My route west from New Orleans took me through Dallas and on to Amarillo in just a few days. Near Amarillo the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest in the USA, and would be my canyon of choice for this trip. Unlike the Grand Canyon you can easily drive a nice road down into it and have a look around.

Although I don't think its as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, its still pretty big, and it makes a change to be able to get away from the crowds of the big name attractions.

Continuing west, roughly along the lines of old Route 66 I took a detour north to see something which was always a top priority and should be part of every all american road trip. Monument Valley looms out of the heat haze like a true western icon should.

No less impressive close up. You can imagine coming across this place when it was unknown and there were no roads here.

Dropping back south to Flagstaff, the scenery continues in the Sedona area. The red rock strata makes an impressive scene against the deep blue sky.

From Flagstaff its an easy cruise along to Laughlin, Nevada. Like a mini Vegas, Laughlin was my base to relax for a few days before the final stretch back to California and LA. My hotel was shaped like a paddle steamer....

and justifiably so since it backs onto the mighty Colorado river.

After soaking up some sun LAX beconed. This is pretty much the end of the trip. On the USA leg, I drove 7150 miles using 257 gallons of fuel at 27.8 mpg and an average speed of 57 mph. Mustang, The Mother Road and blue skies.