Well we made it to the Grand Canyon state. I can not believe we have been on the road across the nation for almost a week now... actually, I might believe it if you ask me when all five of us kids are trying to pick a movie "together". Haha

Yesterday, before we left New Mexico, Dad wanted to stop in Gallup, where our Papa used to enjoy buying native American jewelry. Here is a route 66 sign that passes right through the town.   

Although the terrain in New Mexico is similar to Arizona in it's ruggedness, our route in Arizona has more cliff-like and sharp-pointed structures. 

Our view shortly after entering Arizona 

Some more beautiful landscapes visible from the highway! 

Our first stop in Arizona was our first national park, the Petrified Forest National Park. The cool thing about this park is that you tour it via car; about a 45 (or 2 hour Locklear style) minute ride. There was always a view, and no picture can completely capture the essence of such amazing... rocks.

Our first "stop"

 

The first part was in resemblance of a mini grand canyon, only the rocks where not as layered in color. Viewing it felt like viewing a picture; it did not seem to be a real landscape in front of you.

Maybe I will get a picture of him smiling on this trip...

Quote from dad for the day: "As far as the eye can see"

As we moved through the park, the scenery changed. 

Here are some more beautiful rocks. 

Unfortunatly, we got off at one stop and Schaeffer realized that his brand-new beloved bike was no longer on the back of the RV. We did not think someone would have been able to easily steal it, so we sped down the road the other direction. Thankfully, some cool guys pointed us in the direction of where they had seen a bike on the side of the road, and we where able to rescue it. The bike is repairable and will survive this trip!

After that experience, we explored the rest of the park and then headed to Winona Arizona where we boon-docked  at a beautiful sight in the middle of nowhere. 

                                     

Our next post will be all about what we did today: The Grand Canyon!