I’m way overdue for a haircut.
After washing my hair and giving myself a facial in my outdoor salon overlooking a ponderosa forest and the Painted Desert, the crew and I set out for Great Clips in Flagstaff. I’m looking forward to nixing the ponytail look, and having my standard haircut restored. The young woman does a good job and I’m out of there in a short time.
In the same strip mall, there’s a boot store.
Hmmm . . . I bet they sell hats, too. I promise the crew “I’ll be right back” and go inside the store. Great, they have quite a few hats. I start trying them on and by the third hat, I’ve found the one I want. It’s lightweight, woven straw, good for the summer months, and it feels good on my head. Wow! A haircut and a new hat, both in the same morning! I’m feeling good.
I’m tempted to stop at the thrift store, but the crew can only take so much sitting in the PTV.
And I want to take us to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument on the way back to camp. The lady at the entrance booth checks my Senior Pass against my driver’s license and allows me in free. I stop at the Visitor Center.
This turns out to be an embarrassing experience.
Bridget and Spike in the PTV throw a major, canine fit and can be heard quite clearly through the open door of the visitor center. First they bark frantically, and, when that doesn’t get results, they ramp it up to full-howl. People in the visitor center are taking notice, some showing concern.
I announce to the group. “Don’t worry, folks. It’s only an act. Believe me, I know.” They smile. One lady remarks, “Oh, those are YOUR dogs.”
As you can imagine, this doesn’t help me concentrate on 3D models of geologic processes.
After a few minutes I give up and go back to the PTV. Immediately the howls of pain stop and the PTV slinks us out of the parking area. I decide we aren’t going to travel the complete 34-mile scenic route. If you’ve ever travelled with overtired kids, you can understand my decision. Our goal is the lava overlook not far up the road.
The photos in the slideshow don’t portray the immensity of the lava field.
It’s the kind of thing a person finds dull as in “Okay, we’ve seen the ugly, black rocks. Let’s go.” Or a person finds them utterly fascinating. I lean toward fascinating as the size of the area alone is stunning. I don’t have more photos because the sign along the road said, “No stopping in road.” I’m not going to get all geologic on you, mainly because I’d mess it up. You can do a search of Sunset Crater if you want to learn some earth science.
On the way out, I drive us into Bonito Campground ($18 a night/half-price with senior pass). I take several photos. A variety of rigs are camped there, including a Casita.
On the way back to camp, I pass Ken’s campsite again.
The guy who was chewing his ear off when I drove by this morning is still there! Ken smiles and motions with his hand to his head, acknowledging my haircut. The guy keeps talking, doesn’t skip a beat. Poor Ken! The other day the same guy was yakking at Gail for about four hours. God help him if he comes around my campsite!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 