We drove here the afternoon of the 30th on a whim after taking a morning hike at Chaco. Again, the drive was quite beautiful with red and pink cliffs and interesting rock formation, and moved us out of New Mexico and into Arizona. Got in at 7 pm and stayed in a motel. Canyon de Chelle (pronounced Shay)is a long canyon with sheer walls up to 1000 feet high. It is farmed by Navajos. Kit Carson killed many and drove the remnants out on behalf of our 19th century Indian policy and sent them on a 300 mile march on which many died. They were allowed to return later in the century and have remained there ever since. We drove the road on both sides of the canyon and looked down into it at various viewpoints. The Spider Rock at the end of the canyon is the highlight; quite impressive and of great spiritual significance to the Navajo.
In midafternoon, we took off for Kenyata, where we will tour Monument Valley, the place that many of the cowboy and Indian TV shows and movies of the 1950s were shot. One of the rock formations is even named for the director John Ford. Again, the drive was full of spectacular scenery, including the first two in this blog (one called Church Spires, you will know which one, I am sure). This place might be hot, but it is eye candy to be sure. In fact, it is only in the low 80s, but never a cloud in the sky and very little shade. It seems hotter, but is quite comfortable at night.
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