NewMexico

Last hike in our trip is in Strawberry Canyon towards the top of the mountain before returning to Phoenix with another tire blowout on the way

After a morning unexpectedly spent repairing our tire we drive to Milk Ranch Canyon for a nice hike in the high forest

Before returning to Gallup we visit in the increasing darkness Pueblo Bonito and with flashlights at Casa Rinconada the largest kiva found

The highlight of the day is the exploration of Peñasco Blanco a well preserved ruin affording great views of the surrounding area before returning to the car

The trail to Peñasco Blanco is a highlight in itself with a couple beautifully situated ruins and an extensive petroglyph area as well as the Supernova pictograph

We start our visit to Chaco with a tour of impressive Pueblo del Arroyo close to the start of the Penasco Blanco trail

Casamero Pueblo was on our radar for quite some time and today we finally made to this secluded ruin part of the Chaco culture area

We barely make it to El Morro prior to the closing of the trails and therefore can explore only the shorter trail to the many historic inscriptions on the cliffs

One of the attractions we wanted to visit on this stretch of road is Bandera Volcano and Ice Caves a private attraction which is worth a stop

We start our NM visit with our first ever annular eclipse that we are watching from an official location in Grants