Petrified Forest National Park

While parked  at Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff, we made a day trip to the Petrified Forest.  Glenn had always wanted to visit.  We had a great day.

A short distance out of Flagstaff, we also wanted to visit Walnut Canyon National Monument.  What a neat surprise.  This place has cliff dwelling ruins very visible from the visitors center.  The also have hiking trails in the canyon.  We weren't prepared to walk a long distance but we did venture down the trail a little ways.  I took a few pictures of the ruins and canyon. 

At viewing this ancient Indian dwelling, I saw a cat like animal (we decided it was a mountain lion) meander into the middle opening.  Shortly after the mountain lion went in, I saw a smaller round furry animal come out of the dwelling. I guess he decided the mountain lion could have the whole space.  Lol. 

I told the rangers what I saw.  They were excited and set up a video camera to catch a video of the inhabitants.  Glenn had the camera but not the long lens, so no picture, but it was rather exciting.  

After that short visit, we traveled a little bit on old Route 66.  

We arrived at the Petrified Forest right before it started to rain. But, the rain just made the petrified wood glisten and the colors pop.

You are allowed to walk along the trails, but don't you dare pick up any fragments.  In fact, at the entrance gate, you are asked if you have any rocks.  We did have a rock Glenn found in a RV parking lot that looked interesting.  The ranger couldn't decide if it was petrified wood or not, so we had to check at the visitor/museum for clarification.  It wasn't.....they didn't think.

The rangers likes it when it rains because it washes more of the buried trees and fossils.  For the most part, the trees are left where there become exposed. 

Agate Bridge. In 1911, people would stand on the log.  It was supported in long time pass, 

but today it would just be left to erode over time. 

   Tepees

At the end of the road, an old Studebaker guards Route 66 in remembrance of days gone by. 

It was getting dark by the time we started back to Flagstaff, but Glenn made a short detour to view the famous "Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona".  Made famous by the old Eagles song,

 "Take It Easy"