Painted Desert, Arizona

Several of you mentioned the Painted Desert in THIS blog post.   SO---I thought I'd show you a little more of it today.  The Painted Desert is a 146-square-mile area of badlands located in Northern Arizona (north of Cameron) in the United States.  This area stretches from the Grand Canyon National Park into the Petrified Forest National Park --and runs just north of the Little Colorado and the Puerco Rivers.

The Painted Desert has been described as a multi-colored layer cake.   The variety of hues in the sandstone and mudstone layers of the Chinie Formation is the result of the varying mineral content in the sediments and the rate at which the sediments were laid down.  When sediments are deposited slowly,  oxides of iron and (hematite) aluminum become concentrated in the soil.  These concentrations create the red,  orange and pink colors you see.  During a rapid sediment buildup (such as a flooding event),  oxygen is removed from the soil forming the blue, gray and lavender layers.   This is truly something to behold --- and one needs to see this for him or herself in person if possible.  (I know, Suzanne:  TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!! ha ha)

It was extremely windy the day we were at the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest (I'll talk about the Petrified Forest in another blog) ---but the wind kept it from feeling too hot that day.  George did get a sunburn on his head --since he couldn't wear his hat!!!!! ha

Above is a picture of us at the Painted Desert.  Below are more.

This is the Painted Desert Inn.  It is a National Historic Landmark, and is located at Kachina Point.   The history is interesting to read.  It was originally called the "Stone Tree House" because so much of the original material was from petrified wood. It was built in 1924. Rooms rented from $2-$4 a night.   Then,  the CCC renovated the inn and it was open for about 2 years before World War II.  Later, this inn used to serve as a respite for travelers along historic Route 66. The Petrified Forest is the only National Park in America where historic Route 66 went through at one time.

The inn today opened again in 2006 --after much renovation.  It is now a museum and bookstore --and does not offer food or accommodations now.  When renovating,  they preserved very interesting wall murals done by Hopi Indian artist,  Fred Kabotie.

This is one picture of some of the inside of the bar and eating area at the Painted Desert Inn... When they renovated,  they tried to preserve as much of the history as possible.  We enjoyed touring the inn ---and especially seeing the gorgeous wall murals.

These little adobe houses were near the Painted Desert Inn...   They also have been renovated... I read somewhere that artists-in-residence to the park stay in these neat little homes, when they are chosen to come here.  Wouldn't that be wonderful ---IF I were an artist?????ha



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Now--just sit back,  get another cup of coffee --and just enjoy these next three pictures of the Painted Desert... Click on them to make them larger. They are truly AWESOME!!!!

 We have plenty more pictures of all of this beauty---but I'll stop for today.... Hope you enjoy reading about the history as much as just seeing the pictures...

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will see you on Monday!!!  I will spend part of this weekend  learning the NEW Blogger Dashboard which appeared on my computer Thursday night.....  Everything is DIFFERENT.... Fun --Fun-- Fun...  (They are certainly keeping us on our toes!!!!)

Hugs,

Meeting Blog Friends

One of the greatest joys on our recent trip out west was getting to meet BLOG friends for the first time... We met Becky (and hubby Mike) on June 10 at Jackson, TN at Logan's for lunch.  Then,  on June 12,  we met Vadarae (pronounced Vada Rae) at Cheddar's in Amarillo,  Texas for lunch.  AND--on June 24,  we met Linda (and hubby Terry) at Grand Junction, CO for lunch at the Golden Corral.

All of the gorgeous mountains,  canyons,  and even the snow don't EVER take the place of good friends in our lives... Seeing these wonderful folks was truly a JOY for George and me---and gave us some much needed breaks throughout the trip.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.  Above is a picture of Becky and Mike.  Becky's blog is Thoroughly Blended Hearts  and I encourage you to check it out --if you don't follow her already.  She takes incredible pictures...  Below are more pictures.

Here is another picture of Becky and me ---as we stood outside after our lunch.

On June 12,  as we went through Amarillo, Texas,   we met one of my wonderful email buddies,  Vadarae,  at Cheddar's for lunch.  Vadarae doesn't have a blog --although she visits mine regularly.  I am trying to talk her into starting one herself.  She is known as the Cotton Lady to those who know her through blogging.  We had a wonderful time together ---and it was hard to leave that day!!!!

Here's another picture of Vadarae and me  in the restaurant.

A nice man volunteered to take our picture together when we were outside the restaurant following lunch.

Then, on June 24,  as we traveled through Grand Junction, Colorado,  we met blog friend Linda and her hubby Terry for lunch.  Linda has a great blog,  Life on a Colorado Farm,  and I have learned so much about farming from her and Terry.  (I am known to ask a bunch of stupid questions to her --since I know nothing about farming... ha)   Check out her blog.  She gives the history of her area in western Colorado in addition to talking about the trials and tribulations of farming.

Here is a picture of Linda and me --standing outside the restaurant after our meal.   Linda, Vadarae and me not only are into blogging ---but the three of us have a fabulous email relationship.   I hope that the three of us can get together sometime for a Girls' Week....  I don't think that any of us would EVER stop talking!!!!! ha

George and I are so blessed to have so many friends --through blogging and email.  We have met quite a few ---and these special friendships are for LIFE I'm sure.   God Bless Becky, Mike, Vadarae,  Linda and Terry.... They are such special people to us...

Hope you get to meet Blog Friends sometime too... It is truly such a joy...  You 'really' know each other ahead of time ---but meeting in person just makes the bond even stronger.

Hugs,