Navajo Nation and Santa Rosa

We were off to a good start at 6:30 from our free Hopi campsite and headed into the Navajo Nation. One pickup truck had joined us overnight, but the three dogs were no where to be seen.

After a short drive we noticed a sign for the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, so pulled in to investigate. Operating since the 1860's, the post still sells staples, in addition to Navajo crafts. A park ranger answered Beth's questions about how locals get water, 800 foot wells or trucked in; what eats sagebrush, goats and sheep and, yes the mutton has a sage flavor. 

From there we continued to Window Rock, which is also the Navajo Government Center. 


The Navajo Museum had more contemporary works  of art than history, so was a bit disappointing. The building was physically very modern. It appears they have done better with funding than the Hopi.  Not many people were gathering for an afternoon showing of "Finding Nemo" in the Navajo language. A clattering on the atrium glass alerted us to don coats before returning to the van in rain mixed with sleet and a little hail. 

Rain was about it for the rest of today's drive. I did enjoy watching numerous long BNSF trains. We passed a large yard where they unload automobiles from trains as we exited for the campground. 

We just arrived at Santa Rosa Lake State Park in eastern NM. 47 degrees and rain will keep us inside, though it does look like a good park for a walk. There is a good sized lake out the starboard windows.  At $14 for the night, including electricity and a covered picnic table, we would stay here again.