United States > Monument Valley National Park

Yesterday, we mainly saw the Grand Canyon at dusk and during sunset. This morning, we drive along the canyon in daylight. The sun is shining, and the visibility is fairly clear. We stop at several viewpoints. The views over the canyon are once again breathtaking. No matter which way I look, the scenery is impossible to capture fully in a photograph.

United States - View from the south side of the Grand Canyon

At a picnic spot, we have our breakfast. In a supermarket, we bought yogurt, crackers, and orange juice. It’s wonderful to enjoy this in such a location. At Desert View, there is an old-looking observation tower. It appears historic, but it was actually built just a few years ago. Fun, but a bit artificial. The view from the highest platform is worth it. After that, we feel we’ve seen enough of the Grand Canyon. We leave the park via the east exit and drive through Tuba City and Kayenta toward Monument Valley. Along the way, the sky darkens, and raindrops hit the windshield.

United States - Entrance to the beach through palm trees

Fortunately, we just miss the worst of it. In the rearview mirror, we see a massive sandstorm sweeping across the road. The sky turns orange. When we arrive at Monument Valley National Park, a light drizzle is falling. A shame, because it diminishes the views of the rock formations. Nevertheless, we decide to enter the park. The route past the monuments is unpaved. We drive carefully from viewpoint to viewpoint. During the drive, the rain intensifies. From the car, we take some photos. Rainwater flows down the sandy paths in streams. We drive cautiously through it, amazed at how quickly such little creeks have formed. What makes this weather unfortunate is that today we’re staying in a traditional tent—a tipi. We are in the Navajo Indian territory. The tipi looks spacious and sturdy, with two beds and two chairs inside. For dinner, we drive about a kilometer further and order traditional Navajo tacos—a sort of flatbread topped with chili con carne, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and chili sauce. As we get ready for bed, the weather turns stormy. It rains again, and the wind picks up. Rain enters through the small opening at the top of the tent, and the wind blows the door flap open. Both the dog and the cat try to come inside for a dry spot. Perhaps they sleep here when there are no guests. We send them back outside and secure the door tightly. I crawl deep under the blankets. It’s not going to be the warm, muggy night I had anticipated.