Dear Isaac, Maia, and Virtual Wanderers, Red Rock Country, and a surprise detour! Last full day of vacation.
The day started in Window Rock with a short walk and the annual dog photo. It looks seamless enough, but Koko freaked at first and tried to jump. I body blocked her, fortunately.
Then up our favorite Native American road – Indian Route 12. I decided not to stop for roadside photos of the drive because I’ve been taking this route since the Navajo man told me about it a few years back and I have a ton of pictures on my blog. This is Arizona red rock country at its best – bluffs abound. It is not too far from Monument Valley, but way less touristy.
A side note about AZ Red Rock Country: When I lived in Phoenix 30+ years ago, I would drive home to Grand Junction to see family every time I got a cluster of days off. I’d drive 12 hours or whatever it was straight through by myself. Ah, youth. Every time I flew through red rock country, I told myself I wanted to spend quality time here when life allowed. I remember those flying trips every time I drive through on the back roads.
Anyway, about 60 miles after the drive starts, you get to the north rim of Canyon de Chelly. It’s my all-time favorite Southwest Canyon, I think. I love the color, the ruins, and the green Navajo farmland at the bottom. There are only 3 turnouts on the north rim, and the dogs can only walk the turnouts. But, it’s still a stunning adventure. And we managed 1.2 miles.
We got to right outside the nearest town, where we start our journey north and east. There was a roadblock just on the edge of town. The officer said the hotel flooded and the only way into town was from the north. It’s very rural – that somewhere around a 70-mile detour if you need to go to that town. Fortunately, we didn’t so the detour was only about 20 miles longer. And, it was absolutely spectacular scenery the whole way.
Got to the hotel and ordered with DoorDash, again. That app is a mixed blessing because I don’t get the same exposure to the culture. However, it gives more time to relax in the room where the dogs can be babysat.
Tomorrow, home. Maybe the long way. Lol – not me! I’ve put 3k miles on Mini Pearl in as many weeks. I can’t believe I went 2.5 months on one tank of gas last winter. I’m making up for that now!
Traveling Grandma and Her Pup Crew 