Day 10

I am getting around to writing this a lot later in the evening than I typically write my blogs. I'm normally in bed by 9pm on the road, but am just getting back to my hotel to sit down and write this.  The reason- Stop 4. 

Filled up the car with gas and hit the road. 

1st stop-Meteor Crater-  TOURIST TRAP Take it from me, it's not worth your time or money- just skip it. 

Meteor Crater (Tourist Trap)

 

Wigwam Motel, AZ

2nd stop- Wigwam motel- So cool.  Like stepping back in history.  There are a dozen+ old cars parked all around the place.  I met the original owners grand daughter and she shared some history about what it was like growing up around it.  She said her grandfather use to take her driving in the classic cars, much to her parents dismay.  The hotel is on the national historic registry. 

       
3rd stop-Petrified National Forest and Painted Desert. I left the Wigwam Motel and took HW 180 to the south entrance of the Petrified Forest.  I stopped at the gift shop and yes indeed I did buy myself some petrified wood. [Did you know it's the state gem of Washington]. Mine certainly isn't in gem state, but it's pretty cool.  Even more so than learning about how the wood got petrified, the geographical surroundings in the park are absolutely gorgeous.  My photos don't do it justice.  

Petrified Forest, AZ

From one end of the park to the other is 28 miles, there is only 1 road.  As you approach mile marker 1 moving north, you come over a hill and have your breath taken away with the jaw dropping Painted Desert. 

Painted Desert, AZ

Checked into hotel- Albuquerque, NM 

4th stop- Sandia Peak Tramway-

Today I got stuck at the top of a mountain....In a hail storm....for hours. 

The Sandia Tramway was an add-on I didn't think I'd have time for.  But I booked a ticket online and went to the tram- About 20 minutes from my hotel.  I get there to find at least a hour line waiting for me. However as a SOLO TRAVELER, I hoped the line and got on what would be the last tram up that day.  

Sandia Tramway Experience

As we went up the tram it started to rain- but barely a Seattle Spit. We were delighted in seeing a beautiful rainbow on the mountain during our 15 minute journey up. However as we reached the top lightening struck the other tramway.  We were informed that the tram would be down for a minimum of 15 minutes (this very quickly became several hours).  

Thankfully I brought my raincoat and my pack has a rain cover, so I ran down the stairs in a downpour to the restaurant at the top of the mountain.  I was able to get a seat at the bar and converse with a few other solo travelers over food and Cider.  Not where I planned on having dinner, but I was certainly not going to hike the 10 miles down in a thunderstorm.  During my dinner the rain turned into hail.  As soon as I saw blue sky, I attempted to leave the restaurant as my issues with elevation were starting to get the better of me [Migraine and panic setting in] 

When I got back to the tram station, they had already selected 48 people for the first tram ( tram limit) When the opened up for the 2nd tram down people started to become very aggressive and pushy, yelling and opening threatening people.  My panic, already in full swing totally spiked.  Thankfully again as a solo traveler I was selected for this group.  

When we got into the holding area, I saw 3 little girls who had clearly been scared when someone had threatened their dad, so I turned on princess mode and asked who their favorites where.  The each had a different one, so I proceeded to sing 3 different songs.  This not only helped them but really calmed my nerves down.  At the end of "Part of Your world" I had completely spaced that I was in a public space and was in full performance mode, finishing the song to full applause from the entire tram station. Everyone was more relaxed and the tram operators thanked me for relieving some of the stress of the situation.  It was certainly an experience. 

I was able to get my anxiety meds when I got back to my car.  Lesson learned, they will now stay on my person at all times. 

HOTEL REVIEW: Springhill by Marriott University This location is directly connected to a hospital  (by a skyway bridge) and is affiliated with the Ronald McDonald House which takes up the entire 3rd floor of the hotel and has separate access from the garage. I did not hear any sirens last night, so being this close to a hospital wasn't an issue for me. 

Pros: Free Covered Parking, Free Wifi, Large TV, Remote already in a plastic bag for cleanliness, Super clean overall, powerful A/C, Great space, great shower, Plenty of storage if it's an extended stay, elevator, free breakfast, convenient  location, many different room types, (I have 2 queens and a couch with a hide away under it-- This room could sleep 4 adults and 2 kids without an issue)

Con: Only 1 microwave at breakfast (yet breakfast is frozen jimmy dean sandwiches)  So I had a muffin. 

Signing off for now

-C