Between Santa Fe and the Grand Canyon, we didn't have many destinations planned out, so we were essentially just improvising routes and taking in the scenic views from the drive. We did a lot of driving through this period, although the winding, mountainous route we took didn't cover a ton of ground. The lone landmark that we talked about seeing along this drive was the Four Corners. From Pagosa Springs, we were about two and a half hours from Four Corners and off we went.
Chimney Rock in southwest Colorado. One of the many Chimney Rock's we'd seen up to this point. Check out Lake Lure, NC. We saw many of these types of rock formations throughout the Southwest thus far, but they were spectacular every time we saw them.
Peter: "One double cheeseburger without pickles, please."
Sonic: "Who doesn't like pickles with their burgers? Pickles on burgers are as American as warm apple pie!"
Peter: "..."
Viewer discretion advised:
A tragic bike accident stopped traffic for an hour in the stormy weather outside of Mesa Verde National Park. We eventually drove past and witnessed the graphic aftermath of the accident. It is always a sobering reminder of the dangers of the road and to always drive cautiously especially in inclement weather. We were silent and uncomfortable for miles and both of us will carry that with us for the rest of our lives.
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The accident left us with odd feelings and we weren't quite ready to do really fun things. We were going to go to Mesa Verde, but the cost of entry and treacherous drive in the foul weather convinced us to keep driving on the main highway towards Four Corners. As time passed, our lighthearted approach to travels came back. We found a casino.
Beautiful Ute Mountain Casino in Cortez, Colorado.
The reflective ceiling evoked thoughts of a house of mirrors in a horror movie.
"The happiest place on earth."
Peter two for two on video poker on the trip. This time an $11.40 ticket. See Deadwood's haul.
A few miles down the highway from the casino we spotted this impressive formation that stood alone amongst large plateaus in the distance.
We took the road off the main highway that drove alongside the large rock. Surprisingly, nobody seemed to ever use the road. We stopped at this abandoned rock home that was too strange to pass by.
Wolf attempting what we've deemed a "Crosby, Stills, and Nash" pose. We had our first with Reed back in Missoula, MT.
Left a Peter and the Wolf business card for the next visitor.
We made it. The hallowed grounds of Four Corners. The only place where four states intersect at one point.
The monument itself, surrounded by mostly vacant, built-in stands where vendors could sell Four Corners merchandise from New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona. Our excitement couldn't be contained.
Where all the magic happens.
Which state were Peter and The Wolf standing in? (The answer below is the song)
a) Colorado
b) New Mexico
c) Arizona
d) Utah
Who thought it could be possible to complete a pass from Arizona to Colorado?
Like two kids in a candy store.
Dominating the Four Corners. Possibly symbolic to squashing a particularly gross and annoying insect.
Driving on Indian Highway 35 through the Navajo Reservation, we encountered an almost mystical sight. A mustang appeared on the left side of the highway and was trotting with purpose toward something. It was this (picture). A father wearing a blue bandana and his two young sons (so we suspected) riding horseback together in the open desert. This was not a Western or cowboys and Indians movie; it was the real thing. This romantic image summoned a lot of emotions about American roots, father and son traditions, Native American pride, and different lifestyles.
Heading north on Indian Highway 35 toward Bluff, Utah.
Answer: A. "Colorado" - Manassas
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