The trip from Albuquerque to Flagstaff took us straight through The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. We were able to get out of the car and walk across the desert, collecting bits of petrified wood that were scattered all over the place. Brennan got a little freaked out when a dust devil suddenly sprung up and blew right into us, but thankfully it didn't last very long. The ground felt springy because it was super dry volcanic ash particles, which are even tinier than clay or silt. We couldn't leave footprints unless we tried really hard. It was interesting. And very windy and dry. Tristan brought back quite a few petrified tree bits... in his carry-on, which we found out about in the security line lol. They let him keep them all, even the super sharp axe-looking one. Thanks for understanding, TSA agent! ;) Noah, Tristan and Josh were happy to get out and climb all over cliffs ...