Grand Canyon, TICK. Arizona, TICK. HELLO NEW MEXICO.

So it didn't look that far on the map but we needed to haul ass between Grand Canyon and Texas so we spent today on the open road (Route 66 and Route 40) throwing food and 'screens' at the kids to keep them amused. Out of desperation they got in the spirit of the number plate game - spotting all the different out of state number plates. We are now in the Alberquerque KOA RV Park with 'our people' - the other toothless RV owners.

On the ride over here we were literally blown away by a few things:

a)  the incredible landscape changes over 500 miles. We went from snow and pine trees to arid desert to amazing rock formations. Truly incredible and so glad we drove it instead of flying over it.
b)  the constant bible basher references - on trucks, on billboards, on radio, in shops, you name it. It was perticularly relevant given that we were listening to an e-book called "Letter to a Christian Nation" (thanks Latte). I highly encourage you to read this brutal look at the role of religion (ALL religion) on our planet. It's particularly relevant for those of us whose lives are touched by the ADF. Dad - you'd be proud, there's a lot of science references in it and I stayed awake the whole time!
c)  the lack of Audi's on the road (Glenn has been counting them, Richard, and there have only been 5). The cars are really old school, which is surprising and very few late models and even fewer europeans. Economy I guess?
d)  the lifestyle of the native American indians. WOW. For such a noble race they have really lost their way. We pulled over for a major sign saying "Indian Ruins" and ended up at a souvenier store where the native American man behind the counter informed us "it's just the name of the store, man". So sad to see.
e)  the abject poverty in the 'anytown USA' towns - there are whole towns made up of trailers and pre-fab houses with nothing but dust for a yard. We couldn't figure out how they made a living.
f)    the number of casinos. So bizarre, they are every 50 miles! Where you would find a maccas with a petrol station they add about five fast food chains and a casino. No wonder their economy is failing, they are gambling it away!
g)  already mentioned but I feel like I should emphasise. The roads are falling apart. I guess the govt is broke. I will never complain about paying $1100 a year in rego in the ACT again.

I've attached some pics of our adventures today - we will try and do daily posts of the previous day now that we are in a battle rythym. Tomorrow is an easy start with pancakes and exploration of Alberquerque and then back on the road mid arvo for a short trip to Santa Fe before pushing through Texas over the next three days....

Love you all,

xo