Gouldings Campground, Monument Valley, Utah
We left the Grand Canyon and entered into the Navajo Nation. I feel as if we've traveled to another place in time, both spiritually and physically. We were so fortunate to experience the many moods of this magical place in one day.
One of our first stops of the day was at the Navajo Shadehouse Museum in Kayenta, Az. We spent a long time exploring this place, including watching a documentary about the Navajo Code Talkers. This is our second time visiting here and it continues to intrigue me.
When we arrived at Monument Valley the weather was cool and sunny with incredible cloud formations.
We decided to do the 2.5 hour jeep tour, led by a Navajo, and explore the valley further. Linda was in charge of negotiating the best tour and we definitely had the right person for this job! The 4 of us had our own tour with a very personable guide, Larry.
Heading off into the valley.
We saw incredible rock formations, learned about some Navajo traditions and culture, and even heard about all the movies made here. This rock is called "Elephant Rock." Can you see it?
We also visited a hogan where a woman was spinning wool.
These hogans are for all different kinds of ceremonies, everything from celebrating life events to curing sickness. The cone shape one is for the men and the rounded one for woman. The doors in them all face east.
This place is called "Big Hogan". If you look at the back of the rock you can see a picture of an Indian with the long black hair streaming down. It's all just the natural rock colors stained by water that flows from the hole in the top of the cave.
Per Larry's instructions, we all leaned against the slanted wall in the "Big Hogan" and just took in the space. It was very still and felt very magical. We all got lost in the quiet and solitude.
This rock formation is called "The Totem Pole" along with "Navajo Spiritual God Dancers." The dancers are emerging from a hogan.
Within minutes of this picture, the weather changed from complete stillness to a windy thunderstorm. Here it is approaching.
We got absolutely pummeled with cold rain and wind. Suddenly the open jeep tour didn't seem like such a great idea. (Thanks Linda for loaning me your spare vest to cover up with!)
This picture looks like we have a fake backdrop, but it's real!
What was so cool was the waterfalls that appeared out of nowhere as it rained.
Thanks Larry for an incredible, up-close visit to Monument Valley.
Afterwards, Ned and I had planned on making Gary and Linda an anniversary dinner. But it was cold, wet and late by the time we were done. So...off to Goulding Lodge for a really good, Navajo inspired dinner.
Can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning and experience the magical valley again. Be prepared for more pictures!
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