It seems a long time since I've had anything really good to blog. Today I got to reminiscing and Monument Valley came to mind. We had the wonderful good fortune to fly this fabulous valley a number of years ago. I went through roll after roll of film as we flew below the tops of the formations. We thought it could never be better. Then, on the spring trip from NV to home, we detoured to see Monument Valley from the ground. What a thrill!! Ideally one should explore from the air and the ground then float the Colorado River and see it from that perspective too. Maybe.......just maybe that float trip is in our future.
We also flew Marble Canyon and the Goosenecks outside of Page, AZ. Some of these spots are so remote as to only be seen from the air. There are no roads and it isn't possible to carry the water necessary to backpack those distances.
When we arrived we learned that the campground was closed as they were making improvements. Our arrival was just prior to the opening of their spring season. They offered to let us camp on the flat if we didn't need any services. We had water and, with the solar panel, didn't need electric so we happily accepted.
Our view of "The Mittens"
The ideal picnic spot with a view - but far too cold to eat outdoors.
The sandstone formations are 400 to 1,000 feet high.
Our view as we ate dinner that night.
Monument Valley is not a national park but a Navajo Tribal Park. There is a small fee to drive the 17-mile loop road which is accessible during limited hours. How fabulous it would be to have access at sunrise.
Director John Ford shot many a movie in this valley that would become known as "John Ford Country".
There is a majesty that seems spiritual.
Our piece of heaven for two nights.
Gouldings Trading Post and, now, museum - "Mike" and Harry Goulding provided meals and lodging for many of the film crews and actors. What a remote place was for them to live.
From the historic Gouldings Museum the view made famous by John Ford, John Wayne and Henry Fonda.
That's snow on the mountain tops in the far distance. Next door is a Navajo restaurant that is phenomenal. The food was excellent and memorable. The front is all glass and Monument Valley is the view. We are so happy that we didn't resist the temptation.
The sun is setting at our campsite!
The next morning - this is one morning that I didn't mind being awake for sunrise. Sheer Heaven on Earth!
