Dear Isaac, Maia, and Virtual Wanderers

It’s been a whirlwind day. Literally. We hit Petrified Forest during a windstorm about 50% of the time. Today, it was fire weather with 15-30 MPH sustained winds, gusts to 50. It’s been worse – like where the car door won’t open without prying. But, today was enough to be exhausting.

We took US 180 to the south entrance. There was no ranger at the gate – I was told it was due to staffing shortages. I am concerned for our National Parks.

I got snacks and we hiked out to Agate House. Well, the dogs rode, which is a tourist attraction in and of itself. It’s a cool archeology hike – an Ancient Pueblo ruins made of petrified wood. I want a mantle like that wood! It’s a 2 mile round trip and well worth it to see this unique site. Although, more fun without the headwinds.

The next stop was Crystal Forest. This is a short 0.75 mile loop hike that I take for nostalgic reasons. I’m fairly sure this is the hike my folks took me on when I was like 6 or 7 and we did a Route 66 vacation in our Chevy wagon. I took Maizzy here on our early road trips before I discovered Agate House and Blue Mesa. This time, I made the dogs walk.

Then, Blue Mesa. It’s about a mile loop that starts with a fairly steep descent. Then, it’s a gorgeous hike through stunning badlands. It’s a southwest favorite. Today, though, the colors seemed muted due to bright sun and dust. The pups looked like they would have preferred a nap, but they did well enough hiking in the wind.

The last stop was the Route 66 turn-out. This is just for the dog photo op. I took Maizzy’s photo here in 2014. I believe my pups have posed here every year since, except 2019 and 2020. 2019 because I was too sick with norovirus to get out of the car and 2020 due to COVID.

After that, I held my breath and got on east bound I 40 (the NEW Route 66, but way less fun.) . I hate driving in wind with that many semis. But, it’s only 46 miles and went by quickly. We are very close to where we were last weekend. Getting our kicks on Route 66.

We took the exit to BIA 12. We are staying in the Window Rock area tonight. Tomorrow looks cold and windy. And it’s 200 + miles. Hopefully, a short hike at Canyon de Chelly. Then, back to the CO side of the Four-Corners. I’m kind of ready to get home. Road trips are a lot of work.

Love ya’ll, Cathy Hartt

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