Day One, Navajo AZ
After stowing the solar panels and arranging the trailer interior for minimal scrambling of contents, I headed south from Tusayan in order to hit I-40 and pass through Flagstaff on my way east. The two memorable things I encountered were snow capped mountains in the distance and smoke in the air from the nearby forest fire. Predictably, it smelled like a campfire.
This Tractor Supply store reveals the main interests in the area: big water tanks and what looks like portable fencing for livestock.
Once you get east of Flagstaff, the earth is a distinctive red. Further east than that, the terrain is a mix of mesas and featureless expanses that look too dry to do much of anything with. Naturally, there are Hopi and Navajo reservations there.
Except for a lot of time wasted at a T/A Petro truck stop, the day was thankfully uneventful. I must look like either a pro or a nutcase as I get out and methodically feel all eight tires and wheel hubs at every stop. I’m not fondling them – I’m checking temperatures. No need to relive the adventures I had last year.
I arrived safe and sound at the Navajo Travel Center, which is just short of the New Mexico border. Tomorrow’s stop will be at a rest area near Santa Fe.
I’m not even sure what kind of critter this used to be. I’m reminded of the old Jonathan Winters routine called “sailcat”, but I suspect this is/was a former rabbit. Let’s just use it as a reminder of the temporary nature of life. Enjoy it while you’ve got it.
Strolling Amok 