DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER - GRAND CANYON

THE GRAND CANYON

On the way from the Four Corners region, we passed countless rickety stands along the side of the road where the native americans pedaled their trinkets. One sign even said "we're the friendly indians". Unbelieveable. That was, however, a bit of a problem in some areas where we felt a bit of animosity in the air - probably deservedly so. I would feel that way if forced to live in that inhospitable area.

We arrived at the Grand Canyon late afternoon to be greeted by a hail storm even though 30 mins earlier was over 90 degrees. We continued on to the eastern edge of the park and the Desert View Watchtower. When we got there, the heavens opened up and a torrential shower soaked everyone outside - we thought we were going to be washed into the canyon with the runoff.

MOVIN' ON....Monument Valley

As we made our way toward Monument Valley, we passed some "overachievers" trying to ride their bikes through the desert (heat). I gave them a toot from my air conditioned ride as we went by. Hope they got where they were going - No camelback would hold enough water for me to do that ride.

Monument Valley is home to many a movie set. It is a pretty awesome setting, but get out your billfold. This is stop #2 on Indian Reservation land and Thou Shalt Not Pass without paying homage to the landowners. I don't remember the cost.

We started to self-drive the dirt road that you are allowed on without the paid tour guide and turned around. The paid tour is probably worth it to hear the stories and history of the land, the monuments, the beliefs, etc. Otherwise, it is just some cool rocks. So, we did a 180 and headed for the Grand Canyon.