The Mountains

This morning we saw three hot air balloons in flight as we drove through the heart of Albuquerque.  It was quite surprising as the temperature was about 40 with very high winds.  We just now realize as we update this blog that we forgot to take pictures of the balloons.  

As you can see in the picture of the beautiful western New Mexico landscape above, we had another delightful blue sky day for travelling. There have been a surprising number of trucks on the road this weekend.  Perhaps making up for time lost during the holidays.  

Immediately upon entering the state of Arizona the mountains began to loom large.  

As we headed towards Flagstaff, AZ, we could view Gray Mountain (below) for many miles and enjoyed admiring its majestic peaks.  The elevation in Flagstaff to peaks at just over 7,000 feet.  

  

We stopped for an early afternoon dinner in Flagstaff and ended up making an excellent choice eating at the Lumberyard Brewing Co. Taproom and Grille in downtown Flagstaff on Route 66.  The picture below shows Gray Mountain as viewed from the parking lot of the restaurant.  Flagstaff was bustling with young college age people.  We decided that they were likely enjoying the nearby ski slopes.

Tonight we are lodged in Kingman, AZ.  Signs throughout Kingman describe Kingman as "The Heart of Route 66".  We drove Route 66 from one end of town to the other.  We are not sure why they believe the moniker is appropriate.  Kingman appears typical of many towns from Illinois to Arizona where remnants of Route 66 remain.  In many respects, much of what remains along the old Route 66 has sadly deteriorated and are now eyesores. 

The pictures below depict the view behind our Kingman motel and across the street respectively.