We left the Sleep Inn Lucky Lane, Flagstaff, and were on our way to the Petrified Forest. Decades ago, my grandparents brought a piece of petrified wood back from their cross-country vacation and gave it to my parents. It was colorful, shiny, and hard as a rock. I never understood how wood could turn to sto
ne. Now that I have visited the National Park in Arizona, I understand a little 
better. I think. Once upon a time there was a flood, but not the one with the Ark. Lots of trees were uprooted and washed downstream and landed in the Petrified Forest National Park. Over eons, alkali got into the cracks, holes, and weak spots of these underwater trees, and solidified them into priceless works of art. It is tempting, while walking along the marked trails of the park, to bend and pick up a little piece of petrified wood to keep as a souvenir. Resist the temptation or you could soon find yourself in handcuffs having a free ride to the Sheriff's office (not necessarily the one with the
Saguaro cactus). The Rangers protect the precious petrified wood, and even put out a green form for visitors to complete if they see anyone taking the wood. Bonnie took one of the forms in case we encountered anyone showing criminal tendencies along the rest of our vacation. We traveled the 28 miles through the park, as well as the 3.5 mile loop at Blue Mesa, and stumbled into a dark theatre at the visitor center while the "Timeless Impressions" video was being shown. We got to see most of it without disturbing too many other visitors. Those that want to bring home a legal piece of petrified wood can buy it at shops or the Visitor Center. When you drive out of the Park, the Ranger stops all cars and asks if anyone has taken anything from it. Donald told the man that they picked up a couple of women in the park, indicating Bonnie and me. The nonstop comedy of it all.
ne. Now that I have visited the National Park in Arizona, I understand a little 
better. I think. Once upon a time there was a flood, but not the one with the Ark. Lots of trees were uprooted and washed downstream and landed in the Petrified Forest National Park. Over eons, alkali got into the cracks, holes, and weak spots of these underwater trees, and solidified them into priceless works of art. It is tempting, while walking along the marked trails of the park, to bend and pick up a little piece of petrified wood to keep as a souvenir. Resist the temptation or you could soon find yourself in handcuffs having a free ride to the Sheriff's office (not necessarily the one with the
Saguaro cactus). The Rangers protect the precious petrified wood, and even put out a green form for visitors to complete if they see anyone taking the wood. Bonnie took one of the forms in case we encountered anyone showing criminal tendencies along the rest of our vacation. We traveled the 28 miles through the park, as well as the 3.5 mile loop at Blue Mesa, and stumbled into a dark theatre at the visitor center while the "Timeless Impressions" video was being shown. We got to see most of it without disturbing too many other visitors. Those that want to bring home a legal piece of petrified wood can buy it at shops or the Visitor Center. When you drive out of the Park, the Ranger stops all cars and asks if anyone has taken anything from it. Donald told the man that they picked up a couple of women in the park, indicating Bonnie and me. The nonstop comedy of it all.It was 87 delightful degrees, another perfect vacation day, and after seeing our fill of petrification, we decided it was time to have lunch at t
he little diner at the Visitor Center. The menu was basic American fast food fare, and good.
he little diner at the Visitor Center. The menu was basic American fast food fare, and good. The Painted Desert was beautiful and loaded with photo ops. There was even something called Newspaper Rock, which had petroglyphs, carved by Native Americans, which acted as solar calendars. Not having the key to this ancient puzzle, we could not unlock its secrets, but it was fascinating anyway. The striped rocks were very cool also. I was never 
good at Chemistry, and luckily this did not detract from the beauty of the area.
Enough of the desert for us for the day. We were thirsty and hungry and a little tired. We got to Gallup and checked in to the Sleep Inn. There was a 
sign at the hotel, "Welcome Rodeo Riders", and some of us silently wondered if there would be galloping up and down the hallways tonight. We then drove around a bit in Gallup to see what was happening. We found the location of the rodeo, and we saw a pawn shop. Bonnie thought it would be fun to visit it. I don't know about the rest of our party, but this was my first pawn shop. Ten minutes was a long enough visit, and the longhorns wouldn't have looked THAT great on the front of the GM.
Golden Corral, here we come! This was where I saw one of my favorite (missed) photo ops of the trip. The restaurant was filled with rodeo riders, male and female, who were relaxing after a busy day in the saddle. Every one of them was cute, and none of them was over 12. I saw a back view of a pint-sized rodeo hero complete with boots, black hat, and big belt buckle, and he was strutting out of the restaurant toward the family truck. Snapping the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert was one thing, but snapping people we don't know is just plain rude. Rodeo seems to be as big in New Mexico for young kids as soccer is at home.
Once darkness fell and we were at the hotel, we heard some fireworks. Bonnie and Clyde heard a few trains overnight, but nothing like Flagstaff two years ago. We watched a little of the Coke Zero Daytona race, and found out the next morning that Tony Stewart won. Happy Fourth of July!
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