The best stop ever?

theramblers88
Aug 13, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Aug 18, 2019

7/5

Our westward trail led us to the last stop in New Mexico, Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. Scott Yellowhorse, a Navajo, has a wonderful shop which is built next to the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings. It’s also right on the state line of NM and Arizona! His father was Chief Yellowhorse. Scott told us much about the history of the tribes in this area. Finding out I am a teacher, he gave me two pieces of petrified wood to share with my class! We even took a fun pic on the state line drawn in the middle of his store! The cliffs here are the inspiration for Pixar’s movie "Cars". It is Sally’s Wagon Wheel.

Crossing into Arizona, we gained an hour back. They do not go on daylight savings time. There are clocks and signs everywhere telling you that you are in Arizona and this is currently the time!

Next up, Petrified Forest & Painted Desert National Park. Words cannot describe the beauty of this land. It’s a 28 mile road that goes from end to end. You can easily just drive through and observe the wonders from your car. Or you can take the pull-offs and walking trails and really be awed by the breathtaking landscapes Mother Earth has for us. We did the latter. We spent over 7 hours here. Every turn brought badlands, buttes, mesas, barren land and canyons. Every color of the rainbow could be found on the mountain layers. Breathtaking!

Our day just kept getting better. We checked into our campground in Holbrook, Arizona, and decided we were too tired to cook. So, we went into town and found the most authentic, Route 66 looking restaurant we could find. We chose Joe & Aggie’s Cafe. Little did I know that this was going to be the best stop ever! (Somehow, Dan knew to come here).

As we walked in, I noticed lots of Route 66 memorabilia on the walls, but then.....an entire wall and display case of Pixar’s "Cars" movie. Why would this all be here? Well, back in ‘05, John Lasseter and his team happened by, and well, the rest is movie history. The owners, Stanley and Alice are the inspiration for Lizzy, the Model T and Stanley, the Stanley Steamer fountain! Many of the stories and conversations Alice had with John are actually in the movie (some word for word.) John Lasseter has been back several more times to visit. I sat in his seat at the cafe! I met Stanley and he autographed my Cozy Cone hat! The family had many stories and photos to share. It was truly an awesome experience.