While I was in the Gallup, New Mexico area, I decided to check out El Malpais National Monument. I stopped in at the ranger station and told her that I was interested in seeing La Ventana Arch. She recommended that I take in the view from the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook.
It reminded me of the Valley of Fire BLM site I visited last year.
There were lava flows around sandstone bluffs. Most of the lava I saw seemed to be of the a’a type – the blocky lava – although they did have a sample of the pahoehoe lava – the ropey lava – in the ranger station.
It was really windy on the bluff.
It was so windy that there were little waves in the water in the pothole. I tried to get a shot that captured the water moving, but if you look closely, you can see how the water lapped against the far side of the pothole.
With my avoidance of heights, this sign was unnecessary – for me, at least.
On my way back to the main road, I passed the ruins of the Garrett Homestead. It was built between 1935-1937.
I parked the truck and went over to examine the ruins.
During the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, people tried to homestead in the area. Homesteaders had to make $800 worth of improvements and live on the land for seven of twelve months for three years before the land was theirs.
It must have been incredibly difficult. According to the information available, many families were not able to make it and moved on to other places.
I got back in BART and continued on to La Ventana.
Mission accomplished!
Time to go back to the RV park and get ready for the next day’s travels.