Meteor Crater, Winslow, Wigwams, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Sunset

Sedona, Arizona

February 3, 2021

Yesterday I made a day trip to the Petrified Forest National Park. I made intermediate stops at Meteor Crater, Winslow, Two Guns, and Holbrook. After spending a few hours driving around the park, I headed back to Sedona and enjoyed an Arizona "big sky" sunset.

Some observations:

1. Meteor Crater -- glad I dropped $20 on admission but I probably would not do it again. For a private attraction, they have quite a nice facility.

2. Winslow - had as much fun the second time as the first time. It is fun to watch everyone taking photos at the corner. Everyone is in a good mood -- even the kids that are dragged there by their parents

3. Two Guns is a ghost town along I40/US180. And by that In mean that all that is there is an abandoned gas station. But it has its own exit which says something I guess. Tempted not to include it because anyone who has driven I40 in Arizona will have seen the sign but what the heck. Another interesting name to go with the others I have seen,

4. Holbrook - interestingly Holbrook was mentioned in a WSJ travel article yesterday (thanks, Coach Harris). The wigwam hotel is a big draw for photographers and there was a picture of it in the article. I did my best to recreate the photo.

5. Petrified Forest - it really is the some petrified logs on the ground in combination with the Painted Desert. The park is located some 20 miles from Holbrook. There were some places for hiking but my time was short so I basically drove the 25 mile long road into the park and then back. Along the way I, surprisingly, took photos. I was disappointed as it was mostly cloudy day but I did my best to work with the light that Nature gave me. Like Meteor Crater, I am glad I visited the park but would not go out of my way (which you have to) to visit it again. I need to do some reading on how the wood was petrified. Subject for another post.

Now the photos:

Confirming you remember what I look like.

Tourist site that is closed. Sad. Reminded me of "South Of The Border" in a way. Meant for a time when a road trip was a journey, not a destination.

I'm not sure of the name of this mountain. It is just north of Flagstaff. I love the way the clouds were hanging around it. You can see this mountain for tens of miles on I40/US180.

Entrance to Winslow. Wouldn't you think the signs would say something about taking it easy?? And "most days?" Let's raise the bar some, folks!

Duh?

Spello.

Wow. Haven't seen the standard Texaco station design in awhile. Time seems to have stopped in Winslow.

I was tempted but did not add a "Going To Paris" sticker to the flatbed Ford.

How long will this sign stay up?

I still like taking my road photos.

"If you're going through hell, keep on going." Churchill

Painted Desert.

Petrified wood.

Not petrified wood.

Holbrook, Arizona. I failed to get a photo of the statue at the entrance to town of a person climbing a petrified tree.

At the Wigwam.

Back on the road. Sunset is coming.