from Las Vegas to Monument Valley

We left Vegas early (well, early for us, at any rate!) and having tipped all and sundry on the way out of the hotel, we stopped just outside at a petrol station for much-needed sustenance. The Iron Skillet - the food was great, the people very friendly (one guy helping us with what we're sure has to be a slow puncture) and we learned the true meaning of buffet....one chap let us in on the acronym that it stands for big, ugly, fat friends eating together. We didn't have the buffet! We have to say, we've found this explanation very helpful.

Tyre fixed, bellies full, we set out on the 400 or so miles from Vegas to Monument Valley.

*************************************************************************************

Ever heard of Zion National Park? No, neither had we until we passed through it on the way to Monument Valley. It's simply beautiful, and although we drove quite a way to Monument Valley in pitch darkness (not many street lights out here) we felt that it was worth it. Have a look below.Actually, we have lots of photos, but now we're in Monument Valley, we feel a bit isolated - our mobile phones don't work and although there is an internet connection, the wireless is a bit slow to upload... so we'll add more when we get to a larger place.

Although we arrived in the dark to our hotel, even we could see the view from our room balcony. This place isn't called "The View" for nothing.... we look down on the plains of Monument Valley, which by a big, buttery moon, is worth the drive.



Rested, today we took the obligatory tour through the valley, guided by a native American Indian with the exotic name of Brian. He was a briliant guide, although we wondered if he'd overturn the jeep on occasion. He sang songs, told stories and made connections between the Christian-based religions and the Navajo faith and made us think, yet again, that actually, we're all batting for the same team. Thanks to Kirsty and John and Sarah and Charlie for our tour.






Tonight, the moon rose behind Left Mitten, a huge whipped cream ball throwing an unearthly light onto an unearthly landscape. Wonderful stuff. Photos to follow!