Thursday, 2nd May - Chinle to Kayenta

After a brief visit to the Canyon de Chelly visitor centre - where, much to her delight, we met the daughter of the lady we had bought pots off eighteen months ago - we headed north through ever changing and, in parts, other worldly scenery to Monument Valley situated on the northern edge of Arizona where it borders Utah.

First priority was coffee and a cinnamon bun. What view to have from the cafe ....

We then embarked on an hour and a half tour of the valley itself with our Navajo guide, Brian.

There are dozens of famous rock formations in Monument Valley, many of which have been used in films over the years including many featuring John Wayne and more recently Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible) and Johnny Depp. Rock bands have also used the soaring outcrops in their videos, most notably Metallica.

The Three Sisters ....

The North Window looks towards the neighbouring state of Utah.

The entire area has suffered a three year drought of rainfall the only water sustaining the scrubby vegetation coming from occasional winter snowfall. All water for animals and human consumption has to be brought in by tanker. There is no connection to the electric grid either - arrays of solar panels provide power. All very thought provoking.

Our overnight lodging was at the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn where we enjoyed dinner in the on site Mexican restaurant.