The day started with having to say so long to some new friends, GMCers Blanca & Hal. They joined us for a couple of days and we have certainly enjoyed their company. Alas, they are headed back home with their coach and we may hopefully cross paths again!



First up, we thought we should drive over a bridge that was listed on the map of Route 66. We have seen some very lovely structures so far, so why not one more? Seems the navigator (me) didn't quite read enough info about this bridge - the road it is on, is not paved! OOPS! Only 3 coaches stuck with the route and we got to the bridge. What we (me) also didn't know was that the bridge had a load limit of 3 tonnes or 6,000 lbs. Hmmm - blonde math says we can't possibly go over the bridge. Oh well, we can turnaround, NOT! John says "we're going". Wha-a-a-t? And away we went - I think I held my breath all the way. Then we look back to see how Donald & Glenn are doing... Donald has stopped his coach on the bridge to take a photo!!!



We made it through and rejoined the other coaches. Next stop, the Painted Desert & the Petrified Forest!



We arrived at a viewing area - what a view!! Leaves you speechless....



Just for prespective.... there was a teenager who decided to go for a hike....



The road takes you down into the Petrified Forest. When you think of forest, you think of Stanley Park in Vancouver.... or something similar. Here the forest was standing many centuries ago and not in the area. Word is that the trees fell into the river and were washed downstream, were coated with silica and then preserved or petrified. What looks like rocks in the photo are actually pieces of petrified wood.



Lunchtime brings another opportunity for a photo op that we just can't pass up! And aren't we getting good at parking - just so - for the best possible shot.



The coaches - from left to right - Deb & John, Judy & Jim, Darlene & Glenn, and Billie & Donald.

But wait!~ There's more to this day! We are headed to Flagstaff, Arizona and have to drive through.... Winslow, Arizona! And we have to stand on the corner...



... there's a girl my lord in a white GMC, slowin down to take a look at me...



Yes, we all had to do the touristy things...



On we go to Flagstaff!