In short, the weather here has been cold and wet. Since we arrived in Wisconsin, we have had snow, sleet, rain, cold, wind and then more wind and cold. And more rain. And then mud . Mud up to our ankles. One can count on one hand the number of days that we have had sun. It takes only a few fingers to count the number of nice days since we arrived here. Most days have been wet, and windy with highs in the lower 40s. But at least we don't have to deal with tornadoes. We would much rather put up with our weather here than having to suffer through the constant string of tornadoes that are inundating the South.
But we have some good news on the way weather-wise. Thunderstorms on Saturday are the only wet weather fore casted for the next 5 days. Whoohoo! But then the weather man is usually wrong.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Back in DeForest, WI
We arrived back in DeForest on Wednesday, April 13. We left Hollister at about 7:45 AM on Tuesday and drove to South Beloit, IL, a distance of about 560 miles. We stayed the night at a Flying J and then traveled the remaining 65 miles on Wednesday morning. We managed to avoid the Madison morning rush hour traffic which is always a concern even when not towing a trailer. And we avoided the spring storms which roll willy nilly through the midwest this time of year.
Unfortunately, the weather here has not been great. We have had one nice day here since arrival. Temperatures have barely reached 50 and skies have been cloudy. Rain has become frequent and is forcast for most of the next ten days. We had snow showers on Saturday which did not help to cheer us up. Lows have stayed above freezing so far, but it seems that is about to change also. Tomorrow there is a winter storm watch for several counties just to our north. Several inches of snow are expected in the area, but if the weather prognosticators are correct, we should only get rain. However, below freezing temperatures are also possible for us.
We became reacquanted with family. A Thursday night pizza party was followed by a Friday night movie ("Tangled")/popcorn (microwaved) and sleepover. The movie had its scary jaw-dropping parts:
We survived the plot twists.
The morning brought expected guests to a somewhat crowded bed:
Unfortunately, the weather here has not been great. We have had one nice day here since arrival. Temperatures have barely reached 50 and skies have been cloudy. Rain has become frequent and is forcast for most of the next ten days. We had snow showers on Saturday which did not help to cheer us up. Lows have stayed above freezing so far, but it seems that is about to change also. Tomorrow there is a winter storm watch for several counties just to our north. Several inches of snow are expected in the area, but if the weather prognosticators are correct, we should only get rain. However, below freezing temperatures are also possible for us.
We became reacquanted with family. A Thursday night pizza party was followed by a Friday night movie ("Tangled")/popcorn (microwaved) and sleepover. The movie had its scary jaw-dropping parts:
The morning brought expected guests to a somewhat crowded bed:
One overnighter slept in and did not join the communal bed. But video games on a smart phone were de rigor for those who rose early. We felt at home again.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Hollister in the Spring
On Thursday we wanted to leave early and get as many miles behind us as we could before a mid-morning breakfast. However, we met a very nice couple from Ontario at a Love's gas station in Tucamari. They were pulling a 27 foot 1995 Award 727 with a Roadtrek motor home. Well, they had to talk to us , and we had to talk to them about our Awards. They have a very nice set up. They can park their Award and take out the Roadtrek to tour. The Roadtrek is a motor home about the size of a mid-size passenger van. But the best thing about their rig is that the Award is fully solar powered. They spent the winter in the Yuma Arizona area and dry camp. Their solar set up provides for all their needs. As I recall, they had 4 solar panels on the Award and two more stored in boxes to be installed on their Roadtrek. They are using several AGM batteries to store their electricity matched with a pure sine wave inverter to distribute the power. As he is a retired electrical engineer, he knows what he is doing. Very impressive set up and great people too.
Once on the road we drove from Tucumari to Joplin, Missouri. We dealt with high winds and very dry conditions most of the way. Fire warnings were posted along I40 and I44 due to the conditions. We passed through Amarillo, Oklahoma City and Tulsa but did not see green grass until we reached the far eastern portion of Oklahoma.
