I’ve been writing this post for a month. I’m still processing everything I saw. But also, simply, it was such a great few days to travel across the country (although flight problems delayed me one day). I have been consumed with all of life’s problems in government, work, dogs, and so many things that don’t matter; but do. I’m flip flopping. And couldn’t complete a thought. But unexpected change, makes things more clear. I’m finishing this and here it is:
I want to tell you about Monument Valley in Arizona. I want to tell you what I saw and how I felt about it. Here it is. Finally.
For more than 10 years I’ve been wanting to visit Monument Valley. I’ve seen pictures and read articles about why it’s one of the top places to see. I’ve been to places all around it: drove through Kayenta, Four Corners Monument, Page. But never through Monument Valley.
The first week of March, I flew to Arizona and headed north to Monument Valley.
I’ve driven this route several times: the Phoenix airport to Highway 17 North to Flagstaff. For trips and to get somewhere. Many times I’ve gone this route.
By exit 322 I finally feel like I’m out of the desert and into the mountains and Ponderosa Pines. These Ponderosa give this area a different feel and I can see San Francisco Peaks in the distance; the elevation is now 7,000 feet. It’s getting cooler, and there is snow on the mountain peaks. I am looking forward to stopping in Flagstaff for food then continuing northeast to Monument Valley
I get to Monument Valley and I’m in a red, painted desert.
I checked into the View hotel and love the newness of the hotel. The view from my room of the valley had amazing views: Mitten Buttes (East and West), Merrick Butte, Three Sisters, Totem Pole, and Ear of the Wind.
The next morning I woke early, knowing that I was not going to run the trail race in the Navajo Tribal Park, which was the original reason for coming here. I instead hike to a rocky peak about a mile from the hotel and watch the sunrise over Homan Valley. I just sat and looked at the landscape and the color.
Later I drove to the Navajo National Monument and walked the trail to Betatakin Overlook.
The desert southwest – captivates me.
I picked a great week. The following week, weather came in and this happened.
I want to tell you about Monument Valley in Arizona. I want to tell you what I saw and how I felt about it. Here it is. Finally.
For more than 10 years I’ve been wanting to visit Monument Valley. I’ve seen pictures and read articles about why it’s one of the top places to see. I’ve been to places all around it: drove through Kayenta, Four Corners Monument, Page. But never through Monument Valley.
The first week of March, I flew to Arizona and headed north to Monument Valley.
I’ve driven this route several times: the Phoenix airport to Highway 17 North to Flagstaff. For trips and to get somewhere. Many times I’ve gone this route.
By exit 322 I finally feel like I’m out of the desert and into the mountains and Ponderosa Pines. These Ponderosa give this area a different feel and I can see San Francisco Peaks in the distance; the elevation is now 7,000 feet. It’s getting cooler, and there is snow on the mountain peaks. I am looking forward to stopping in Flagstaff for food then continuing northeast to Monument Valley
I get to Monument Valley and I’m in a red, painted desert.
I checked into the View hotel and love the newness of the hotel. The view from my room of the valley had amazing views: Mitten Buttes (East and West), Merrick Butte, Three Sisters, Totem Pole, and Ear of the Wind.
The next morning I woke early, knowing that I was not going to run the trail race in the Navajo Tribal Park, which was the original reason for coming here. I instead hike to a rocky peak about a mile from the hotel and watch the sunrise over Homan Valley. I just sat and looked at the landscape and the color.
Later I drove to the Navajo National Monument and walked the trail to Betatakin Overlook.
The desert southwest – captivates me.
I picked a great week. The following week, weather came in and this happened.