The Little Painted Desert

October 18, 2023 – Day 20

Only half a blog today. We met up with our good friend, Jay, who drove out to meet us, tried to have lunch at the Flatbed Cafe only to find it closed, took more selfies “Standing on the Corner” then headed back to the coach for some catching up in the comfort of the AC.

In the late afternoon Susan and Paul head over to the Little Painted Desert County Park. It used to be an Arizona county park but was abandoned some time ago. It was only about 20 minutes north of the campsite. We had planned to go there some morning, but the ranger at the Visitor’s Center told us that sunsets the best time. So we headed out.

The views were wonderful. There was one other car when we got there. We drove down a side road and we we got back to the start they were gone and we were alone there.

One wonders why the country abandoned the park. Although much smaller than the Painted Desert, the scenery was just as spectacular. Then you realize that the bathrooms have to be maintained, the trash picked up, trails maintained and mosts of all, the roads have to be maintained.

Notice the erosion in the road. The parts off to the side look just like the creases in the hills. The road is slowly becoming part of the park. Notice the tire track through the crease. We don’t know if this was ours or not from the trip out. Paul did put 2 tires into the grass to avoid the crease. Oh sure, the Jeep could do it, even a Mini Cooper could do it, but just when will that cliff side give way? We didn’t want to be there when that happens.

Daily: 0

Total: 2,916

Moving Miles/Day: 324

Overall Miles/Day: 146