Leaving Canyon de Chelly behind, Dave and I drive North on the 191 and take a left at Many Farms. This road is new to me, and it's a shortcut through Chilchinibito up to Kayenta and Monument Valley. I've reported before about the grandeur of Monument Valley so I won't say too much this time other than the drive around loop from the Visitor center was in much better condition this time than when Jackie and I did the loop last May.
On the way out, the long highway stretches back in grand fashion.
Continuing up the 163 we plan to spend the night in Valley of the Gods, camping in the valley this time. Along the 14 mile drive we find a good spot out of the sun and with good potential for some night photos.
The start of sunset in the Valley.
We've just set up the tents and are getting ready for a good dinner when the sound of an approaching car heralds a drive-by visitor. I walk out to say hi and we have a nice chat. Jenna and Steve are from Exeter in the southern part of England, and took the road as an adventurous opportunity. Now they're heading out into the bright evening sunlight to catch some sunset photos!
After dinner, I set up the camera for a time lapse shoot of the advancing sunset, and then later, start doing some night shots.
The Guardian at the top of the spire lights a beam into the night sky. Actually, the airplane lights got caught just right for this picture.
The Milky Way is very clear tonight. After that shot I head to bed and take a rough and ready hand-held timelapse thought the tent screening. The next thing I know it's morning...
After packing up, we take the 261 North towards the twin mountain peaks called the "Bear's Ears", then stop at Blanding for gas and food.
Off in the distance some of the sandstone looks like a spaceport from Star Wars.
Up through Moab we go into Arches National Park for a brief visit. Dave wants to redo a photo shoot of the Landscape Arch.
It's another nice sunny and hot day.
From Arches, it's a long drive back to Vegas. We decide to track along the Interstate 70 all the way west to the 15 South, and get as many miles as possible before stopping for the night.
Around 9 we pull into a Motel 6 in St. George, and the next morning head straight out for Las Vegas. This will give us some time to visit some of the local sights there, and catch a show too.
Back to Civilization if you want to call it that...
A converted pickup truck limo.
Breaking News!
A new hotel called "The Verdict's Inn" has just opened down from "Super Bail" . Now there's a place to stay while waiting for the court case.
Just up the street, there's an interesting combination of businesses.
Do you need a Tailor or a Tat? Or both maybe...
The tailor shop has barred windows. I guess nobody's interested in breaking in next door for a late night Do-It-Yourself tattoo.
Here's a repaired cannon from the Pawn Shop (Pawn Stars on TV)
The tall tower is the Stratosphere hotel, where I usually stay. It has good prices and a great night time view.
That evening at the MGM Grand we watch Cirque du Soleil "Ka' which is very artistic and has lots of acrobatics.
So that's how this trip wrapped up. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is like no other, so long as you're prepared and think twice before taking risks. The poster from the Ranger Station gives some good suggestions.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures and have fun!