Missouri is quite green this time of year. Spring has most definitely sprung. We arrived in the campground (Turkey Creek in Hollister) on Friday morning and were welcomed with a green lawn highlighted with yellow dandelions and trees enrobed in red and pink blooms. It was quite a sight especially coming from arid lands of dust and low brown grass. However, all good things have a dark side. We were also welcomed with highs in the upper 80s and high humidity as well. And a thunder shower sailed by us at about 4:00 AM Saturday morning. Overnight lows sunk way down into the mid sixties. Welcome back to the mid west.
Today we have had more of the same. We tested our air conditioner (the test had nothing to do with the hot, humid weather). Though it has been idle since last August, it tested out perfectly. Cool air came from where cool air should come from. The test had such good results we accidentally let it run all day. Not sure how that happened.
We expect to be here only a few days, and then we will make a run back to the Madison area between the fore casted rain storms sometime next week.
Once on the road we drove from Tucumari to Joplin, Missouri. We dealt with high winds and very dry conditions most of the way. Fire warnings were posted along I40 and I44 due to the conditions. We passed through Amarillo, Oklahoma City and Tulsa but did not see green grass until we reached the far eastern portion of Oklahoma.
Missouri is quite green this time of year. Spring has most definitely sprung. We arrived in the campground (Turkey Creek in Hollister) on Friday morning and were welcomed with a green lawn highlighted with yellow dandelions and trees enrobed in red and pink blooms. It was quite a sight especially coming from arid lands of dust and low brown grass. However, all good things have a dark side. We were also welcomed with highs in the upper 80s and high humidity as well. And a thunder shower sailed by us at about 4:00 AM Saturday morning. Overnight lows sunk way down into the mid sixties. Welcome back to the mid west.
Today we have had more of the same. We tested our air conditioner (the test had nothing to do with the hot, humid weather). Though it has been idle since last August, it tested out perfectly. Cool air came from where cool air should come from. The test had such good results we accidentally let it run all day. Not sure how that happened.
We expect to be here only a few days, and then we will make a run back to the Madison area between the fore casted rain storms sometime next week.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tucumcari, New Mexico
We left Holbrook Arizona this morning at about 7 AM and travelled 410 miles east to Tucumcari, New Mexico. The trip was on I40 all the way. Once we got into New Mexico the terrain become quite scenic. We stopped at a Welcome Center and were greeted with free coffee. It was better coffee than many restaurants we have been to. Once we reached Albuquerque, the scenery changed to a lot of high dry grasslands. The wind also increased causing us to slow down. The dryness combined with the 25 to 35 mph winds has resulted in a high fire danger throughout this entire area .
Weare staying at a KOA for the night. The internet service here is poor (only 1X), but I can manage . I am using my Droid to write this blog entry .
We will be on our way early tomorrow hopefully ending up at Kerryville Oklahoma. We expect to be in Hollister Missouri on Friday . We will hole up there until the weather in Madison looks decent for our return .
Weare staying at a KOA for the night. The internet service here is poor (only 1X), but I can manage . I am using my Droid to write this blog entry .
We will be on our way early tomorrow hopefully ending up at Kerryville Oklahoma. We expect to be in Hollister Missouri on Friday . We will hole up there until the weather in Madison looks decent for our return .
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Petrified Forest National Park
The Petrified Forest National Park stretches over 93,000 acres and was first established as a National Mmonument by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. It obtained National Park status in 1962. Here is a shot overlooking the Rainbow Forest Museum at the south end of the park:
A petrified log sits in the center of the photo. No, the person in the hat is not petrified yet!
