We had really enjoyed our tour of Mystery and Monument Valley. After returning to the hotel we went back to the gift shop and then went for a walk around the hotel a bit.
There were some really great views from the patio of the closed (because of Covid) restaurant.
Man, it was pretty……
I noticed a sign and well, wouldn't you know it…..
Not wanting to drive, we just had packaged food for dinner.
And of course we awoke very early for the "show"…….
Man, this never gets old…..
We had some nuts and bars for breakfast before heading out. Our next stop was Sedona; but instead of heading South, I headed Northeast on the 163. Why? Well, this was going to be my "fun day". There were a couple of novel, perhaps obscure, and just plain fun stops. A couple of miles south of Mexican Hat is this little stop.
Beautiful scenery isn't it? But I had a reason for stopping here. This is Forrest Gump Point. Recognize it from the movie? This is where Forrest Gump, after 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours decided it was time to stop running.
Heck, I just "needed" to stop here……
Cue up Running on Empty by Jackson Browne!
It's a pretty popular stop.
After a couple of photos we turned around and headed back to Kayenta for one more stop….this time at the Burger King. No, it wasn't to eat, though I did get a Diet Coke. This Burger King was established in 1986 by Richard Mike, whose father was a Navajo Code Talker in World War II. This BK features a Navajo Code Talker Exhibit.
An important part of our history that wasn't even revealed until 1968!
If you're ever in the area please stop by.
Burger King
Highway 160
Kayenta, AZ 86033
From here I headed down the 160 to the 89. Driving thru Flagstaff I went East on I-40. Not the way to Sedona you say? Well, you'd be right. There were a couple of places I had on my "list" and thought this short detour would be fun.
The first I'd read about and thought that perhaps it might be a tourist trap of sorts.
I think folks often mistake this for a state or national type. Depending on your interests, you may or may not enjoy it here. And it's $25 a pop for admission.
There's some nice displays, a movie, and also a 40 minute rim tour if you're so inclined.
For us…well, it was about the giant crater……
A big hole in the ground. More about the crater here.
Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
Interstate 40 Exit 233
Winslow, AZ 86047
Now the next stop got me quite excited. Depending on your age….well, I'm in the demographic that remembers a certain song. And of course that line:
"Well, I'm a-standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord
In a flat-bed Ford
Slowin' down to take a look at me"
Speaking of Jackson Browne and all that.
So our next stop?
Yep, we drove into Winslow, Arizona, parked and strolled to Standin' on the Corner Park. And it was indeed a fine sight to see….heck there was even a mural of a girl in a Flat Bed Ford!
And a Flat Bed Ford parked at the corner as well.
Yes, it's corny, cheesy, cliché, but if you're of a certain age, you'll remember that. And I'm of that age and even the Missus enjoyed this stop.
We saw folks taking photos and selfies. I even went and took a photo of this woman and her pooch….on the corner….in Winslow, Arizona. A fine sight indeed.
Unlike most of the other folks; who just got back into their vehicle after taking their photo, we strolled around town a bit; after all, this is part of historic Route 66.
There was a place I'd read about in Winslow; a hotel that was once a prize jewel and destination during the golden age of train travel, when Fred Harvey and the architect Mary Colter, whom I've mentioned before built a hotel named La Posada which has been restored to it's former grandeur.
We walked on over, strolled around a bit and decided to have lunch in the hotel's restaurant, the Turquoise Room.
It's a beautiful space.
We were quickly seated, the folks working were warm, friendly, and still very professional.
We placed our order and soon some complimentary cornbread arrived.
I ordered the Arizona Grown Vegas Salad Bowl….yes, you read that right. All that National Park Food and "stuffs" had me craving veggies…….yes, it doesn't happen often….
Lovely quinoa (when do you recall me typing that out before?), corn, crisp kale, refreshing jicama…..this really hit the spot.
The Missus really got a winner with the Lamb Posole.
Man, this was so good! Just gamy enough, wonderful lamb flavors; the hominy was cooked perfectly, a hint of spice, a wonderful comforting dish!
One of our favorite meals of the trip. If we're ever back in the area, we'll definitely return here.
Who knew…Winslow….
Turquoise Room (in the La Posada Hotel)
303 E 2nd St.
Winslow, AZ 86047
It was just enough food for lunch.
As we headed out of town, the Missus started up Spotify……and you knew which song She started with, right?
All together now:
"Well, I'm a-running down the road
Tryin' to loosen my load……"
Take it easy everyone!
that crater! wow!
You viewed some fine sights.
It was huge Kat!
We had a fun time Soo!
Monument valley is always my favorite in the US. Meteor crater is pretty high up on the list also!
Lamb posole sounds absolutely amazing…
Monument Valley is beautiful Dereck! And we really enjoyed our meal at the Turquoise Room, we’ll be back if we’re in the area again.