This Meteor Crater was just a couple of miles off the road east of Flagstaff so we went to check it out. They say it is the world’s best preserved meteorite impact site.  It crashed to Earth 50,000 years ago and is quite a sight to see.  They did a very good job with the related displays in the visitor’s center.

We passed through Winslow, AZ for the requisite “flat bed Ford” photo op.

Then we spent the night in Holbrook, AZ  and drove the pleasant 28 mile road through  the Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. The park had some big old chunks of fallen trees in wide open fields (not much of a forest) and maybe the Painted Desert is more impressive in other daylight conditions. But neither was much to write home about.

Soon we entered New Mexico and when we rode our tandem here we completed the goal we set when we retired in 2011 of riding our bike in every state.  Now we have ridden in all the lower 48 and Alaska was a bonus.  Riding in Hawaii remains to be seen.

We spent several days in Santa Fe visiting my Sarasota pottery friend who moved here a few months ago, my next-door neighbor from my childhood and my two high school friends.  Everyone was so gracious driving us from our campground to many sights and great restaurants throughout the city.

We had an outstanding time at Meow Wolf, a very clever and fun interactive art experience built in an old bowling alley.  Each room had so much stuff to see, climb and crawl through.  Hard to describe but if you ever have the chance to go we highly recommend it.  

Downtown we visited the Georgia O’Keeffe museum and I liked taking pictures of the art in town.

As we continued our direction eastward we came to Austin, TX to visit our niece and her family.  They are such gracious hosts and so loving and welcoming.  As Hurricane Ian is now threatening our west coast of Florida (and home) they are encouraging us to stay for several more days to keep safe and off the roads.  

Yesterday we all enjoyed a game of disc golf and last night they hosted 18 people for a wonderful Rosh Hashonah dinner.