Exploring Monument Valley

Saturday, June 20th, 2015. We got up at 7 AM in the middle of the desert. No one for miles. The air was fresh and a pleasant 73 degrees. We were in the shade of a large butte a few hundred yards to our east. Making coffee and enjoying a breakfast at this spot was an easy decision.

After clean up we continued our trip around The Valley of the Gods Loop trail. This took about one hour with several stops for pictures and checking out the many blooming wildflowers. Bob was glad we were in a high clearance vehicle. While he didn't use the 4WD, the road was rough in many low spots where recent rain water traveled through the washes.

As we exited the loop trail back onto Route 261, we looked back at the sheer face of the Moki Dugway. We could not find any trace of the gravel road built into the cliff face. We were still in awe of this amazing place.

About one mile before our turn south onto Route 163 we took another detour. We turned right onto Road 316 for the 3-mile drive out to Goosenecks State Park. This park consists of a picnic area ($5 day use fee) or a camping use area(for $10 overnight fee). The park sits on a bluff about 1000 feet above the San Juan River. At this point the river makes multiple "Gooseneck" or 'S' turns through the canyon. This is one of the most impressive examples of an entrenched river meander in North America. At this point the river flows over six miles while advancing only 1.5 miles west toward Lake Powell.

As we were leaving the Park, Bob asked the ranger if the amount of greenery and wildflowers were normal for this time of year. He said the past 3 weeks had seen much more rainfall than normal. We were lucky to be here for the beautiful display of desert plant life.

Next we were off to Route 163 South to the Visitor Center at Monument Valley. Although the center was closed we visited several jewelry and gift shops housed at this complex of buildings.

Several of these shopkeepers mentioned that today at 1 pm across the road in the High School Gymnasium there was to be a Cree Family Pow-Wow. (It was actually a 2 day event!) In addition to the many drummers, singers and costumed dancers there would be authentic Navajo food for sale. We decided that this would be a more entertaining and authentic slice of Navajo Life than paying the $20 fee to get into the Navajo Tribal Park's Visitor's Center

Any doubts about outsiders being welcome were quickly put to rest. At the food booth out front, a very friendly Navajo gentleman was happy to answer any questions about food being served. Also I asked about taking pictures. He assured me that at most times pictures were no problem. Pictures of individuals in costume should be with permission. He explained in some detail how the event would progress into the late evening. We enjoyed a Navajo Taco, then went in for the show. ($6 for me, and $3 for Senior Bob) Dozens of dancers were ready in full dress Dozens more were getting ready. Many had suitcases or large bags holding multiple costumes. Eight separate teams (families?) with six to eight drummers and singers were spread around the outer edge of the floor. These teams were taking turns chanting and drumming. I wish we understood the meanings behind the song and dance. They were quite impressive and very entertaining.

At 1 PM, the event began with the Grand Parade of the dancers and the steady drum beating and chanting of the singers. It was quite a sight as the dancers filled the gymnasium floor. I got a terrific video of the entire procession. We stayed for about 2 hours enjoying the constant flow of activity. Finally we decided we should head North and get closer to tomorrow's destination of Canyonlands NP.

We headed North on Route 163 then Route 191. Just below Monticello, is Devil's Canyon National Forest Service campground. It was 5 pm and the temp was 85 degrees. The campground had some shade trees too. This looked like a perfect place to spend a quiet evening outside relaxing. We had time to reflect on another active day full of pleasant surprises. "Going Places With Smiling Faces!"