Fall Break - Eight Days in the Dormobile

This year for Grace's fall break from school we decided to go to Chaco Cultural National Historic Park.  James and I have planned at least 4 other trips to Chaco before, but there have always been problems.  Twice it snowed, and the other times it was over 90 degrees.  This year the weather cooperated and we set off on our longest trip yet in the Dormobile.

The first problem with eight days in the Dormobile and going to a place like Chaco is there is no electricity or ice to be found in Chaco.  So, we borrowed a 60 quart Norcold fridge from Jeff Scott, and we are so grateful for the loan.  James gave me the measurements of the fridge, but I didn't really realize how big it really was.  I had to fit the huge fridge plus everything else we need for 8 days into the little Dormobile.  My idea for the trip was to try and have everything we needed with us and not have to rely on finding a grocery store for supplies along the way.  We were going to be mostly on and around the Navajo Reservation, and you never know if you will be able to find what you need.

It was crowded, but we made it work.

This summer James had mostly installed an air conditioner, but he had not finished the vents and ductwork.  We also took the speakers from our old Range Rover and put in an mp3 jack.  Here is what the dashboard looked like.  It was a strange mix of old and new technology.  

Passenger side of dashboard.

Grace's Fancy Air Conditioning Vent,  ;)

Our first day was a Saturday and anyone who has spent much time with James and I knows we are not morning people.  So, we set a goal of being on the road by Noon.  We were on the road by 11:45 am and felt very proud to be out early.  We headed towards Wilcox on I-10.  We had made a conscience decision to stay off the freeways as much as possible.  This stretch between Tucson and Wilcox was our longest bit on the freeway.  When we got to Wilcox we went to Apple Annies produce stand to stock up on fresh vegetables for our trip.  Next we headed up 191 to State Route 78.  We had planned on camping somewhere near Reserve, NM.  The Land Rover had a different plan.  On State Route 78 you climb up out of the desert into the pines.  Our Land Rover started spewing smoke from under the hood.  So, we stopped and camped at Blackjack Campground.

 

Link to google maps for more details on route.

Here is our route for the trip.

Once we arrived at the campground, James realized it was only the radiator cap.  He knew this one was getting old, and had one in the carport at home.  But he had forgotten to pack it.  So, since it is a pretty common cap, we would just pick one up along the way.

The second day we headed into New Mexico.  We went through some pretty remote areas and wished we could live in a place like this.  Away from people and cities, but Grace needs a good school.  So, that dream will have to wait for 10 or so more years.

Our first stop at a monument was La Ventana Arch in El Mapais National Conservation Area.  

Then we went through what was called the Narrows.  I couldn't find any real description of this online and was very curious about it.  I was very cool!  There are 500 foot cliffs on one side of the road and the other side is a lava flow.  There is just this narrow strip of land in between.  I couldn't get a got picture of it, but it was definitely a unique experience.

The next are we stopped at was the Sand Stone Bluffs.

What a neat place!

It was about 4pm in the afternoon, so we decided to camp on Mt. Taylor at the "Coal Mine" campground.  We drove into Grants, NM.  Stopped at the auto parts store and got a new radiator cap.  Grants is not the nicest town in America and on the way out of town we passed a large prison complex and the desert was strewn with trash.  So, I was nervous about camping there, but when we got to the campground it was very nice and a pleasant surprise.

The next day we drove down State Highway 53 to El Morro National Monument.  This monument is a collection of prehistoric petroglyphs and inscriptions from early Spanish and English explorers.  The monument was the only year round water source in area, so everyone stopped here for a break.

Very few women inscribed on the bluff.  One was Miss A. F. Baley.  Her full name was America Frances Baley.  She stopped here as part of a wagon party from Missouri to California in 1858.  This wagon train was one that was attacked by Mojave Indians at the Colorado river crossing.  This is one of the reasons Ft. Mohave was established.  I had read about this particular attack when we drove the Mojave Road in California a few years before, so it was interesting to read about another part of that event.

Grace got her first of six Junior Ranger pins at El Morro.

Next we visited the El Malpais Visitor's Center.  Since we had spent so much time in the park the day before, Grace was easily able to fill out her Junior Ranger booklet.

She got her Junior Ranger badge.  It was very nice.  The Rangers made a big deal out of it and went outside in front of the National Park Sign.  Grace was so excited and beaming.  El Malpais is worth the side trip off  Interstate 40 if you are passing by.  We loved it! 

Now we head to Chaco Canyon and are hoping with get there before dark.  Next post will be Chaco.