|
|
|
|
Opening Night Our first overnight was at Goulding's campground; We thought we'd ease Lori and kids into roughing it. It was very windy and we got out first red dust covering that stayed with us all thru the trip. But there were showers and we ate roasted chicken and salads (all store-bought, nothing needed to be caught and skinned and all that so I really don't see why Riley could possibly have had a problem; they even got the tent up in record time) We could see MV from the tents, in the sunset. It was beautiful. |
|||
Nick and the Duke[Here is a] shot of Nick and Duke - even though neither Nick or Riley had any idea who John Wayne was! Can you believe that! Of course, John Wayne memorabilia is all over the gift shops in that area from the classic John Ford movies filmed up there. (We left a copy of the movie "The Searchers" at their house a couple weeks ago - Nick promised he was going to watch it but I haven't heard any feedback). |
|
|
 |
Sweat LodgeNext day we took the self-guided tour thru MV and had Navaho tacos while a flute player serenaded us. What more could one ask for. MariAnna, Ron, Rile-Beth and Nick in front of a Navajo sweat lodge in Monument Valley |
|
|||||||||
The Rest of the TripNatural Bridges, Canyon de Chelly, and HomeNext day we drove up the Moqui Dug-Way, a real adventure and not for the faint hearted but Lori was a real trooper and so was Nick, with both of them driving. Then on to Natural Bridges, it was too hot to hike, and there were notices everywhere that their critters carried a plague. That might have bothered Ri a bit. From there we drove across the Comb Monocline, what a landscape! Incredible. Ended up in Blanding where we discovered that we couldn't buy beer or wine. Back to Valley of Gods. our old campground and it's amenities. Next day we drove to Canyon de Chelly; stopped in Chinle at BurgerKing, where we were accosted by a bunch of hungry unkempt but polite and to me none threatening Indians. I bought one of them a whopper, actually he wanted a double one with the works. In return he warned us of the evil spirits in the Canyon that come out at night. I know it freaked out Ri and Nick. So we treated ourselves to a room at the Thunderbird Lodge, took long showers, and ate in the cafeteria, watched TV and pretty much behaved like civilized people. Took a rim drive and walked to Spider Rock. Next day Ron and I who had been to Canyon before finally took a tour; it was great. Esp. since we had a very good guide. The kids (and dogs) stayed in room. I think it was their best day of the trip. Then we drove across Hopiland and stopped at First Mesa. Wolpi was closed, getting ready for a ceremony, doing a cleansing. We were invited to stay for dance on Sat. but couldn't. I begged them to dance for rain. But so far nothing, at least not here. Maybe they got some. I visited with a woman I met there 20 yrs ago and bought a kachina from her. Lots of them for sale, also pottery, all very cheap but very good. Again, lots of Indians hanging around (no begging though) and lots of dogs and it was very hot. I don't think Ri and Nick had such a great time there either. But they were great, I didn't hear them complain and whine at all, but I guess we cured them of camping. Although Lori said she would go again. And maybe Nick too. Ron and I had great time, we just love that country, but are happy to be back home. Ron had to go to work today, so he's probably not too happy. The dogs are happy to be home too, they're hiding under the desk, afraid that they might have to go camping again too. I'm sure they feel like Riley does. Although they too were great travelers. MariAnna |
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
