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| The NASA test facility at Edwards AFB. Note the tan flat area in background on which flight testing can be done. |
Today was a transition day out of California into Arizona. Again vast vistas of dry scrub and distant mountains treated our eyes. At one point Ann commented that the hazy distant mountains could be called the Smokies of the West! From an elevation of about 2200 feet at Edwards AFB we climbed to over 7000 feet here at the KOA in Flagstaff, AZ. As we left we saw a big NASA aircraft and the facility they operate as a tenant at Edwards. Edwards is a research and test facility which NASA likely uses for the same purpose. There is a huge flat tract of land for lengthy take off and landings.
As we headed eastward on I-40 we again noted trains. (We saw no trains in Hawaii!). The tracks again followed the interstate. This one had no caboose!
And the road went through ups and downs, mostly ups! And what spectacular vistas with mountain peaks exceeding 7-12,000 feet!
As we crossed the border at Needles, we also crossed the Colorado River. This River is the cause of much fighting and controversy over who has the right to its waters.
Nearing Flagstaff, the ascents became steeper and the nice increase in gas mileage we'd had on the flatlands was diminished. We'll sleep at 7,000+ elevation tonight and we didn't even bother to hook up the water overnight as we were warned to disconnect it overnight for the freezing temps! Never camped in temps below freezing before--virgin experience.
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