The wide open road ...and rocks ...and snow.

Leaving Roswell, I got to finally got to appreciate the wide open space in New Mexico (minus the fog). The sun had come out and the skies were clear. I opened the sunroof and down went the windows. "Now this is what I'm talkin' about!" I was completely amazed by the masive amount of space and the mountains and rock formations in the distance.



I thought to myself, I wouldn't mind having a ranch out here someday. I'd have to work it myself, so I wouldn't get bored. And I'd need a runway so I don't have to drive in. It might also be nice to build a mock ghost/old west town with a saloon, stables, barber shop and tannery. Kinda like Ted Nuget's home. No harm is wishing and setting goals right?


I made it to Albuquerque in fairly good time, and back on I40/US66 I went. What I wasn't expecting was the blizzard/Snow Storm sweeping across Arizona and New Mexico. I was also unaware of how mountainous the upper part of Arizona is. My poor car is being a real trooper and I owe her a detail and wash when we get to California. What I do appreciate about Arizona is their ability to name roads. Whatever is on that road is the name of that road. Wanna get to Walnut Canyon? Take Walnut Canyon Road. Wanna see Rock Springs? Take Rock Springs Road. Then I start to see signs for Meteor Crater Road. SOLD! I don't care if it is 10pm. The moon is bright and I can see for miles in the dark right now. I'm taking the exit! About six miles from I-40, there is a gigantic hill that leads up to a closed gate for the Crater. Damnit! I was hoping I could see the natural beauty without having to pay. I turned around quickly when the super bright motion-detecting spotlight shone on me. Maybe tomorrow.


I made it to Flagstaff and there are gorgeous mountains all around. There's about an inch or two of snow here, but I think that's normal for a 7000 foot elevation. I'll be off to the grand canyon tomorrow and maybe that crater. Check it out for yourself... http://www.meteorcrater.com/

Location:Historic U.S. 66,Flagstaff,United States

The truth is out there.

The weather has been something quite different than what I expected for the southwest. After leaving Amarillo, I set out for Roswell, New Mexico. The snow in the desert and the extra moisture brought in some unexpected fog. This was the thickest fog I have ever seen. At 55 MPH, my visibility was just above ten feet. Luckily, I had my GPS to show me where the road goes and if it turns in front of me. The only thing I couldn't anticipate would be animals or aliens. (I was more concerned about the aliens) For the most part, the road stayed straight into Roswell. As I watched my 'Distance to Destination' meter getting increasingly smaller, I saw no signs of life or lights or even any other drivers on the road.


My mind continued to play tricks on me and I kept imagining a grey body appearing on the road out of the fog. I got down to half a mile from Roswell and suddenly a huge bright white light appeared. It seemed to be about 60-70 feet above the road and was arranged in a four light pattern. I instantly slowed to 20 MPH and stared up into the light. I was thinking, this is amazing, but I'm really freaked out! As I creeped closer to the light, a large sillouette appeared and had arms/legs that reached over both side of the highway.


My heart skips a beat as this monstrous sillouette comes into focus. I laugh at myself as I realize the sillouette is road/exit sign and the light is one of four others that Roswell has around the exit. Due to high winds in New Mexico, their road signs are large cylinders that reach over both sides of the highway. The lights and their unusual light, shape and height... I'm chocking it up to Roswell having a sense of humor about themselves. They got me!


After waking at the Frontier Motel on Main Street, I decided to take in the sights, sounds and people of Roswell. I discovered that Roswell is the Dairy Capital of the Southwest. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I was glad to have been there for that alone. (Also explains why aliens abduct cows there.) For the most part, downtown doesn't look like it's changed much since the 50's. The old cinema has been turned into The International UFO Museum.


I walked through and there wasn't much to it. Mostly just documents and photos illuding to the existence of alien life. But no absolute proof. There was an interesting map at the entrance that had a pin for everyone who has visited the museum this month. I was not the only one who thought Roswell would be an interesting stop.


I stopped into a few shops and went through a blacklight alien walk inside one of them. It was very interesting and the craftsmanship of the models were really interesting. The people of Roswell are all believers, Native Americans and Hippies. I left Roswell knowing that I was the only alien there.

Location:Roswell, NM