The Best of the Rest

Twister Movie Museum (OK)

Sometimes when planning a big road trip, I will carve into my routing out of the way tourist attractions I've been saving for "another trip."  This particular adventure grew from 14-18 days to 25 for this reason!  Two summers ago, I had wanted to stop in Wakita, Oklahoma to check out the Twister Movie Museum as we worked our way home from Texas.  Our timing through OK just wasn't going to work out, so it was going to wait for another time.  I'm so glad the scheduling work out for me to finally stop by, even it if wasn't really anywhere close to "on the way" from Milwaukee to New Mexico.

Very Large Array (NM)

Another such tourist attraction was the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope facility located in New Mexico.  I had become aware of it a few years ago, so when my friend Debbie suggested we include it during my time with her, I was very happy to be able to see it.  I would suggest this be on the list for anyone interested in astronomy and satellite communications.

Sandia Peak Tramway (NM)

Debbie and her hubby Robert also shared with me the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque.  Again, I think I was aware of this years ago, when I was last in New Mexico for the 2000 ABC Championships (bowling) Tournament.  I recall a group of us going to the Sandia Casino one night and someone suggesting we do the tram . . . but it just never materialized.  Thank you Debbie for suggesting it and the fabulous lunch at the TEN 3 Restaurant overlooking the Albuquerque valley below.  In spite of the early morning clouds, it turned out to be a wonderful view by midday!

Catwalk Recreation Area (NM)

One last experience Debbie wanted to be sure I had during my weekend with her was the Catwalk Recreation Area of the Whitewater Canyon in the Gila National Forest.  While described online as a "challenging one-mile trail" I was leery about my ability to do the short hike.  Debbie assured me she would take it slow and would be patient with me . . . SHE WAS AMAZING and very encouraging.  With two ways to go through the canyon and to the actual "catwalk" we took the non-ADA compliant path which meant some walking utilizing rock stairs and inclines.  While it pushed me past my comfort zone, we made it without incident.  What we weren't prepared for, was taking what should have been the easier path back, but missing the cut-through and later having to cross the creek near the parking lot.  It was a bit unsettling having to walk across rocks to clear the waterway, but again Debbie was patient and able to navigate the obstacle while I avoided taking us down and getting wet.  After it was all said and done . . . I was very happy to have experienced this beautiful and tranquil slot canyon area.

Petroglyphs (UT)

During my time in New Mexico I initially wanted to visit a couple of parks featuring the rock carvings of ancient people indigenous to this region.  Because I knew there would be other opportunities later while in Utah, I by-passed BLM's Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and NPS' Petroglyph National Monument.  I was glad that the Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument in Utah was still "on they way" from Moab to Hovenweep the following week.  An added bonus was the Potash Road Petroglyphs, a cliff wall along the roadway during the afternoon 4x4 tour to Canyonlands National Park, just outside of Moab.  When we pulled up, a tour bus was just wrapping up their visit.  While not as impressive as the Newspaper Rock site I visited the following day, it was still very interesting to see the similarities in carvings at two locations perhaps 50 miles apart as the crow flies.  Be sure to enlarge the photo here to see the very intricate carvings on the large panorama photo of Newspaper Rock.

Escalante Heritage Center (UT)

The last site I want to share is the "Hole-in-the-Rock" near Escalante, UT where an expedition of approximately 250 Mormans in 86 wagons crossed through the Colorado River canyon.  A recounting of their full story can be read here. This small outdoor historical exhibit was a nice stop to get out and stretch my legs.  Throughout this region of southern Utah there were a lot of historical areas to explore.  I could see taking a week just to enjoy more of this area.

Escalante Petrofied Forest State Park (UT)