Remnants of this huge forest can be see littered throughout the national park. And, while it is certainly tempting to pick up even the most minute of petrified wood pieces, it is strictly against federal law. National Park officials estimate ordinary visitors like you and me haul some 12 tons of these precious rocks off yearly. Heck, Mabel, just one like bitsy piece won't make a difference. Ironically, there is tons of petrified wood in surrounding curio shops at either end of the park entrances, which were obtained on private property.
Albuquerque prices vary, like most big cities.
Wonderful shades of varied palettes of Painted Desert's topography unfold as you pass through the last six miles of the park before reaching Interstate 40. The menu features chile relleno, chicken chalupas, rice, beans, plus dessert and coffee. This fund-raiser is open to the public. The Oceanside-Carlsbad Union High School class of 1955 will hold its 45th reunion on Aug. 5 at Ruben's, not at the El Camino Country Club as reported in my column Saturday. A number of crows live in one of our trees.