July 20 – There wasn’t much to see from our campsite, but before leaving Homolovi Ruins State Park we decided to take a quick look at the eponymous archaeological site. It had been the location of a small village some 700 years ago, and not much of the structure remains visible on the surface. However, the kids enjoyed hunting for shards of decorated pottery and stones that may have been half-completed arrow or spear points.

The next remains on our route were somewhat older: 180 million years, give or take. We took a detour from our path along I-40 to drive through the Petrified Forest National Park. Besides the petrified logs themselves, we also had scenic views of the Painted Desert, including the colored Teepee Mounds.

A day’s driving brought us to Albuquerque, where we had dinner at the Frontier Restaurant on a tip from a local – yum! Afterwards there was just enough time to catch the aerial Sandia Peak Tramway for a sunset view of the city lights. A small trail runs along the top of the mountain, affording quite stunning vistas.

We returned to our campsite at the Enchanted Trails RV Park, where the kids and Nick indulged in the free wifi and Susannah watched the drive-in movie on the big screen: Elvis Presley’s The Spinout.

Day 22: Homolovi Ruins State Park AZ to Albuquerque NM via Petrified Forest National Park – about 290 miles.