Day 2: Canyon de Chelly to Valley of the Gods

Hot and dry with a clear blue sky

Breakfast at Thunderbird Lodge and then spent half an hour or so in the Canyon de Chelly visitor centre, watching the video of the life of the Navajo in the canyon. 

Then to Kayenta, passing on the way great rock formations rising dramatically from the floor of the desert.  At Kayenta we had lunch in the Blue Coffee Pot Café which was shaped like a hooghan (traditional Navajo home) and in which we were the only non Native Americans.  We both had Navajo Taco, not easily distinguished from the Mexican dish of the same name.  Bob had hot turkey sandwich and gravy and described the turkey as 'hydraulic'!

After lunch, we drove alongside Monument Valley (of which more later), past Mexican Hat (Da da-da,da-da-da, da-da-da…) and stopped to look at the Goosenecks of the San Juan.  

The look out is perched high up over the river that snakes around deep in the canyons forming ox-bows (English version of goose neck).  It’s a wonderful sight to which a nearby fellow tourist responded “Would you look at all the wiggles in that stupid thing”, rather spoiling the moment of awe and wonder.

We arrived at our stop for the next two nights – Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast.  The only home for miles and miles around, situated at the foot of a great sandstone bluff looking out over the dessert and the rock formations which include Lady in the Bath.   

M&B have stayed at this B&B 4 times before and it was easy to see why.   It’s a stone and wood built house, beautifully decorated and furnished in an easy comfortable style with easy-going welcoming hosts and a long veranda for sitting out and socializing with the other guests while the sunset lights up the red rocks.   Our fellow guests were a couple from Durango and another couple from Santa Fe. We had a picnic supper on the porch, some malt whisky and gin and tonic and went to bed happy!