NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT-THE ANASAZI

We continue our cleanup operations here at the ranch. But, my biggest challenge this week was trying to get my irrigation system up and watering. Every time I think I've got everything set I turn on the pump and another pipe springs a leak. And, every time I make a repair the cement wants me to wait at least 24 hours before turning the pump on again. Thank goodness the monsoon has finally arrived buying me a little time.

Needless to say I didn't have time for us to have an adventure. Koty's nose is well and truly bent out of shape. He lives for our outings.

Instead I return to our adventures in Monument Valley. The day was March 22nd 2009 and I decided we should go take a look at the Navajo National Monument. Navajo National Monument features well-preserved ruins of villages left behind about 1300 by prehistoric Pueblo Indians -- the Kayenta Anasazi. Built and occupied for only 50 years, the ruins represent the final settlement of farmers who adapted to the area's scarce rainfall to grow crops, build houses and raise families, then mysteriously move on.

The main ruin, Betatakin, can be viewed from across the canyon via a very short walk or you can take a guided tour and go down into the canyon. The monument is at 7,300ft. and it was cold with ice and snow still on the ground. Koty wouldn't be allowed on the tour so we settled on the view from the top.

BETATAKIN RUIN

The Anasazi mystery is quite compelling. Nearly everyone one you talk to has a different theory as to why they built their villages where they did and what caused them to disappear. I wonder if they weren't just chased into obscurity by hostile forces (tribes). My sense is that these people were cliff dwellers out fear. Who or what they feared is anyone's guess.

BETATAKIN RUINS

Wandering around on the trail above the canyon I spied this cactus basking in the morning sun. I love to photograph native plants and I thought this lighting was quite nice.

CACTUS SUNNING

The landscapes here were quite stunning but then the landscapes everywhere in this area are breathtaking. If you like color the Four Corners is the place for you.

NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT

We wandered around the trails for a time taking in all the beauty. One of the nice things about coming at this time of year is that you pretty much have the place to yourself which really lets one revel in the beauty and mystique. It's very peaceful and one can let their imagination run wild. I know mine did.

NAVAJO NATIONAL MONUMENT

On the way back to Goulding we found ourselves caught in a hellacious dust storm. By the time we got to the Goulding turn off I couldn't see two feet in front of me. I thanked the gods that the full force didn't strike until we were close to home. We made it up the hill to the RV park and hid in Clementine for the rest of the afternoon.

I have really never experienced anything like it. The wind blew so hard that the windows bowed and the red dust came pouring in. It didn't help that the park is located in a narrow canyon and the rigs have to park perpendicular to the walls so the wind just screamed down the canyon and broadsided us. It also didn't help that there were no rigs above us to make a windbreak. Poor Clemmie she took the blasts full on. I don't think we will ever get all of the red dust out of her. It permeated everything.

Monument Valley quite dramatically demonstrates the dichotomy that is the very nature of nature. One moment She will show you beauty that will break your heart and the next She will show you, in no uncertain terms, that beauty is a gift not a given.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLEY

I had so many chores to attend to around the ranch this week we didn't get a chance to go exploring. Something is eating it's way through my lawn and I'm having a dickens of a time figuring out what. And, there is the never ending work in the forest.

So, I will go back in time to the day we went to the Navajo Tribal Park in Monument Valley.

There is really only one place to stay with an RV near the park, that's Gouldings. There has been only one lodge, also Gouldings. But, the Navajo have built a brand new lodge over looking the park. The views are nothing less than stunning. And, not surprisingly the place is called "The View". It didn't look like it was open yet to me but a check of the Internet said the grand opening was 02-2008. I find this hard to believe.

NAVJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLEY

There are all kinds of jitney and jeep tours that you can take into the valley and if you are particularly fond of your car I recommend that you take one. Unfortunately for poor little Shadow I can't take a tour to do my photography.

It took a little exploring to even find the road that goes into the park. Once found, the first half mile down into the canyon is, well, a vertical goat track. Down at the bottom I stopped to ask a fellow selling jewelry if the road was like that all around the loop. Thank gawd he said that was the worst of it. Already I was dreading climbing back out. But, totally trusting we went on our way into the valley. You'll want to allow about three hours for this ride because you'll go at a snail's pace and there is a lot to take in. We were lucky because we went early and there were not too many cars on the trail. A person could choke on the red dust so first thing in the morning.

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLY

The tribal park has been the site of many westerns with John Wayne and John Ford. And, the Navajo are quite proud of this heritage.

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLEY THE THREE SISTERS

About half way around is where you will find the Three Sisters and horse for rent. So if you are inclined to take a horseback ride this is the place.

