Road Trip Day 2

Today was a big day. We ended up covering about 100 more miles today than yesterday. In addition we passed through 2 time zones which means I will have to catch up on sleep tomorrow. We finished driving through Northern Arizona, completed New Mexico and ended in Amarillo, Texas. We didn't get to see all the things we wanted to, but we did get a lot in.



First stop was the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque. Very interesting. Got to see how nuclear technology is used for medicine, power and, of course, warfare. Had some great exhibits on the Manhattan Project and Los Alamos. Also had a good section on the Cuban Missile Crisis. Suprising it is also Congressionally chartered. We were lucky enough to get additional information from one of the museum's docents, who also happened to be a member of the original Manhattan Project. He had a lot of interesting things to say about nuclear energy as well. In all, a very good spot to check out if you are in Albuquerque. Pictures are of a WWII poster and me in front of a replica of Little Boy, the bomb that fell on Hiroshima.

Second was the International Rattlesnake Museum also in Albuquerque. I am so glad I stumbled across this little gem. I highly recommend the program Microsoft Streets & Trips (2008) as it helps you find museums, hotels, landmarks, restaurants and general points of interest within a 1 mile radius of your route. With that being said, rely on a GPS to get around town, as some of the road information was either not up to date or a little unreliable. Somehow while using this program this particular museum caught my eye. It was relatively small with two exhibits and all kinds of snakes and other creepy-crawly creatures. What made it stand out is all the information in the museum itself as well as being able to get so close to the animals. I've been in rattlesnake country for the last 10 years but this is the first time I've been able to actually see them up close. Definetly check this one out as well.

Missed the Wildlife West Nature Park and the Cadillac Ranch because it got darker quicker than we anticipated (time zones). Tomorrow we will finish the Texas pan handle, bust through Oklahoma (I hear its tornado season) and make out way to Little Rock, Arkansas. Stay tuned...
- LGM