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As we said farewell to Deming, New Mexico we added it to the places that we would not hurry back to. We decided to have a day off the Interstate freeways and picked our route to go north through the Silver City, Eager, Holbrook and eventually to Flagstaff for the next two nights.
The roads were straight and long as usual and we had 600 km to go to our destination. The scenery today was spectacular with rocky mountains on either side of the road with the occasional forest of pine trees.
Instead of stopping for lunch in a big town, we chose Alpine, not far across the Arizona border. We stopped out the front of the Bear Wallow Cafe only to be greeted by a wood carving of a big bear holding a rifle right beside the flags which were still flying at half mast after the Las Vegas massacre. This was a real Ma and Pa cafe. Great food and friendly people. Greg asked a man who was eating pie how it was, and on his recommendation decided to have blueberry pie and ice-cream for lunch. The man wanted to know if we were REALLY from Australia. Kerrie had a Cowboy Burger which was also delicious. The walls of the cafe were decorated with photos of people from the town who served in the US defence forces. The waitress said that two of the men were her sons who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq - needless to say she was happy that they were now home. One of the photos was of Medal of Honor winner Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez - one tough hombre - ask your friend Google about him. Other photos were of the results of the huntin' and fishin' that along with loggin' are the main activities in town. The grocery store across the road sold ice, beer, worms, tackle and ammo - what more could you need? The signs stated firmly that Alpine, Arizona was definitely pro gun. We were glad that we had skipped McDonalds for lunch today that that there was one in town.
We continued until we needed fuel at Holbrook which is one of the towns on the old Route 66. We didn't stop there but continued on Highway 121 which runs along some of what is left of Route 66 until we got to Winslow, Arizona. The only reason we stopped of course was to stand on the corner and take it easy - you know, The Eagles song "Take it Easy". So, we had our photo taken "Standin' on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona" before driving along Route 66 and out of town.
60 miles up the road was Flagstaff where we had decided to stay for 2 nights so we could revisit the Grand Canyon, just because we could! We have been to the Canyon twice before but our reaction on this visit was just the same - it blows your mind! As Greg says - that is one big hole in the ground!
We walked along the South Rim to all the vantage points - Kerrie going over to the edge or fences, Greg staying well back only going close enough to get a photo. After taking way too many photos - just in case you get the perfect one - we got back in the car and headed off on a different route back to Flagstaff. We stopped at Desert View Tower where we got the best view of the Colorado River below.
Back in town we drove through Historical Flagstaff where many buildings promoted the fact that they were on Route 66 which goes straight through the middle of Flagstaff.
Tomorrow (Thursday I think) we head to Las Vegas - are we feeling lucky? Hope so.
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