Return to Sagebrush Country
24 November 2016 | Homolovi State Park, Winslow, AZ
Cold, windy, clear
Looking out past the picture window, the landscape is anything but barren. Sagebrush, desert grasses, and creosote bushes carpet the low hills and valleys. Red sandstone rocks litter the open spaces, as jackrabbits and chipmunks dart about, searching for a tender morsel. The wind rustles our sun awning, bringing animated movement to our Kokopelli wind chimes and spinning mobiles. The sky is overcast as a front moves in, all but erasing the memory of the clear skies and brilliant supermoon of the past two nights. The humidity is low, so low that we can feel it in our skin and sinuses. Cracked lips, split fingertips, alligator skin...all tell the symptoms of dehydration. But we endure because this is the Southwest, and we will be here for the next few months.
Having left Chicago the day after Halloween, we proceeded south through Illinois and into Missouri. Crossing the Mississippi River at St. Louis was notable, as we were closing a loop of sorts. We passed this way a little over a year ago as we were heading toward Alabama and eight months on the water. Campgrounds became a little more folksy, with narrow dirt drives, ramshackle bath houses, and humorous artwork on the subject of hunting and fishing. Approaching Branson, MO, we were skeptical of what we might find, considering the reviews and opinions that we had read. The campground there fit the bill, with sites packed closely together on the top of a mountain ridge. But once settled, it proved to be comfortable. The $1 washing machines were nice too. And Branson, dubbed as the "Redneck Las Vegas", actually turned out to be quite charming. It houses 50 or so "celebrity" theaters, those celebrities being well past their prime. One might call it their last engagement. We had never heard of some of the acts, but they are famous in Branson, Missouri. The Duttons? The Baldknobbers? But, we were kept amused for three days as we travelled on the excursion train, rode a zip line across Taneycomo Lake, which was more of a skinny river, and drove through the Trail of Lights at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater. And Friday night, we put on our cowboy boots and jeans, and went to see The Charlie Daniels Band in concert. There is a lot to do in Branson, but we're just glad it wasn't summertime.
Next was a beautiful drive through the Ozarks, as we followed winding mountain roads into Arkansas and Oklahoma. Staying at Natural Falls, in eastern Oklahoma, afforded us a chance to hike down to the springs flowing out of the rocks and into a beautiful reflecting pool at the bottom. In Tulsa, we met up with Keith's old Navy buddy, Sarge and his wife, Terry, for a few beers and barbeque. It was a great time, hashing on old experiences, old acquaintances, and though it was the day after Election Day, we avoided any talk of politics. Keystone Lake had a nice campground, and there was absolutely no one else there, making things very quiet, and no campfire smoke to choke us.
The trip seemed to speed up and the miles melted by as we bypassed a planned stop in western Oklahoma and went straight to Palo Duro, Texas. The red rock canyons were gorgeous as we setup camp, anticipating some great hiking the next day. But that was not to be, when we learned the following morning that the entire park was reserved and that we had to leave. Disappointed, we consoled ourselves in Amarillo, at the Big Texan Steak House, home of the free 72oz steak (if you can eat it in 1 hour). We opted for the lunch ribeye, which was delicious. The Freightliner shop across the street changed our fuel filter for us, cheaply, and we were on our way to Santa Rosa Lake SP in New Mexico. We had some great hiking along the shoreline trails, and the views were beautiful, and the nights were cold. Red Rock Park was next, but unfortunately, that was somewhat of a dump, so we stayed only one night, which brings us now to Homolavi Ruins State Park, near Winslow, AZ. We visited some Anasazi pueblo ruins yesterday, went to the Meteor Crater, and visited Winslow, where we were sure to be "standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona, with such a fine sight to see". There was, indeed a flatbed Ford (and a girl, my Lord).
It is cooler today, and the winds have picked up. The wind chimes are banging out a cacophany, and the wind sock is standing at full salute. Guiness is perched on the dashboard, watching the chipmunks outside, whining loudly each time she sees one of her "friends". We will visit another set of ruins today, and then take a 70 mile drive to Show Low, AZ to see another of Keith's Navy buddies. After that, on to Grand Canyon for a four-night engagement, then SoCal to see the kids. The adventure continues!