Cross-Country Vacation 2023

Day 44 - Today's plan is to drive 400 miles in 7 hours. After a nice standard breakfast at the Best Western in Barstow, CA we headed towards Flagstaff on Needles Freeway (I-40). We soon turned off the highway at Newberry Springs to fill up with gas, then follow Historic Rte 66 to Ludlow, California. We stopped at the Ludlow Cafe and were the only customers. We enjoyed listening to stories of all the famous people that have stopped by over the years. (Click on any photo to enlarge) From here we followed Rte 66 to Amboy, CA. Mohave Desert view from Rte 66 Rte 66 The drive to Amboy Crater National Natural Landmark was interesting with evidence of lava fields as we approached. We stopped here with an intention of hiking to the crater. This was another special place that deserves its own page . To see more  https://travelingvtjs.blogspot.com/p/amboy-crater-natural-national-landmark.html We wanted to stay on Rte 66 but there was road closed signs so we had to t...

Day 45   - Today's plan is to drive 245 miles in 7.5 hours. This is an exciting day for me because we are visiting Monument Valley. (Click on any photo to enlarge) We started our day in Flagstaff with a delicious breakfast. Again, Tripadvisor and Julie selected a perfect place near to where we stayed Brandy's Restaurant and Bakery .  On this May 31st morning the temperature was 38 degrees. We started out on Rte 66, then took Highway 89, it was a short drive to Elden Pueblo Archeological Site  where we enjoyed meandering through the ruins. Elden Pueblo is a site of the Ancient Sinagua People for around A.D 1070 to 1275. Continuing on Highway 89 to US 160 was a beautiful drive with evergreen trees, valleys and winding roads. These hills reminded me of the Painted Desert. Near intersection of Hwy 89 and US 160 Turning on US 160, then US 163 we found Amigo's Cafe . I was curios to try Navajo Bread, so ordered the Navajo Burger and Julie ordered ...