Monument Valley

Posted on February 17, 2011February 17, 2011 by Dusty Roads

Monument Valley is in Northern Arizona on the border with Utah. I don’t think there is an American alive who is not familiar with it’s iconic landscapes. John Ford set many of his Western movies in this area from Stagecoach in 1939 to more modern offerings like Forrest Gump in 1994.

This came up in my research as a Scenic Drive but it is 3 + hours from Sedona to Kayenta, AZ followed by another 5 hours to drive through the Valley to Mexican Hat, Utah. Then we would have the return trip.

I know my sister would share the driving but I have control issues. I would rather complain about doing all the driving than to give it up! LOL A true character flaw. So as much as I want to see this magnificent landscape, I am really on the fence as to whether it just might be too ambitious.

It was in that mindset that I came across the Native American Journey’s website that I discussed yesterday. They have a Monument Valley Tour. The cost is $249/per person so it’s definitely on the “upper” end of my tour budget but it does sound like it must be a full day. The tour description is:

Monument Valley

Travel with your guide, from Sedona through the Navajo Indian reservation to Monument Valley, one of Hollywood’s favorite locations for classic Western movies. Enjoy an exciting Jeep tour through the Valley with a local Navajo guide. Lunch and all fees are included.

I do know that without a licensed guide many areas of Monument Valley are off limits. This would leave the driving to others and free me up to take pictures. It sounds like we could be picked up in Sedona. Although we would be paying a guide, we wouldn’t have to worry about paying for gas for the rental car.

I think this one is worth considering.

Editor in Chief

Editor’s note: The photo of the desert is a stock photo. Unlike the others we’ve used it was not taken by Dusty Roads.

Prairie Dog Update

Posted on February 16, 2011February 16, 2011 by Dusty Roads

Editor in Chief

I wanted to announce the name for the Prairie Dog today but we have a 3 way tie!

The names that made the final cut are: Whiskers, Scout, and Flower.

An editorial team is reviewing the results and will make an announcement of the final winner next week. Stay tuned. Feel free to add your comments.

Prairie Dog with Flower

Whiskers, Scout or Flower?????

Native American Journey’s Tours

Posted on February 16, 2011February 16, 2011 by Dusty Roads

In looking for the best way to get the best value for our $$$ and squeeze in as much as possible, I ran across a web site

www.nativeamericanjouneys.com

Their tours are not inexpensive but they sound like they offer a unique perspective.

One of the tours they offer that fascinates me in the “Bottom of the Grand Canyon” . The price listed on the web site is $179.00 per person and although it gives a description of the tour, is doesn’t say how you will get to the bottom or more important, how you get back out! I would love to see the Canyon from the bottom but I can tell you right now, this old body could not make the climb up…Not sure about the climb down but definitely not back up! I think I will have to call for more information on this one.

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Grand Canyon National Park

Travel to the Canyon’s rim – a must see! Photo opportunities abound. Views of the Little Colorado Gorge and Painted Desert. Enjoy lunch on the Canyon’s rim. Visit the Grand Canyon Imax. Journey to the Navajo Reservation and the Historic Cameron Trading Post. Learn about the people who occupy the majestic Grand Canyon.

A tour called Sedona Spirit would take us to Montezuma Castle. The price on this one is more to my liking ($79.00 per person) but I had thought going to these locations would be a good way to fill in the morning before we took the Verde Canyon Rail Road so we may not want to do this as a tour.. Here’s the tour description anyway. We can always change our minds on the order of the things we are doing:

Sedona Spirit

Travel with your native guide to local ruins, including the famous Montezuma’s Castle cliff dwellings and Montezuma’s Well natural springs. As you journey through the Historic Verde Valley, you’ll learn about the area’s history and it’s inhabitants. You’ll also receive a blessing from your Native American guide at the healing springs of Montezuma’s Well.

I have one last tour to consider but the pros and cons are a little more involved so I think I will discuss that with you in a separate post.

As always, if you’ve been on one of the tours or have any suggestions or insights, please add a comment. All are appreciated!

It’s My Birthday!

Posted on February 15, 2011February 15, 2011 by Dusty Roads

Good Morning everyone

It’s my birthday and other than the normal aches and pains of someone over 50, I don’t feel any different today than I did yesterday. 🙂 So I guess I have reached the age where another birthday is NBD (no big deal).

I didn’t have much luck with the eagles when I went to Connecticut last week but I’m going to try again. This time I am going to take the “River Cruise”. I booked it this morning. My reservation is for March 3.

My plans for today are to do some more research on the Sedona trip and then update you on my results over the next few days.

Other than this short post, I think I’ll take the day off from writing today. Give the old brain a rest.

This common merganser was drifting on the Housatonic River.

The “If there’s any Spare time” list

Posted on February 14, 2011February 14, 2011 by Dusty Roads

The “If there’s any Spare time” list is made up of things I enjoy or think I’d enjoy but also don’t mind skipping for something better. Sandy may feel differently and if so, we’ll just have to shift things around.

Here’s the list: