“Every hundred feet the world changes.” ~ Roberto Bolaño

Today we traveled to Monument Valley National Park. The valley is a sacred area that lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation. It is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft above the valley floor. Yesterday, at the Grand Canyon I found myself looking down into the crater, and today I felt my eyes pulled upwards towards the monuments that went high into the sky.

Every turn seemed to be a photo opportunity. As Peggy Persico said, “Each park is individually spectacular and unique.”

We saw some Navajo hogans. A hogan is the primary, traditional dwelling of the Navajo people. Other traditional structures include the summer shelter, the underground home, and the sweat house.

“I think that is what a national park is all about. It gives people breathing room. It gives people a tranquil atmosphere. It gives them an opportunity to be a part of nature, You’re just part of it all.”~ Juanita Green”

We were invited to watch a Navajo woman demonstate the art of weaving. She explained that it takes months to create a woven wall hanging. Nothing is rushed.

We went to a lovely rock formation, with openings in the ceiling where our guide Roz played the flute beautifully

“For me traveling is all about seeking new adventures and making travel memories. And these adventures become even more fun when you can share them with a good friend.” ~ Author Unknown

“If you listen
midst the silence of the valley
the voices of the Elders from the monuments
whisper down,

“You are welcome here.
This land to which we were entrusted
by the Great Creator of all things
is ours to tend,
is ours to share,
is ours to enjoy,
but not ours to keep;

for we pass it down to our children
with the same admonition

and in what seems a barren setting,
abundant in desolation,
lacking in precipitation,
we look to the monuments
whose beauty stands as a reminder
that in such a harsh place
we are not forgotten
by Him”

Monument Valley by Preston Bigler