May 19th ~ Los Alamos, NM
Today was a difficult day for me and I feel deeply affected by all we saw. I was aware of the Manhattan Project, and have visited the bomb site in Hiroshima. Still, seeing up close and personal, the site where much of the research was done to develop our nuclear weapons was emotionally brutal. Continue reading
May 18 ~ Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument
Located 48 miles NW of Santa Fe, you can find another example of ancestral dwellings from the Ancient Pueblo People. There is evidence showing human activity at what is now called Bandelier National Monument dating back 10,000 years. Continue reading
May 17 ~ Santa Fe, NM
Courtyard at Museum of International Folk Art
MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART
If you are interested in folk art, this is the place to come. With more than 130,000 items from all over the world, the museum houses the largest international folk art collection in the world. Continue reading
May 16 ~ Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Founded by Don Pedro de Peralta in 1610. At 408 years old, Santa Fe is the oldest capitol city and the second oldest city in the United States. The climate is pretty extraordinary, boasting an average of 325 days of sunshine a year. Another record it holds is that with an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, it is also the highest capitol city in the USA. Continue reading
My 14th ~ New Mexico
Chaco Culture
Up until about a week ago, I had never heard of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. When I ask if anyone had suggestions to add to our itinerary, this was brought up, in fact, more than once.
When I learned that it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I became determined to somehow make it fit, even if it meant going a couple hours out of our way.
May 13th ~ Petrified Forest National Park
Painted Desert Inn, Petrified Forest National Park
We got another late start today, but still had enough time to get a good overview of this diverse National Park. Entering from the southern entrance, we made a brief stop at a “tourist trap” type of museum/gift shop. Continue reading
May 12th ~ Celebrating Mother’s Day in Arizona
Wupatki Pueblo
My day started off with a sweet surprise from our son. He had sent a Mother’s Day card with my husband for him to give me. It was a beautiful hand-made card that his girlfriend NaReena had painted with such a loving sentiment written inside. We had a nice long conversation later in the day that just made it all the nicer. Continue reading
May 11 ~ Oatman, AZ and Route 66
Cool Springs, Arizona
Staying in Mohave Valley last night meant we were just a few miles from our first stop of the day, Oatman, AZ. Continue reading
May 10th ~ Our journey along Route 66 begins
Typical old time hotel and cafe along Route 66
We did not get quite as early of a start this morning as I had hoped, but after cleaning out the refrigerator and loading a few final items, we got out the door at 9:30. A stop to fuel up where we are still in sticker shock that diesel is over $4 a gallon, quick last minute grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s for a couple of items, we were finally on our way. Continue reading
May 5th ~ Happy Cinco de Mayo – Southern California
Ice Plant in bloom here in Southern California
**Our niece is getting married on June 1st in Illinois and we are ramping up our plans in preparation for our road trip from California to Chrisman and return.
Departure date is May 10th and we are allowing two plus weeks to get there. We will be traveling some of the original Route 66. Our itinerary east will take us from Southern California through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and into Illinois. Continue reading
A Note From Abroad 