As you read this, I’m on the road back to my hometown of Shiprock in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. It’s a sudden “family matter” trip so it will be a quick turnaround. I don’t have the nicest memories of the town but maybe this visit will inspire more frequent returns.

I’m not driving (thankfully) so I’ll be Tweeting photos and blips from the passenger seat (@JuxtaPalate.) Because I’ve made this trip hundreds of times, I know there are plenty of interesting stops and things to see.

The destination is a small desert valley town named for the monolithic volcanic rock nearby. The town borders on the reservation and the population is mainly Navajo.

What about the food?

Glossy fast food restaurants diminish the rural look of the dusty town. Sadly, they are a major cause of health issues in the community.

However, if we get there in time I can check out the weekend shanty town (literally) flea market where I might score childhood favorites like mutton stew, fry bread, Hopi cookies, Hopi bread, steam corn, mutton sandwiches and more.

Goodbye Arizona. See you tomorrow.