Route 66, 4 corners, Mesa Verde & finger update

Day 17 & 18

We enjoyed Flagstaff, AZ in spite of the circumstances – definitely a place for a return visit.  

We drove out Historic Route 66 through the desert, past Monument Valley, and made our pilgrimage to Four Corners, AZ, UT, NM, CO – the hottest and most desolate place on earth.  

In four states at the same time!

Pit stop for the night was Mesa Verde National Park with plenty of smoke from the nearby wildfire.  In the morning, we headed across the Mesa to see the 800 year old Pueblo cliff dwellings and a guided tour of Cliff Palace – pretty cool.

Cliff Palace

On our way to Denver we passed four wildfires and within 2 miles of the Mancos, CO fire.  It was stunning to see the pines and firs burn like giant torches – wow!  

See the flames, even...

Now that's a plate of FOOD!

Yelp provided a fantastic brunch at the Durango Diner – huevos rancheros and freshly shredded hash browns.  Frank was reaching for the tums about 2 hours later. 

Finger Update:  Our friend Sandy Higgins did the first bandage change before bed.  Index finger looks great and the middle finger looks “frankensteinish” with a ways to go for healing and feeling, but happy to have all five left hand digits in place.  Thanks for your prayers.

Beautiful Wolf Creek Pass, CO