Galluping thru the mountains

Yesterday we drove from Sierra Vista, AZ to Gallup, NM via the Coronado Scenic byway for 100 miles. What a great ride. The byway (US191) starts out going through -- not past, but through -- one of the world's largest open pit copper mines. Then it winds through the mountains, climbing to around 8500 feet, going from desert to conifer forests, up through lots and lots of hairpin turns, no guard rails, very steep dropoffs, fabulous vistas. We even got 2 more lifers. Len spotted a covey of Montezuma quail walking along the road, plus we got a great view and were able to identify the western bluebird. We spent the night in Gallup, had Navajo tacos for supper, and are headed out to Santa Fe for the weekend.