Monument Valley Utah

Still heading southwest through remote desert we came to the Four Corners, the only part in America where 4 states touch; these being Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.  We were now in Navajo country and as we drove through this Indian reservation there were many roadside stalls selling beautiful pottery, beads and baskets.  The rocks became redder and as the area had had a thunder storm the night before, small creek beds were flowing fast with reddish/brown water.  As we approached Monument Valley the stunning rock formations appeared that we have seen in cowboy movies and we were hypnotised.   After a quick lunch prepared on the tailgate in the car park we headed for the Wildcat Trail that led us through the park.  Because of the rain the road had become a 4WD track and looked similar to Baypark Speedway in colour which of course gave Craig a chance to have a play.  We smiled politely at the people in their rented Mustangs knowing they wouldn’t be going to half of the places we would see.  The beautiful sandstone sculptures we viewed from the valley floor were created by millions of years of erosion, each one with its own name and many having a special meaning to the Navajo people.  These absorbent sandstones hold underground aquifers which give moisture to crops and provide adequate grazing for livestock.  On the south side of the Rain God Mesa in the centre of the park we could see dark painted streaks from the natural aquifer that seeps out of its base.  The colours and markings were fascinating.  This was another special place that was hard to leave, the giant creations left us in wonder.