What Is It?

A full day of driving, and what have we to show for it? A giant roadrunner (which was less than a mile from last night's motel) and a roadside tourist-trap "museum." We blame New Mexico. If only New Mexico had anything worth seeing along I-10, the day might have been redeemed. Shame on you, New Mexico.

Actually, today wasn't entirely bereft of interest. We did finally get that good Mexican food we were so anticipating in El Paso. We took great pains to avoid the touristy restaurants that lined the interstate and find a place where the locals eat, and we were richly rewarded for our effort. The taco shells were light and crisp, the meat was tender and tasty, and even the price was right.

After bidding Texas, "Adios," and breezing right on through boring old New Mexico, we were compelled to stop at a roadside attraction in Arizona that had been advertising along the highway for more than 300 miles: "The Thing?" The attraction was well named: Even after paying our one dollar each for admission and touring the place, we're still not sure what "The Thing?" is. All we know is that it was worth the stop and the nominal fee to see an eclectic collection of alleged antiques and art created from driftwood and roots.

We are spending the night at the Lookout Lodge in the historic town of Tombstone, Arizona. From our window, we can see the lightning dance along the prairie and listen to the drumming of the thunder. Having just enjoyed one of our finest meals yet on this long journey, we are ready to call it a night so that we can get an early start exploring tomorrow.