Plans Can Change

We left Benson, AZ on Saturday morning, heading west before taking the road northward to Payson, AZ. There were some mighty big mountains to cross on our way, with steep inclines and 6% downgrades.

But the rig handled well, and a few hours later we pulled into Payson Campground and RV Resort, nestled into the mountains at about 5,000 feet above sea level. Auggie was not used to having another rig parked so close to ours, and was startled every time the fellow next door walked between his trailer and our motorhome just a few feet away. He soon settled down, though.

Next morning, we started off towards Canyon de Chelly, but winds had picked up dramatically and we were concerned about driving the narrow roads into the park. Sometimes you have to make a decision based on what is the safest course, and Bob and I decided not to chance this. Rain was also forecast this week and we were concerned about becoming mired in mud. So, on to plan B! We kept on going down the highway until we reached Albuquerque, NM, where we will hopefully wait out the winds and rain and be in a safer place. Canyon de Chelly is just going to have to remain on our bucket list a little longer.

The first part of our trip was just beautiful. We were on the Mogollon Rim (pronounced "Muggy-on,") and for the first time in many months we saw trees.

After climbing a while, the land flattened out and became more prairie-like.

By the time we reached route 40, however, winds had picked up dramatically and Bob had to fight to stay in our lane. We were glad we had made our decision not to attempt the back roads to Canyon de Chelly.

So here we are for a few days! We plan on doing some visiting with friends here before heading northeast into Kansas. All is good.