Peaks and Valleys- Day 3

First let me start by saying sorry for the severe lack of photos. We have tried to upload several times but with the random internet connections we are getting at the hotels it's been tough.

For breakfast in Amarillo, TX we went to the Big Texan which has been featured on both the Travel Channel and Food Network as a kitchy place to eat in Texas. There is a giant cow and giant cowboy boat out front and if you want, they will pick you up in a limo with giant steer's horns strapped to the hood. We had our own little Man vs Food challenge on our hands when we ordered the breakfast buffet. Bailey ate 2 eggs, 1 piece of toast, enchiladas, potatoes, a milkshake,fruit salad and 1 pancake. Whew, that was a lot but it kept us full until we reached Flagstaff, AZ.

At any rate, we left Amarillo, TX and headed for Flagstaff, AZ. This was our shortest drive yet and good thing because Texas is kinda boring. It's flat with nothing to see for miles. As soon as we entered New Mexico the landscape started to change. At first it was small plateaus and stubby mountains. We saw an actual tumble weed rolling down the highway. But as we approached Albuquerque, NM the landscape started to shift and snow capped mountains were visible. It was pretty amazing and I said to Bailey "just think, some people in this country have never seen the ocean and we've never seen anything like this". Photos cannot describe the images before us. Albuquerque is off of a pass that was cut through the mountains so we got to drive right through them and Bailey did an excellent job. Who knows, maybe her next car will be a stick after this...

We stopped briefly in Albuquerque but didn't stay long. We were motivated by the short drive and chance to stretch our legs a little in Flagstaff, AZ

The approach to Flagstaff, NM was amazing- giant plateaus and mountains on either side. There was still snow on the ground in many places which made it even more beautiful. Our approach into Flagstaff, NM was probably the most breathtaking part of this trip yet. Giant mountains jutted up from flat lands, covered with snow and set off by the setting sun it was absolutely amazing. We tried to take pictures but they just couldn't do it justice.

We arrived in Flagstaff and checked. Thanks to our friends Heather and Chris we got a great dinner recommendation. The Beaver Brewery makes their own beer and has good bar food. While we wanted to go wander around the town the head cold that we both have been fighting got the better of us and we turned in early.

Today, Wednesday, we are going to look around historic Flagstaff, pick my dad up at the airport and head to the Grand Canyon!

States visited: 3
Texas
Arizona
New Mexico

Miles driven: 580

Total time: 7.5 hours