the Desert Inn we were hit with the amazing scent of great pizza cooking next door. No trouble deciding where to have supper. Later, after the rain quit, we strolled to the plaza and did some window shopping. There are tons of jewelry and artsy stores downtown, and it was lots of fun looking at all the
amazing items. Too bad we're not both filthy rich. Oh well.
July 5, Sunday
Today we decided it was a good day for Deb to wander around Santa Fe herself for some alone time while I headed up the Pecos River to visit with my cousin Alice at the Los Pinos guest ranch. This ranch has been in her family since the early 60's. It's way up in the mountains, adjoining the Pecos Wilderness Area just north of Cowles NM. I rode up the canyon on wet roads so I had to take it pretty easy. Once there, I had great visit, caught up on our respective family news, and even got to give Alice a ride on Bear to a local cabin owner's 90th birthday party. Free food is always good. Back down off the mountain before dark, and I just beat another rain shower into Santa Fe. Deb showed off all her purchases and we made plans tomorrow.
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Neal
non-member comment
Enjoying the ride.
Just wanted to say I am enjoying the blog ride along. If you ever get close to Burkesville,KY on your trip there is a free room and hot shower. The wife and I would love to have you and Deb stop by. Neal and Jennell