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLEY

It took us nearly all day as I had to stop every five seconds to try for an image. If ever there was a place full of eye candy this is certainly one.

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLY

And, if you are a lover of color as am I this place will totally consume you. What is ironic to me is that a place so harsh to live in can at the same time be so incredibly beautiful. In fact without the harsh climate conditions this wonder would probably not exist at all.

NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK MONUMENT VALLEY

There is much to see in Monument Valley but the Tribal Park is special. They have corralled some of the very best scenery in the valley. But, don't miss the roads all over the reservation you'll find some real treasures and you won't have to deal with the crowds. Most reservations I have been on are somewhat restrictive as to where you can go but this one seems very open and if you have the adventurer spirit you could spend weeks here and see something new and beautiful everyday.

©Kinsey Barnard

KINSEY BARNARD PHOTOGRAPHY

MONUMENT VALLEY & MY NEW FRIEND JACK

We didn't get a chance to go out for a shoot this week. Too many projects going on, not the least of which is the continuing chore of cleaning up after the windstorm. Since I'm doing it all by hand I'll probably be out there with the old chainsaw for the rest of my life. There will be tons of slash which needs to be gathered and burned. Then there is the blocking and splitting. I must be a simple minded soul because I really love it. These blow down boys are really tricky and getting them all the way down without killing myself is a challenge.Chainsaws can be a nasty business.

So, I thought I would go back in time and pick a day from our winter trip to recount.

The day is March 24,2009 and Koty and I have set out to explore the Navajo Nation back roads.

NAVAJO SHEEP HERDING DOG AT WORK

We come across a small herd of sheep with dogs working the herd keeping them away from the road. The dogs look like mutts but boy do they know their job. It's really a beautiful thing to watch. It's like a delicate dance. I couldn't resist pulling over and trying to catch some of the performance.

I was barely getting started when this old pickup pulls up and parks on the other side of the road. The man in the truck just watches me. I'm thinking this is maybe the herd owner and he isn't too keen on me messing with his sheep. I stopped what I was doing and just waited. Pretty quick the truck made a u-turn and pulled up beside me.
The man inside introduced himself as Jack the owner of the sheep.

I sort of have this gift, talent, whatever that allows me to draw people out and engage them in interesting conversation. This was to be one of those times.

NAVAJO NATION


I learned quite a bit from Jack. The most astonishing thing to me is that the Navajo do not resent the whites, at least not the tourists. Apparently, there is still some racism felt with the local whites. I learned Native Americans are very patriotic. The Navajo have a vast pride for their part in WWII (Navajo Code Talkers). I learned that life is tough on the reservation. Most must drive to Gouldings, where there is a public well, to get their drinking water. In most places the well water is just too saline for anything other than washing. It has to be hauled for the livestock as well.

I learned that the elders are quite concerned that the younger generation are turning their backs on Navajo customs and culture. I find this a travesty as well. There is so much of Native American culture that is light years ahead of western whites. But, these customs and cultures are still practiced by many of the older tribal members. They still use peyote and conjure visions. I learned that the medicine man still has a revered place. Most of all I learned the Navajo are a gracious people.

NAVAJO NATION

Jack and I probably talked for an hour. I didn't get many photographs of his dogs working as they moved out of range whilst we talked. I didn't mind. The conversation was fascinating and every bit as colorful as the landscapes. Before he left Jack told me of a road to take where the landscapes were "good". The images are representative of that landscape.

NAVAJO NATION

Jack pointed out his place and gave me a standing invitation. If I ever get back to Monument Valley, and surely hope I do, I will go visit Jack at his ranch and learn more.

If you have never visited this enchanted place you really should. Mother Nature quite dramatically shows how two-faced she can be. And, nowhere does she show those two faces more profoundly than in this desert. On the one hand she serves up a beauty that will make your heart break. On the other she delivers the harshest of living conditions. Cold in winter, blazing hot in summer and red dust storms that will drive a sane man crazy. A truly amazing place!

©Kinsey Barnard

WE ARE BACK!

Boy! The last four months have not been uplifting for the likes of Koty and I. We were never meant to stay in one location for two months at a time. We got a little discumbibulated. We won't ever do that again!



We are on the road again and boy does it feel wonderful! At the moment we are in Blanding, Utah having just come from Monument Valley. All I can say about Monument Vally is WOW! If you have not seen it, it is a must see.

As I get myself organized here I will back track where we've ha e been since leaving Apache Junction and try and get some photos up as well.

We've probably lost all our readers but maybe they will find us again.