We previously visited Monument Valley in Utah about 23 years ago. It wasn’t planned, we just stumbled across it enroute from Nevada to Colorado, it was late one afternoon and we drove around with the whole valley to ourselves. It is such a familiar backdrop to anyone who has sat through a cowboy film from the 1960’s you really are waiting for John Wayne to gallop into view!
Quite a lot has changed in 23 years and it is now firmly on the tourist trail. The benefit of this is a small number can camp in the park meaning you get the see the sunset/sunrise and breathtaking night skies close to the rocks. The downsides are there is now a hotel (although small), restaurant, gift shop etc. to cater for the masses so there is much more traffic in the area, however for the Navajo native Americans who run and staff the park that is obviously a good thing! However if you are prepared to get up early as we were, it wasn’t hard to get away from the hoards.
We arrived in a dust storm, worried we may see nothing, but swallow a lot of sand!
Luckily the sandstorm cleared and we got this view before the sun set.
Juanita looking like the small kid who wants to hang out with the big kids…..
and ends up left at the park on her own ?
Next morning we were up at 5.30 in the hope of some nice early morning views. It wasn’t the best of sunrises but still a pretty special place.
The tripod is back!
A nice spot for tea and porridge.
After all that stunning scenery we headed into New Mexico and stopped at a small state park for the night. It was called Bluewater and whilst it didn’t provide the shopping opportunities of it’s namesake in Kent neither were there any problems parking!
In fact we had the place to ourselves.?
Great photos… How did you sleep, I assume it was quite warm.
Hi Robert,
The heat was not a problem, I think we are getting used to it, and the small fans I fitted helped us get to sleep and then I turned them off at the first pee break! The van is holding up well also.
Regards
John
Wow! You two are wild. Looks fantastic.
We’ve had Sean’s 50th treat to New York back in May and Niagara Falls, then a few days in the Isles of Scilly in June which was absolutely wonderful. We’ve just had 2 weeks at our caravan (home from home). Back to reality for us.
Enjoy yourselves. It looks amazing xxx
John you surpass yourself with these images.
Seeing you Jane sitting on the rock made me realise the scale of the place. Humongous!
Good to see the kitchen in operation and to see Juanita holding her own, next to the big boys!
Great photos John , – the bed on wheels doesn’t look too bad – the 4×4 will be useful on the mixed terrain – keep on rolling! G and Fi. X
Great piccies! looks like you had the place to yourselves although sounds like you didn’t. Juanita looks lujenthr cool kid ?
Wow! Amazing scenery….fantastic photos John! ?
Great photos. Xx