The drive from Edgewood, NM to Flagstaff, AZ is the shortest of the trip, just over five and a half hours. This means I can take my time passing through the beautiful red mesas and striated buttes of Navajo country, and even stop to visit a trading post or two along the way.
There are several trading posts to explore en route along the I-40. When I stopped in Gallup to refresh myself, walk Timi, and reset my nervous system after our first 2.5 hours on the road, I was tempted to visit one I hadn’t tried before. But I wanted to return to the Navajo Travel Center, where I’d stopped on two previous trips. They sell beautiful crafts, the setting is unique—just off the highway, but in the middle of nowhere–and I always have a nice exchange with the Native women who work there.
It was a clear sunny day, not too hot. Nevertheless, I parked in a shady spot. Timi and Clyde should be comfortable while I browse.
Inside the store, I became enamored with two small terra cotta pots. I didn’t want to spend too much time deciding which one I liked more, though, so what can I say? I bought both. 🤷🏻♀️ 😉
They are bubble-wrapped now, but I’ll try and post a picture after I get to California. Along with the horsehair pot I purchased last year, I now own three Navajo pots. Sounds like a bona fide collection to me. Support Native crafts!
From Navajo, it was just two more hours to Flagstaff, where we spent the final hotel night of this journey at our favorite La Quinta.
One more day on the road and we’ll be home. Can’t wait! See y’all in sunny California! 💜🙏🏼🦉🌵 OBC
One Bold Crone 