During the late Triassic Period 200 million years ago, what is now the National Park lay at the equator on the super continent known as Pangaea. Unlike the high dry grassland it is now, it was once a lush floodplain with numerous rivers and giant coniferous trees. Varied other plant life and animals including dinosaurs lived here. After dying or otherwise falling to the ground, many of the trees were buried by volcanic ash, mud and silt before they could decompose. This sediment layer cut off contact with oxygen to some of the logs which slowed their decay. A petrification process ensued which replaced the wood tissue with silica deposits. Eventually the silica crystallized into quartz preserving the logs as petrified wood:
Though the above log on the Giant Logs Trail looks like wood, it contains none at all. Here is another log termed "Old Faithful" on the same trail:
Most of the sites which are easily accessible to the public lie along the 28 mile park road which bisects the park north to south. The panaramas the road provides are awe inspiring as documented before in the Painted Deseert blog. There are many other unique sites in the park. Here is a formation named "The Tepees:"
The layered blues, purples and grays of these cone-shaped formations are created by carbon, manganese and other minerals.
Through the centuries man has also inhabited this area. About 1250 AD an approximate 100 room pueblo is thought to have housed nearly 1200 people. This Puerco Pueblo is a large archeological site which has only been partially excavated,
A petrified log sits in the center of the photo. No, the person in the hat is not petrified yet!
During the late Triassic Period 200 million years ago, what is now the National Park lay at the equator on the super continent known as Pangaea. Unlike the high dry grassland it is now, it was once a lush floodplain with numerous rivers and giant coniferous trees. Varied other plant life and animals including dinosaurs lived here. After dying or otherwise falling to the ground, many of the trees were buried by volcanic ash, mud and silt before they could decompose. This sediment layer cut off contact with oxygen to some of the logs which slowed their decay. A petrification process ensued which replaced the wood tissue with silica deposits. Eventually the silica crystallized into quartz preserving the logs as petrified wood:
Though the above log on the Giant Logs Trail looks like wood, it contains none at all. Here is another log termed "Old Faithful" on the same trail:
These logs of almost solid quartz weigh about 168 pounds per cubic foot. Petrified wood is very hard but also brittle. They can only be cut with a diamond tipped saw. Here is another view from the trail. Notice that "Old Faithful" is in the upper center of the photograph:
Here is another example of the petrified forest:
And one more example of a cross section of petrified tree glistening in tthe sunlight:
Since the Triassic Period, the super continent split up into our current continents and the region was uplifted by natural forces to the high desert we know today. Erosion has since uncovered these fallen forests. Petrified wood is not unique to this area of Arizona. It can be found in all 50 states and many countries throughout the world. This area is unique, however, because of the vast quantity of petrified logs present in one area.
Most of the sites which are easily accessible to the public lie along the 28 mile park road which bisects the park north to south. The panaramas the road provides are awe inspiring as documented before in the Painted Deseert blog. There are many other unique sites in the park. Here is a formation named "The Tepees:"
The layered blues, purples and grays of these cone-shaped formations are created by carbon, manganese and other minerals.
Through the centuries man has also inhabited this area. About 1250 AD an approximate 100 room pueblo is thought to have housed nearly 1200 people. This Puerco Pueblo is a large archeological site which has only been partially excavated,
The native people left many petroglyphs throughout the park at this pueblo site and at nearby "Newspaer Rock:"
Another very scenic area of the park is known as Blue Mesa. The mudstone and bentonite clay formations show the effect of erosion on these badland hills.
The clay minerals in the bentonite can absorb water to as much as seven times their dry volume. The contraction and expansion of the surface creates a crusty and cracked surface that resembles elephant skin.
This park is one of those places that begs for a return trip. Hopefully, someday we will oblige.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Route 66
Route 66 is the 2400 mile "Mother Road" that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and was one of the original US highways. Established in 1926, it was the major road west and supported the numerous tourist communities along its path. It ran through Holbrook as well what is now the Petrified Forest National Park. Here was a favorite spot in Holbrook for weary travellers and which is still in business today:
Yes, you CAN rent a wigwam for the night in downtown Holbrook. Notice the antique vehicles parked on the site for added curb appeal.
