Thursday, December 3/09 Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Traveling day today - Arizona bound. Warmer weather here we come!! We passed several Navajo Indian stands (most closed) where, during the tourist season these people market their wares. There was everything from jewelry to rugs posted for sale - all authentic so the signs say. I didn't feel like shopping so we didn't stop at any of the open ones. (must be getting sick!!)

We passed the infamous Monument Valley and because we had spent alot of time in the Valley of the Gods, did not feel we needed to see any more red rock buttes, pinnacles or spires. There is always next year.

We entered into Arizona and eventually made it to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The Sunset Crater volcano, at an elevation of 8042 feet, is believed (from recent studies) to have been born in a series of eruptions between 1080 and 1150AD. It is the youngest in a series of volcanoes that is related to the nearby San Francisco Peaks. The eruptions formed the 340m (1115 foot) high cone. The lava flow covered more than 2100 square kms, with multiple flow directions. Today, the flow and the cinders still look as rugged as the day they were formed.

Because of the bright reddish colored cinders (formed from oxidized red rock) at the peak, when viewed from a distance, the red cinders appear to be on fire. Because of the "glow" the come has been named Sunset Peak. Today, 900 years later - some trees, vegetation, wildflowers and signs of wildlife have returned to this area.

The dispersed camping area outside of the Park is lovely. As I look outside the windows of the bus I can see tall scotch pine trees with needles about five to six inches long. The length of the needles makes the whole tree look so soft. It really is a site to see. The ground is basically black in color because of the lava cinders but remains rather unique.

The elevation at this point is 7500 feet so a walk is out of the question for me. I was short of breath at 5000 feet in Utah so can imagine what difficulty I would have at this elevation. John tells me that tonight will get a bit chilly so I had better get prepared. I wonder if I should sleep with my toque on!!!