Day 14 - Monument Valley Tribal Park
Left Cortez after a mediocre free hotel breakfast and a gas-up. Called the owner of the St. George place and arranged to meet him around 4 or 5 tomorrow. I think he doubts he’ll ever see us.
After an hour or so of driving, we hit 4 Corners, the only place where 4 states meet (CO, AZ, UT, NM). A planned highlight for Kristen. Though due to complete construction by 6/30, they are now scheduled to miss the entire tourist season, not reopening until the end of August. We did get some photos outside the gate, though.
Shortly after, we had the Spider Incident, where Jill freaked out when a big spider crawled up her arm while driving and we all had a good laugh. “It’s a frickin spy-duh” she cried in her best NY accent.
Through desolate but slightly picturesque desert for another hour, till we turned off AZ 160 to Monument Valley.
After an hour or so of driving, we hit 4 Corners, the only place where 4 states meet (CO, AZ, UT, NM). A planned highlight for Kristen. Though due to complete construction by 6/30, they are now scheduled to miss the entire tourist season, not reopening until the end of August. We did get some photos outside the gate, though.
Shortly after, we had the Spider Incident, where Jill freaked out when a big spider crawled up her arm while driving and we all had a good laugh. “It’s a frickin spy-duh” she cried in her best NY accent.
Through desolate but slightly picturesque desert for another hour, till we turned off AZ 160 to Monument Valley.
Arrived around noon to a much improved visitor experience over 14 years ago. They have now built a real visitor’s center and restaurant. There’s a paved road and striped parking lot, and air conditioned toll booth. Amazing! Last time it was a couple of Indians standing around some pickup trucks, next to a trailer in the dirt.
However, the experience of driving around the monuments was just about identical to the old one. Rutted roads, sand, vague markings, dust and the whole deal. Jill loved it, and it’s obvious we will need to buy her some kind of off road vehicle to replace the Mercedes!
It was very scenic and picturesque and we had a great time. Forgot to eat lunch!
Took lots of photos and saw many more Indian jewelry stands than last time. Tried, and failed, to find the rock I “held up” last time while Jill took my photo. (It must weigh 100 tons and it would have been fun for Kristen to get the same shot.)
Stopped in Kayenta for a crowded 3pm McDonald’s lunch and drove an hour or 2 to our very nice King Suite at the Days Inn in Page, where we shared the pool with many foreigners, including the German ball-throwers. Pizza Hut delivery for dinner cause Jill didn’t feel like driving around.
Day 15 >>>
However, the experience of driving around the monuments was just about identical to the old one. Rutted roads, sand, vague markings, dust and the whole deal. Jill loved it, and it’s obvious we will need to buy her some kind of off road vehicle to replace the Mercedes!
It was very scenic and picturesque and we had a great time. Forgot to eat lunch!
Took lots of photos and saw many more Indian jewelry stands than last time. Tried, and failed, to find the rock I “held up” last time while Jill took my photo. (It must weigh 100 tons and it would have been fun for Kristen to get the same shot.)
Stopped in Kayenta for a crowded 3pm McDonald’s lunch and drove an hour or 2 to our very nice King Suite at the Days Inn in Page, where we shared the pool with many foreigners, including the German ball-throwers. Pizza Hut delivery for dinner cause Jill didn’t feel like driving around.
Day 15 >>>
