Dear Maia, Isaac and Virtual Wanderers,

Today, I woke up not knowing my car breakdown would turn out. So, I had a beautiful, visual migraine that was my scenic adventure this AM.

The folks at Rimrock Hotel in Naturita let us stay until 2 PM, which is when our roadside mechanic showed up. Perfect.

Mini Pearl had a minor issue that was causing a possible dangerous situation before she died. I’m no mechanic, especially with the danger component. It took about an hour to get on the road with the repair. Then, a couple hours to home. The mechanic followed us 80 miles home. No photos today except of the dogs chilling out in the hotel room.

Here are the trip stats:

9 fill-ups (same # as October- March)

1,942 miles/46 gallons 

42.2 MPG

Gas $150

Lodging – with dog fees guessing ~$1,400 (dog fees and deposits are so confusing)

Food/supplies ~$400

Total cost ~ $170/day

Highest elevation (hotel), Grants, NM – 6,454

Lowest elevation, Tucson, AZ – 2,643

National Monuments – 4, National Parks – 1, State Parks – 1, Other historical sites 4.

Favorite hotel: Tucson, Window Rock or Naturita 

Least favorite hotel: Cortez (hands down)

Funkiest hotel: Globe and Superior, AZ – old copper mining hotels.

Favorite hike: Catalina State Park and Blue Mesa at Petrified Forest

Biggest regret: missing my opportunity for an authentic Navajo Taco and not being a mechanic

That brings me to the end of meaningful thought about this trip. I need to sleep. It’s going to take a bit to get back into routine. Beyond that, I want to lose weight. All the mirrors in hotels are good motivation.

Thanks for joining us.

Love ya’ll, Cathy Hartt