Route 66 was replaced in the 1950s and 1960s by the interstate system (I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico). The interstate bypassed many of the old towns which had catered to the needs of the many travelers. In 1985 Route 66 was removed from official US maps as the interstate system made what was left of the old road irrelevant.
Here is what is left of Route 66 in the National Park near Holbrook:
Only old telephone poles survived where once the busy road stood. A rusted out car and a plaque commemorate the once popular road:
There is an old inn in the park near the above photo which was a stopping off point for weary travelers. Located at Kachina Point, the Painted Desert Inn National Hhistoric Landmark is now a museum and bookstore:
Route 66 was popularized in movies, television and song. Remember the old television series "Route 66?" Or the song "(Get Your Kicks On ) Route 66" originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946? Here is the Chuck Berry version for the Pixar-Disney movie "Cars:" click here.
The movie, set in the fictional Radiator Springs, deals with the devastation of small businesses in communities bypassed by I-40. In the movie, the Cozy Cone Motel was based on the Wigwam Motel above. Holbrook, like Radiator Springs, is one of those communities which appear to be hanging onto its existence by a thread.
Route 66 was replaced in the 1950s and 1960s by the interstate system (I-40 in Arizona and New Mexico). The interstate bypassed many of the old towns which had catered to the needs of the many travelers. In 1985 Route 66 was removed from official US maps as the interstate system made what was left of the old road irrelevant.
Here is what is left of Route 66 in the National Park near Holbrook:
Only old telephone poles survived where once the busy road stood. A rusted out car and a plaque commemorate the once popular road:
There is an old inn in the park near the above photo which was a stopping off point for weary travelers. Located at Kachina Point, the Painted Desert Inn National Hhistoric Landmark is now a museum and bookstore:
Route 66 was popularized in movies, television and song. Remember the old television series "Route 66?" Or the song "(Get Your Kicks On ) Route 66" originally recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946? Here is the Chuck Berry version for the Pixar-Disney movie "Cars:" click here.
The movie, set in the fictional Radiator Springs, deals with the devastation of small businesses in communities bypassed by I-40. In the movie, the Cozy Cone Motel was based on the Wigwam Motel above. Holbrook, like Radiator Springs, is one of those communities which appear to be hanging onto its existence by a thread.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Winslow Arizona
Winslow is about 30 miles west of Holbrook. It is a broken-down town on the old Route 66. When we were there, the downtown was littered with trash, broken bottles and old winos. It did not seem to be a place where one would want to be out in the evening. Holbrook seems a safer place. Winslow does, however, have a Super WalMart on the edge of town. But that may have contributed to the downtown's demise.
There is one gift store downtown on the corner of Kinsley Avenue and Second Street catering to Route 66 fans. There was a non stop Eagle's concert playing on a wide screen television inside. Why you ask? Because of the 1973 Eagles' hit "Take it Easy" written by Jackson Browne and Glen Frey:
Watch the Eagles' video of "Take it Easy" here.
There is one gift store downtown on the corner of Kinsley Avenue and Second Street catering to Route 66 fans. There was a non stop Eagle's concert playing on a wide screen television inside. Why you ask? Because of the 1973 Eagles' hit "Take it Easy" written by Jackson Browne and Glen Frey:
- Well, I'm a standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona,
- and such a fine sight to see
- It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford,
- slowin' down to take a look at me
Watch the Eagles' video of "Take it Easy" here.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Painted Desert
At the Painted Desert (part of the Petrified Forest National Park), we were amazed at what we saw. Neither words nor pictures seem adequate to describe this gem.
The Painted Desert lies just west of Holbrook and much of it is within the Navajo Nation. The area was once a low-lying a tropical rain forest but now is a high plateau, arid and with little vegetation. Erosion has created myriad shapes with multi-color layers which are nothing less than spectacular.
