Left Golden on Monday morning and I-70 was clear across Colorado. Just north of Moab we drove into Arches National Park. It was a beautiful day and the views were spectacular. We drove throughout the park with short walks on the Park Avenue Trail as well as the Devils Garden Trail. It was not crowded except as we drove through 'The Windows' parking lot. I expect this traffic would be terrible in the summertime as cars were blocking traffic as they waited for spots to open or slowed to view 'The Windows' from their car. We spent the night at the Comfort Inn and ate dinner at the Moab Diner. On Tuesday we headed south through the Navajo Nation and Monument Valley and through the towns of Kayenta and Tuba City. These are two Navajo towns which play a large part in many of the books Alesa has read (Tony and now, Ann Hillerman books). Needless to say, Monument Valley was majestic with the high point being our stop at 'Forest Gump Point' in Utah. This was where they filmed Forest Gump during his running phase. We stopped and Alesa was upset by the number of people standing and/or lying in the middle of the road to recreate the scene from the movie. But I did get a quick shot from the middle of the road. It was an awesome view with many 'monuments' in the distance. Down the road we happened upon the 'Cameron Trading Post' which provided us with authentic Navajo cooking for lunch which we both enjoyed very much. It also included a very large gift shop which Alesa roamed through and bought some earrings. It was a most enjoyable stop. Then on to Flagstaff and the Drury Inn. This is one of our favorite places as it serves a complimentary buffet dinner with three cocktails in the evening plus a buffet breakfast in the morning. Before dinner we went to Sams Club to begin to restock our larder for when we get home. At the Inn they had a parking ramp which included an enclosed walkway which led directly to our second-floor suite. A very comfortable stay. I was going to use the hot tub and the pool, but it was a little too crowded with kids. Seemed to be a lot of families headed out on a New Years ski vacation. Got back home today before noon to beat the New Years Eve traffic. Another Great trip. Not planning to stay up tonight to celebrate but will celebrate on Eastern time as it is earlier. Also looking forward to the upcoming football games, both college and pro.