Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

Our visit out west last week was awesome! I'm sure I'm incapable of describing the grandeur in my own words. There were so many incredible moments, I don't know if I'll be able to post all that I'd like. We started out at the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert area, around to Canyon De Chelly, to Monument Valley, and on down to Sedona. I could make several books with all the photos I've gotten on this trip.

Petrified Forest wasn't quite what I expected, however, it was neat to see. The ancient trees are turned to stone. There are stories, or rumors, that if you remove any piece of the forest, you will be cursed. I read a letter sent by a woman who was sending back her piece of wood to the forest claiming that nothing but bad had happened to her since she had removed that piece of wood. I am not superstitious, however, we did not take any wood with us. We touched it, sat on it, then left it behind for those who follow to enjoy. The Painted Desert was pretty cool to see.  We only had a few minutes the first night since we pulled into the park 45 minutes before closing.  So we went back first thing in the morning.