Land of Enchantment

 New Mexico by Johnny Cash

Tuesday- April 8

Today we are heading North East to Gallup, NM. A dry 4+ hour drive with over an hour road construction delays.

Most homes in the Pueblo community, no mater how modest had Navajo kivas. They are round ceremonial buildings used for meetings and spiritual ceremonies.  We noticed these as we were doing a side trip to Window Rock and the Code Talkers statue. 

Window Rock was important in the creation story of the Navajo, who have an amazing history. Part of their more recent history that is also amazing is that when the Japanese were so good at breaking codes in World War II, the US got the idea of using the Navajo language, which was basically unknown outside of the tribe, as code and was considered a “dying language” for code in radio transmissions. It worked and the Navajos that enlisted, known as “The Code Talkers” saved many thousands of lives. 

 Arrived in Gallup at El Rancho located on Route 66 and settled in. We had a great dinner in the hotel bar where rumor had it that John Wayne rode his horse into the bar & ordered a drink for himself and one for the horse. This hotel was once frequented by many famous people and they have hundreds of photos on the walls, many that were autographed. 

We enjoyed good margaritas and wonderful Mexican food. I am so ready for bed tonight. We heard freight trains rolling through town in the distance all night long. 

Route 66

 Song - Route 66 by Nat King Cole

Monday - April 7

                                 Prong Horn Antelope near Chino Valley

Heading back north to Kristy’s this morning to go further North to the town of William’s on Route 66 for some Mexican food for lunch and a good old chin wag. 

            Mr. B got to meet both Paul Bunyan and Zoltar in the same day!

We had a nice visit during lunch and William’s being on old Hwy 66 was interesting. We went to a tasting bar and I had a half flight of whites, Mr. B had a flight of reds and Kristy had a flight of mixed. It was interesting to hear about Arizona wines. 

Then we walked down the historic Main Street and went through several shops. Mr. bought me some Malachite & silver earrings & a silver bracelet. Headed back to Kristy’s in Chino Valley to meet her neighbor, Monica. At first I was the only one on the porch and she ducked her head around the corner asking who I was.  After introductions were made she said “we don’t worry about robbers but we do worry about wanderers”! PS - It’s a Senior Mobile Home Park!!!  Delightful person. So glad Kristy has her for a neighbor & a friend.

 Mr. B and I headed back to Prescott to freshen up and Kristy came about an hour later so we could have dinner together. We had tried out the bar but the music was too loud so we went into the lobby but there was a golf convention there and that was too loud too so we waited for Kristy outside on a bench. When she arrived, we headed into the Peacock Room for dinner. The bar music was just right in there!  Great dinner & visit.