Heading west from Grants, New Mexico on I-40 and absolutely loving the scenery as the sun fades on the day. Huge red sandstone cliffs are to the north of the interstate and I didn’t know at the time but this is the southern terminus of the Colorado Plateau. Most of this area is also Navajo Nation lands which covers much of the northeast part of Arizona and up into Colorado and Utah as well. Old Route 66 also runs parallel here if you’re looking for some kicks.
Starting to get some bands of light drizzle along the way and the skies are alternating dark and light as the sun plays hide & seek through the clouds.
After spending way too much time at Blue Lake State Park (not pictured here), I couldn’t find a site I liked and the vibe was just off. Next best option looked to be the Quaking Aspen Campground in the Cibola National Forest south of Fort Wingate. Was losing cell coverage so figured I’d check it out and if it’s a no-go I’d try to find a dispersed location. Lucky for me this is an absolutely fantastic spot – lots of sites, nearly no people, and very quiet.
Second lucky thing for today – it’s the final day of the season that this campground is open. Score!
The rain continued at times but it was nothing heavy, mostly just drizzle and a bit of wind. Temperatures cooled a bit as well, overall it was a very pleasant and relaxing night.
I did wake up once due to a couple strong wind gusts shaking the truck, and around the same time an expedition biker pulled in very late to a nearby site but instantly cut the motor and set up his tent at record speed (I only saw a glimpse in the dark but it was impressive!). Thought I heard a coyote drifting through but was probably the breeze. Took this silly night shot of the moonlight peering through the treetops and shadows, and after watering a nearby tree headed back to dreamland. Good thing I got some rest – tomorrow’s adventures will require some energy!
