El Morro
Oh man, waking up and being at El Morro already was amazing! I finally got my coffee game figured out, so that was a great plus (no more instant coffee for me!!) I was the first one in the visitor center, and was able to chat with the park ranger a bit. Only a 4 mile trail, but apparently it contains some good views, pueblo Indian ruins, and some really cool written artifacts.
Spanish inscriptions 
Pueblo structure
Turned out to be one of my favorite parks so far! Roosevelt established this little park in 1906, as he obviously saw the uniqueness in it. This was a major stopping point for anyone traveling west, as early as the 1500s! Inscriptions from Spanish expeditions are present, along with Army generals and USGS survey folks. The main reason for stopping here? Year-round water of course! Throw in a huge slab of sandstone, and you get some serious message board action. This was even a stopping point for when the Army was trying out camel caravans for western expeditions. Yes. Camels. The mule won out over time. Anyway, it was awesome. If you’re in this neck of the woods you really need to visit this one.
Things written 
Ze water!
After leaving El Morro, I had my sights set on Petrified Forest National Park. Pulling up, I realize I’m pretty excited because the weather is perfect, and I’m still jazzed from my last park. I get in and inquire about camping opportunities. Back county camping only. Fine, I can handle that. The ranger I’m chatting with is super excited about this one spot in the park, so I sign my free camping permit and head on my way. Now, this area of the painted desert does not do well in photographs, but let me tell you, it was gorgeous. Sooooo many colors and variations in the sediment. And chunks of petrified woods literally everywhere.
Painted Desert 
Petrified stump
Petrified arm chair 
Home for the night
The wood is left over from the late Triassic Period I believe, when this area of Arizona was a rain forest. Shifting continents and changing climates obviously transitioned this landscape into the desert it is now, but some of the trees left over were washed into the river, where silica was introduced into their cells. Thus causing the rock appearance and feel to these tree trucks. I mean, you could still count the rings on these things.
After wandering for hours, I set up camp, and barely slept. It was insanely quiet, and I haven’t been that alone in a long time. Hope I get better at this…
Not photogenic