Two stops today, two unforgettable sites, two more reasons to be thankful for the NPS.
Our first stop was the Hubbell Trading Post NHS. There is no doubt that we’ve seen more than our fair share of trading posts these past couple of weeks and I haven’t really thought much about them or the history behind them. The Hubbell Trading Post was opened in 1883 shortly after the forced exile of Navajos from their homes, known as The Long Walk. Hubbell was a white guy who knew the Navajo culture and language inside and out and gained massive respect from the Navajos. The trading post was incredibly important to get the Navajos back on their feet after the atrocity that occurred to them. The Hubbell family ran and opperated the post until a few decades ago when the NPS bought it. The coolest part is that still opperates as one of the biggest, most important trading posts in the area. In addition to that little tidbit, the grounds are amazing. My favorite part was the turkey. I can’t recall I time I’ve seen a live turkey and this fellow was adorable, nearly gobbling on demand.
I think I did a decent job teaching you about the Hubble Trading Post, but I don’t think I can explain our next stop, Petrified Forest NP. I don’t totally understand how a tree turns to rock, but it is one of nature’s most stunning tricks. Our visit started with several overlooks of the painted desert and the farther south we traveled, we began to encounter the huge logs of petrified wood. I have never seen anything like it. By the time we got to the southern quarter of the park, everywhere we looked were these mystical rocks. They emerge out of this layer of blueish-purple rock and the contrast of colors is beautiful. We did a short hike to a pueblo made of the petrified rock. Obviously, there was an abundance to of rock when it was built to provide supplies, but the power it must of taken to use them in construction is phenomenal. As unique as this one was to us, we read that there are over 100 pueblos made of petrified wood in the park.
The day ended with a much needed comfy room, lots of swimming, and our final New Mexican meal of the trip!
