Monument Valley

Hurricane Rosa came in Sunday night, all day Monday and Tuesday, lots of rain.  We hunkered down inside the RV, watched as wave after wave of rain came slamming at us.  And the poor folks trying to set up their RVs as they came in to settle for the night.  Only problem we had which really wasn't, the propane for the hot water tank got damp/wet and we had a couple of tries Wednesday morning before it finally clicked on.

West Mitten and East Mitten

Visitor's Center at top of ridge, also hotel and restaurant

Left over clouds/mist rising - left over  from Hurricane Rosa

Merrick Butte to right of East Mitten

3 Sisters to left of Butte

3  Sisters

Wednesday morning dawned beautifully so after a quick breakfast we hurried to the entrance of Monument Valley.  This is all on Navajo Nation property and you have to pay the fee to drive the 17 mile loop dirt road and even pay to go to the visitor's center.  I feel money well spent.  After all the rain we were concerned about the road being impassable, but only had to dodge a few deep puddles.

Rain God Mesa

The Hub - stone hogans, people living there 

Clouds made it very dramatic against monuments 

The first stop was to see West Mitten and East Mitten and Merrick Butte wedged between them, these you will recognize from many movies, television, and panoramic shots for advertising.  Just too much to take in, was really awe inspiring.  On we trekked, pulling over every now and then to take photos.  Lots and lots of foreigners.  And tour caravans.  Lots.  Stopped to view the 3 Sisters and different rock formations, onward we trekked.

Natives selling their wares at major stops

The literature said that with stops, allow 2 hours to do the loop.  We stopped many times, staring and taking photos, took us about 3 hours.  No hiking in the park at all but at least we got closer than viewing from quite a distance if we drove the main route outside the park north towards Utah (route 163).

The Thumb 

Tourists after tourists (we were also!)

Horses