The Southwest is one of my favorite places on earth! There is so much space and freedom. We could be staring at a vastness of nothing, and all of a sudden, be headed straight for a mountain of red rock. It really is incredible and surprising. We went to Mesa Verde and toured the Balcony House, which is the most strenuous tour offered. Visitors have to climb a 35-foot ladder into ruins that are thousands of years old. There is also a tunnel to the exit, where we had to climb up another three sets of stairs right next to a sheer dropoff to the canyon below. I'm always a little jealous of the Indians, cause I mean...they lived in caves, and had a great view every morning. How awesome is that?! Anyway, it was a really fun tour, and I'm glad we went. The next day we went to Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de shay) and went down another strenuous trail. We've been here before, and have always loved this place. The only bad thing about this hike:
"If I could make a simple suggestion: Bring TOO much water! If you do not, you will stop 12, eeehhh...13 times, and wish you had a margarita!" -My 10-year-old cousin Samuel's wise words.
Anyway, I can't even describe the beauty of the Southwest. From the giant red rock formations, to the ancient ruins and petroglyphs. All of it is gorgeous!
We spent the night in Goulding's, Utah, in Monument Valley. Someone just driving down Highway 163 would never imagine there would be anything for miles. But there is, and it just sort of pops out of nowhere. Goulding's is a lodge, restaurant, grocery store, movie theatre, gift shop (of course), and museum. That's it. In the middle of nowhere. They offer Navajo-led tours through the valley, so one can get close-up views of some of the most famous formations in the world. Most of us may not realize it, but Monument Valley has starred in scenes from Forrest Gump, Thelma and Louise, Back to the Future III, and numerous John Wayne films, not to mention the many commercials. It was really fun to actually be there.
We just found out about the oil hitting our beaches back in Mississippi. Why can't everything remain as untouched as it does is here.
"If I could make a simple suggestion: Bring TOO much water! If you do not, you will stop 12, eeehhh...13 times, and wish you had a margarita!" -My 10-year-old cousin Samuel's wise words.
Anyway, I can't even describe the beauty of the Southwest. From the giant red rock formations, to the ancient ruins and petroglyphs. All of it is gorgeous!
We spent the night in Goulding's, Utah, in Monument Valley. Someone just driving down Highway 163 would never imagine there would be anything for miles. But there is, and it just sort of pops out of nowhere. Goulding's is a lodge, restaurant, grocery store, movie theatre, gift shop (of course), and museum. That's it. In the middle of nowhere. They offer Navajo-led tours through the valley, so one can get close-up views of some of the most famous formations in the world. Most of us may not realize it, but Monument Valley has starred in scenes from Forrest Gump, Thelma and Louise, Back to the Future III, and numerous John Wayne films, not to mention the many commercials. It was really fun to actually be there.
We just found out about the oil hitting our beaches back in Mississippi. Why can't everything remain as untouched as it does is here.
