From Window to Shiprock- Navajo Red Rock Country Icons: Arizona Eudaimonia Day 9, 4/26/24

Dear Isaac, Maia and Virtual Wanderers,

The day started out with a left over Navajo Taco for breakfast. Then off to Window Rock for our annual visit and dog photo. Chilly, overcast . . . And, more wind. I knew the wind would bring snow to the mountains between here and home. I decided to stay an extra day at our final motel. There was a glitch with getting reservations switched, but mission accomplished (sort of).

Kachina, Kokopelli and Cimarron at Window Rock.

We took BIA 12 north through gorgeous red rock country and then took the turn to Canyon de Chelly. The North Rim has only 3 turnoffs. All are worth seeing every year. The first two are quick and dogs stay in the car.

I have to tell that the 2nd stop was like a vision. There was a horse and a donkey at tge overlook. I’d never seen anything quite like that before. I got some photos and took a detour to the overlook so I wouldn’t scare them. The Navajo vendor said they weren’t his but they were there yesterday, too. Beautiful sight.

An unexpected tourist at the Canyon de Chelly overlook.

Horse and donkey at Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Mummy Cave area, Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

The 3rd overlook is a short, slickrock hike. The pups came. The canyon is such a gorgeous red with green grass at the bottom . . . And angry skies. I think the dogs were glad to be out of the car despite the cold and wind.

Hikers Kokopelli, Kachina and Cimarron keeping me in line at Canyon de Chelly.

From there, we took the shortcut home through the Navajo reservation. North on BIA 13. When I picked the route as “something new” weeks ago, I wasn’t expecting much. It was a stunning drive through red rock country. Then, up a narrow mountain pass (Buffalo Pass) decorated in drifts of white snow and snowing sideways at the summit.

Once on the other side, we crossed into Shiprock, New Mexico country. The buttes were gorgeous under the angry, lavender skies. Soon, Sleeping Ute Mountain came into view and the skies became angrier. I was glad I booked an extra night, despite a glitch and needing to wait on a refund.

I pulled into the hotel that we stay at every year. I was ready for the rest. I brought in Kachina and the first load. Came back with the second load and the door wouldn’t budge, even though the light flashed green. Long, bizarre story – see my Facebook post. Fortunately, Kachina was eventually rescued by a locksmith and the owner apologized.