April 26, 2011

We ate at the bakery in Oak Creek and then drove to Montezuma's Well. Hiked the third of a mile trail up to the well, which is really a sink hole. Ancient ruins in the wall of the well as well as in the surrounding hills. John walked down the 85 steps to the river which is formed by the water flowing from the well outlet.

Next we drove down into Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona. After driving back up, we went to the viewpoint at the top, where native Americans had tables set up to sell their homemade arts and crafts.

Started east on old Rt. 66(I40) through Arizona, passing the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. Then entered New Mexico.

Stopped in Gallup. We are staying in Room 210, the Mae West room, in the old El Rancho Hotel. Much of the old furniture and decorations are still here. Many photos of Movie Stars who stayed here will filming, hang in the mezzanine on the second floor. Rooms down from us are named for Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, and Errol Flynn. The man, who as a boy did several jobs around the place, is now the owner.

We had dinner in the restaurant, which offers American as well as Mexican dishes.

Pictures today: Montezuma's Well, Oak Creek Canyon, Navajo Hogan, and El Rancho Hotel.