Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

Today we headed east from Flagstaff and drove through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert located about 100 miles east of Flagstaff. We entered the National Park from the south and drive through it to the north. Seeing all the petrified logs all over the place is quite interesting to think that at one time there out on the high plains desert there was once a forest and swamp land area. The painted desert at the North end of the park is very colorful and pretty to observe.
After the park we continued east on I-40. Most of the view from before the Az/NM state line all the way to Albuquerque is very scenic. There are large bluffs of various colors and shapes lining the valley that the road follows. You can imagine about any place you look as a back drop for a scene out of one of the old (or new) western movies.
We are now located in a motel in Albuquerque after driving into the early evening darkness. The plan for tomorrow is to drive 285 miles to Amarillo Tx so it will be an easy day and hope to explore Albuquerque a little before heading east again.
The Garmin log now shows 5289 miles traveled.

A scene at the Painted Desert area in the northern end of the park

A group of petrified logs. Nancy is a little petrified also as it was very very windy while in the high 50's. The wind chill was making it feel cool.