And with 4 hours sleep and 12 hours of driving, it’s even harder to spell.

I made it to Albuquerque by 630PM… after spending too much time and money in Flagstaff.  Yesterday’s packing adventure was accomplished thanks to packing tetris genus Ansley who managed to get most of my stuff in the car and still have a little room for me.  Unfortunately, we packed my winter coat, gloves, hat, etc. somewhere in the middle.  And about 15 minutes into my trip, I realized balancing my purse on my shoulder wasn’t really going to work for the entire trip.  So I sought out supplies and a luggage rack case in Flagstaff.  $92 later, I am equipped with bag on top of car which has freed up the front passenger seat considerably of a suitcase, two trash bags of clothes, and another bag of random items; a hat and pair of gloves that are reminiscent of 31 Flavors (brown and pink); an ice scraper – as there is snow along along the route – figured I might need one tomorrow morning; and a steering wheel cover, because at about 10AM my steering wheel started desintegrating due to my Kung Fu grip.

I also learned a few new things during my time in Flagstaff:

1) Circle K employees don’t know how to count:

Example a: My change due was $17.23.  She counted back my change, “One, two, three, five, six…” and managed to get to $18.23.  I didn’t say anything because having skipped the number 4, I actually did receive the correct change.

Example b: The printed directions to return back to the interstate, that were created by a Circle K someone, clearly state to turn right out of the driveway and right at the 2nd light.  Well right at the 2nd light takes you to the Marriot Courtyard, but a right at the 3rd light does indeed take you back on to the interstate.

2) Speaking of counting, the AZ department of transportation also appears to be numerically challenged.  The mileage for Winslow started at 98 miles, then 12 miles later it was down to 40 miles, but the mileage for Albuquerque was only down by 12 miles.  Bummer.

3) Ministry is not good road trip music, but ABBA’s greatest hits most definitely is.

4) It’s not particularly wise to try and eat a Laughing Cow cheese wedge with your multigrain crackers while trying to steer your overloaded SUV past a “wide load” semi.

And, because after 8 hours of driving and singing to myself, I found the following signs amusing and thought I would share….

Stewart’s Rock Shop…. the sign actually looks like over time it has been revised to indicate what, according to Stew, will be the biggest audience draw… clearly back in the day it was rocks, then he painted above it…”Automated Dinosaurs” and because that isn’t really drawing in the kiddies anymore, above that squished at the top of the board that is Stew’s sign, it says, “Feed the Ostrich.”  Given that ostriches are flock animals, it naturally concerned me that they have one lowly ostrich freezing his butt off in the December snows of Arizona – that’s one bitter bird.  I figured it was worth a stop.  Thankfully, prior to turning off, I saw that the sign on the building said, “Feed the ostriches,” and indeed there was a flock.  I say, “thankfully,” because after the shopping debacle in Flagstaff, I really just wanted to keep on driving.

The other signs I enjoyed were the gas stations masquerading as cultural centers, The Hopi Travel Center brought to you by Chevron,  The Navajo Travel Center brought to you by Shell, and The Zuni Travel Plateau – I wasn’t really clear on that one – might have been Conoco?  I doubt there is much cultural learning – although you might be able to snag some fry bread with your purchase of 2 t-shirts for $10.99.

Deliriously tired, and wonderfully sated with New Mexico chile dinner… I am going to bed.  Onward to ever exotic Wichita, KS tomorrow.

And by the way, my authentic Mexican dinner last night… delicious… best enchiladas in my life.

As ever,

K. Quinn