To Albuquerque on the Mother Road

Wednesday morning dawned, and I was curious to see who our new neighbors were who arrived while we were out exploring Flagstaff.  The coach was our brand, and on closer inspection, had Oregon plates.  Could it be one of our friends who is to meet us in Albuquerque?  Sure enough, it was!
What are the odds?  We left about 10 days ago, they left 4 days ago and  went in a different direction, and ended up in the same park, right in front of us!  So we laughed and chatted a bit, then both made ready to set out for our next destination, about 5 hours away.
 

US 40 is the highway that borders, and in many places usurps, old route 66, and I soon start seeing familiar signs.  Twin Arrows!  I exclaim, as the town sign appears, and then two giant arrows appear sticking out of the ground.  We have seen those a few times, says Clem.  And I love them every time!
Twin Arrows, Two Guns, Holbrook, Winslow....as in ''standin ' on the corner.."  Nostalgia, Americana, schmaltz, kitsch.....I love it all!  Great historical significance abounds as well, as the road not only connected the country for the first time, but also allowed the trek of some 200,000 people to California during the Dust Bowl.  We have traveled along the old road, and stopped in the small towns and museums on previous trips, so we enjoy the sights we can see from the highway, and make our way to the next park.
                                             

Photos taken on previous trips

A few detours from the road will have to wait for another trip, as time does not allow, and they are National Monuments, so will not be accessible at this time anyway! How disappointed many people are, to have come to this area to visit the parks, and have them be closed.  Bad enough for Americans, but how about the busloads that we encounter from Europe and Asia?

We arrived mid afternoon,  reconnected with our friends, and met another couple, who had come by yet another route,  comparing notes of our adventures over cocktail hour.  Two other couples are due in tomorrow, and then we all caravan into the Balloon Field on Friday for the big event!  Weather reports tonight are for the mild weather ending and winds moving in, and we are crossing our fingers that it does not affect the launches!