From OKC we made our way to Colorado via Texas and New Mexico. For much of the way to New Mexico we followed Route 66. Sometimes we were on Route 66 and sometimes driving next to Rout 66. Over much of the terrain we saw no cars or towns. At one point we had to wait for a long train to rumble by. Prior to reaching Amarillo, we did see lots of signs for the Big Texan Steak Ranch where you could get a 72 ounce steak for free!

From Armadillo we headed into New Mexico and with respect to our good friend, Clayton Pepe, we stayed at the Clayton State Park in Clayton, NM. According to a Clayton, NM old-timer, Karen Carpenter once spent the night in Clayton. The State Park was spectacular and included some amazing dinosaur tracks. There was one other RV and during the evening the winds were blowing and Stargazer was rocking reminding us of days on our sailboat, Starbird.

The next morning we arose to a beautiful sunrise and no heat. One would think I was purposely testing Melinda’s low temperature endurance and patience, as I soon discovered I had forgot to turn on the propane! The drive to Crestone, CO included some time on the Santa Fe Trail and coming upon the incredible Rocky Mountains. We rented an Airbnb in Crestone and met up with our good friends Tracy Dunning and Eric Sondermann.