On our visit we learned that the variety of colors in the stratified siltstone, shale and mud stone is the result of variations in the mineral content and the rate that the sediment was formed. The reds, oranges and pinks are the result of a slow sediment build up. Compounds of iron and magnesium provide the palette. And the views of this marvelous place just keep on getting better:
Is it any surprise that these colors are those commonly seen in architecture throughout the southwest? Is it any wonder that the Spanish explorers named this place El Desierto Pintado? No surprise, this is quite a colorful wonder.
We hope to be back. No surprise there.
The Painted Desert lies just west of Holbrook and much of it is within the Navajo Nation. The area was once a low-lying a tropical rain forest but now is a high plateau, arid and with little vegetation. Erosion has created myriad shapes with multi-color layers which are nothing less than spectacular.
On our visit we learned that the variety of colors in the stratified siltstone, shale and mud stone is the result of variations in the mineral content and the rate that the sediment was formed. The reds, oranges and pinks are the result of a slow sediment build up. Compounds of iron and magnesium provide the palette. And the views of this marvelous place just keep on getting better:
Is it any surprise that these colors are those commonly seen in architecture throughout the southwest? Is it any wonder that the Spanish explorers named this place El Desierto Pintado? No surprise, this is quite a colorful wonder.
We hope to be back. No surprise there.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Holbrook Arizona
We left Cave Creek and travelled to Holbrook, Arizona, on Thursday morning. Holbrook is about 220 miles northeast of Cave Creek. We travelled I-17 north until hitting I-40 at Flagstaff. Then east on I-40 to Holbrook.
I-17 is a fairly scenic drive rising from 2100 feet at Cave Creek to over 7000 feet near Flagstaff. Some snow was still present along shaded tree lines as we neared Flagstaff. Humphries peak just north of the city was snow covered.
I-40 east of Flagstaff is downhill with a lot of nothing followed by more nothing. Then more nothing after that. The area is a high plateau with very dry low dry grasses. A fire warning is out for the area due to the dryness. Holbrook is at about 5100 feet and lies on the banks of the Little Colorado River. A high risk of fire is also present here. The weather here is much cooler than Cave Creek with highs in the expected in the lower 80s and lows in the mid 30s.
We decided to stay here as the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Parks are nearby as well as other National Monuments. Our plan is to stay a week (KOA has a buy 6 nights and receive the 7th night free policy) and then travel farther east. The park like the area is dry and dusty. The sites sit on a large gravelled lot with a few small trees. Not great, but convenient.
Holbrook is the county seat for Arizona's Navajo County. There doesn't appear to be any industry here except for tourism. It sits on the old Route 66 and has many hotels, restaurants, tourist traps and gas stations. Many of the businesses are closed down. If it was not for the nearby National Parks, this town of 5100 people would probably disappear into the dust.
I-17 is a fairly scenic drive rising from 2100 feet at Cave Creek to over 7000 feet near Flagstaff. Some snow was still present along shaded tree lines as we neared Flagstaff. Humphries peak just north of the city was snow covered.
I-40 east of Flagstaff is downhill with a lot of nothing followed by more nothing. Then more nothing after that. The area is a high plateau with very dry low dry grasses. A fire warning is out for the area due to the dryness. Holbrook is at about 5100 feet and lies on the banks of the Little Colorado River. A high risk of fire is also present here. The weather here is much cooler than Cave Creek with highs in the expected in the lower 80s and lows in the mid 30s.
We decided to stay here as the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Parks are nearby as well as other National Monuments. Our plan is to stay a week (KOA has a buy 6 nights and receive the 7th night free policy) and then travel farther east. The park like the area is dry and dusty. The sites sit on a large gravelled lot with a few small trees. Not great, but convenient.
Holbrook is the county seat for Arizona's Navajo County. There doesn't appear to be any industry here except for tourism. It sits on the old Route 66 and has many hotels, restaurants, tourist traps and gas stations. Many of the businesses are closed down. If it was not for the nearby National Parks, this town of 5100 people would probably disappear into the dust.
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