Bye to Monument Valley

After a few hours in the valley, it was time to head on. We took a few shots from this vista, and changed drivers (we went from 'taciturn' to 'asked us if we had any ink, dude?'), and made our way back to the hotel and our car.

Next Stop: Santa Fe

The North Window

The North Window neatly frames some of the most iconic images in the valley -- I ached to be here at sunset, but our schedule didn't allow for it.

The Well of Souls

They shoot a lot of movies in Monument Valley, but I had no idea that the Well of Souls from the first Indiana Jones movie was actually shot using this part of the valley!

It was not, however, full of snakes.

B on the Edge

With some cajoling, I convinced B to go out to the edge of this lookout. The goofy expression if you zoom in is a private joke between me and her. :)

Into Monument Valley

You can drive into Monument Valley, but I don't recommend it with a normal car -- the trails through it were rocky, full of potholes, and occasionally sandy. We ended up hiring a Navajo guide, who took us in a jeep around the valley.

Man & Stone

I can't blame this guy; the rocks were really cool.

To Monument Valley

As we got closer to Monument Valley, things got, well, monumental.

Western Exposure

As we got closer to Monument Valley, I looked out of the side window and saw this, and new I was in the West. At least, the sort of cinematic picture of the west, which is really what you think of when you think of a western.

Sadly, I don't think random ruggedy cowboys ride horses around here these days -- I think they're part of a canned tour of the area by horse.