July vacation (day 4)

The last day of vacation before I have to head back to the searing heat :( I made it worthwhile as I visited 2 area National Monuments. I have now seen all three that exist here near Flagstaff. The first part was spent at Sunset Crater, which erupted about 1046 AD, displacing many Indian tribes farther to the north. Amazing to see what Mother Nature can do when she gets angry! Just as amazing was how light the lava cinders were - mostly air so lacking the weight that their ominous looks provide.

After that I continued around the loop for 22 miles to the Wupatki National Monument, along the way spying some amazing views of the Painted Desert in the far distance. A number of ruins exist from different pueblos well in the past, with the Wupatki pueblo being the centerpiece not only now but in Native American past, as it was a regional centerpiece of life and commerce. Very interesting info, especially how the Park Service used it's influence and force to drive people from their homes of generations because it was not 'in the people's best interest'. Sad to ruin people's life & livelihood simply for greed and to create a park.

As with all the previous days, look to the link at the bottom right for the full photos albums.