El Morro National Monument

Thursday, November 9th

Left Larry and Leslies, I 17 south to Camp Verde (left around 10am). Headed east on 260 through a bunch of little towns. Then cut north on 61 over little Colorado river and continued east. Hwy renamed 53 when in New Mexico. Was going to go to blue water state park but decided to go to El Morro National monument. Small campground, almost full. We were authorized by rangers to stay handicap site which I kind of am still handicapped. Dinner was bruschetta and green beans. Early bed. COLD.

El Morro Sign
El Morro, Patty On Her Crutches

 

Friday November 10th

Woke up at the national monument. Banana breakfast then off to the monument. I did the ½ mile walk to the pool at the base of the rock and we saw the inscription rock. Did it all on crutches. Armpits got sore. Then headed east on 53 to I-40.  Exited off this on Coors rd and went north to stop at Triple AAA office. Joined via the app and picked up maps. Discovered no more campgrounds in guides, bought two woodalls which are worthless so a bummer. Back on to I-25 north, through Sante Fe then took High Scenic HWY to Taos which meant…285 to 503 to 76 and then a tiny bit on 75 then north on 518. Getting late so we stopped in Carson National forest and pulled off Picuris road to camp

From Website a scenic loop: Please allow some extra time to enjoy this unique scenic byway and its tiny villages along the way. Route: From Taos Plaza, Hwy. 68 south to Ranchos de Taos; Hwy. 518 east; Hwy. 75 west to PeñascoHwy. 76 south to Trampas,  TruchasCordova and ChimayóHwy. 68 south to Santa FeHwy. 68 north to Española and Taos.  

Big Bend National Recreation area, Laughlin , Kingman Camp Beale Loop

November 7th, Tuesday

We left Big Bend National Recreation area, went through Laughlin and near Kingman we hiked the Camp Beale Loop. 3.2 miles, counter clockwise.  Rough on dog paws (prickers) but nice easy walk, some nice views.

Camp Beal Loop Trail
Camp Beal Loop Trail

Drove east on 40 taking a little detour to Peach Springs (Hualapai indian reservation) and got some gas and coffees. Looks like some roads would go north to the south rim but its on the reservation so would need to investigate if this can be done.  We were on route 66 doing this detour. Back to I-40, stopped in Williams at Safeway and got Bailey’s then south on 17 from Flagstaff to Rimrock (Larry and Leslie’s)

Shortly after arrived Holly and Cody were playing and they ran right into my left leg. Took me down and sprained my knee bad. Very bad, cannot walk, they had crutches which I have used since. I am afraid they may have ruptured cruciate and that I won’t be able to walk for awhile. Screwed… as no hiking for weeks and painful and can’t do anything.

Thant night we went out to a friend of theirs Italian restaurant YUM. Forgot the name 🙁