Update from the road:
Currently we are driving in a torrential snow storm along I-40 in Arizona. We left Las Vegas yesterday and along with it 80 degree temps and sunshine. The big adventure on day 6 was spending time on the Hoover Dam. It was my first time ever seeing it and we were fortunate enough to watch construction of the absolutely massive Hoover Dam bypass bridge which will cross the Colorado River from the top of the canyon. On a side note, I won $15 with just 2 quarters in the slot machine. The only reason we were even in a casino was for the all you can eat buffet, but I figured I had a couple quarters so what the hell. Speaking of the buffet, we arrived 12 minutes before they closed until dinner so I had to make sure I got my money's worth in a short period of time. Lets just say I left a few pounds heavier.
Today we were surprised to find that there are a few cool things to do along I-40. Rebecca and I explored Petrified Forest National Park near Holbrook, AZ. It was actually quite interesting and unbelievably beautiful. They call the area its in the Painted Desert and its clear how it got that name. The hills are many different shades of red, yellow, and orange and you see probably 100 miles in each direction. Unfortunately the weather closed in on us again and we reminded that the desert can be a windy and cold place. We braved the 40-50 mph winds blasting sand and pebbles in our faces to explore the native ruins and overlooks of the park. We lasted until the snow started to come down with serious force.
While I started writing this we stopped at a local Navajo trading post and picked up some nice souvenirs from a striking man named Cody Yellowhorse. Tonight we hope to stay at a classic and cheap motel on route 66 which parallels I-40 (the interstate that killed the old highway).
We'll get some pictures up when we can, hopefully tonight.
Snowy thoughts,
Ben
