Not Just Utah

A nice rest is in order and after checking out a few less than desirable motels, we came across a beautiful lodge in Bluff Utah. An excellent supper, sleep and breakfast got us ready for another fun day of exploring.

An hour or so south in Arizona is Monument Valley. It's on Navaho land and is the location of many Hollywood western movies.

This is probably the most iconic monument in the valley and can be seen in a lot of old westerns and even in new commercials. The first film made here was Stagecoach by John Ford and starred John Wayne. John Ford went on to make dozens of movies here. Can't you just see a wagon train being attacked out there?

Parts of Back to the Future 3 and Thelma and Louise were made here. It's neat to see this area after growing up on the movies that were made here.

On the way back to Utah, we passed through the town of Mexican Hat. This is where the name came from. How does that rock not fall down? It's hard to determine scale but the top rock is about 30 feet across.

Our next stop is Four Corners. It's the only place in the U.S. that 4 states corners all meet at one point. By standing on one foot I am in 4 states at once. Actually 5 states if you include the state of equilibrium.

Grammy prefers the states of Colorado and Arizona apparently. One more thing to cross off our bucket list.

We're not done yet. On to Hovenweep. In the 1200's this area was inhabited by ancestors of the Pueblo Indians. A number of structures were built, eventually abandoned and parts are still standing.

Among all the man made towers and buildings, some industrious inhabitants turned this hollow rock into a very comfy home. All it needs are a couple of lawn chairs and a BBQ.

All kinds of these round towers were built here, most right on the edge of the cliff.

Imagine, almost 1000 years ago these towers were built without metal or modern tools. The rocks used as bricks were shaped by chipping with sharp stones. They did a good job; not much we're building today will be around in 1000 years.

Well after all our day of exploring it's time to head back to Moab and Harvey. Along the way we came across church rock. I thought it looked more like a bell but it's all about interpretation I guess. We never went over but there is a door in the front, maybe it was full of church goers.

Also along the drive home we came across this huge arch. It's called Wilson Arch. It's hard to tell scale but that big bush on top is about the size of Harvey, now that's pretty big I think. Well, we're almost home so until tomorrow, see you then.