Dear Isaac, Maia, and Virtual Wanderers,

Today is day 3 of our road trip through the Southwest – so fasten your seatbelts.

Chambers, AZ is flatland AZ. Grassland. It is just a short drive down I-40 to the Painted Desert. I love the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park partially because it is super dog-friendly.I thought a walk would chill the pups, Moki, Kachina, and Sazi out for the long drive ahead. So, we took a short hike from Kachina Point.

Once back in the car, it was time to head south toward Globe. I perhaps I should add that I forgot my Waterpik tips and jeans, so maybe the big stop of the day was at Walmart in Show Low. By then, we had climbed from grassland to pine. After the big shopping event, we headed south through the Salt River Canyon. Now, if you like switchbacks, this is a great route to choose. The canyon reminds me of some of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

From there, we continued south to Globe. It is always awe-inspiring to see the Mogollon Rim. The desert looks like a mirage in the distance. I know the saguaro cacti are close.