A good picture for the end of this travelogue. Dianne and me at Mesa Verde National Park. A Dianne Lima photo.
October 13
Our traveling in the Southwest had come to an end. It was time to make the long trek back to California. I had done the drive from Southwest Colorado to Fresno in one day five years earlier. Thus, I knew what to expect. That’s why I asked Dianne to take the first shift for driving back.
We pulled out of the Travelodge and headed back toward downtown Cortez. It was time to grab some breakfast. In our search the previous day for the Belgian Quality Bakery, we had found the Magpie Coffeehouse. It was located just south of the corner or Main and Market(on Market). The food that was being offered hit the spot perfectly. We both had cups of hot chocolate, which washed down a couple of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. It was exactly what we were looking for. I have to give a big recommendation for the Magpie Coffeehouse. The coffeehouse is open from 6:30 a.m – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
The only good thing about a 15 hour drive across Arizona and California is that there is very little to cause one to stop and add time to the trip. The main things to see are the Four Corners Monument(which is overrated) and Monument Valley. But, since the heart of Monument Valley required a one hour detour, we bypassed that as well. We didn’t stop until we were in Flagstaff again. By this time, it was about 2 p.m. Since we were unable to find the Alpine Spaghetti Station when we were first in Flagstaff, wedecided to eat at its sister restaurant, Alpine Pizza. It turned out to be an excellent choice. We got a three-topping small pizza for $9.95. But, the best part of eating there was the atmosphere. It had the feel of trusted neighborhood hangout. There was even carved graffiti on the walls and tables. Of course, we added our own names to the ones previously etched (if you’re looking, our names are in the first booth to the left as you come in the front door). But, even if you don’t want to carve your name into the walls, Alpine Pizza is still worth visiting.
The majestic pine covered hills around Flagstaff soon gave way to the high desert. As we pulled into Kingman, I suggested to Dianne that we should go into Laughlin just so that we could say we’d been to Nevada. So, Dianne pulled off of I-40 and onto I-68. It turned out to be a shorter trip into California than if we had stayed on I-40. The biggest surprise I had while driving along this road came after we crossed over Union Pass. I was shocked to find the roadsides between Union Pass and Laughlin littered with mobile homes. It wasn’t the condition of the mobile homes that surprised me. I just hadn’t realized that so many people made this corner of the desert their home.
We didn't stop in Laughlin, but going into it allowed me to attain a goal that I had never achieved on my other trips through this area. I finally got to see the Colorado River during the day time. No, it wasn't that impressive, although it is picturesque to see this blue ribbon running through the desert. Still, after three trips over the river at night, it was great to be able to say that I have actually seen it.
After Laughlin, the rest of the drive was pretty mundane. We ate in Barstow, and continued on to Fresno. We pulled into our house just after midnight.
So, was our Southwest trip a worthy substitute for the New England trip we’d originally planned? Looking back on it, I’d have to say yes. There are some areas of astonishing beauty to observe. There is also some powerful reminders of culture, both Native American and European, that are worth visiting. But, above all, a Southwest trip reminds a person what a vast country the United States is. It also allows the visitor to relive an earlier time when the country wasn’t covered with asphalt and tract homes. Finally, it reminds a person that the great wealth this country enjoys hasn’t been shared by everyone. While I’m still sad that we didn’t get to see the fall colors in New England, I wouldn’t trade our Southwest adventures for anything.
Thanks for reading this travelogue. There is another one (more of a picture-logue actually) about our trip to the Salt Lake City Olympics which will be posted soon. Until then, please feel free to write back with any comments you might have about this travelogue.
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