Feeling small - part two (3 April)

Leaving the Grand Canyon was hard.  So hard, in fact, that we stopped off at one last viewpoint on the East Rim before finally saying goodbye.  It was a long drive through the empty, barren vastness of north-eastern Arizona.  For much of the journey we travelled through the Hopi Reservation and, towards the end, the Navajo Nation.

It was difficult to spot any signs of life, but occasionally there was an area fenced off with a few cattle, and the odd homestead away from the road.  Finally, we reached Monument Valley - feeling very pleased with ourselves for making such good time.  It turned out not so much, because we had forgotten that Utah was a different timezone to Arizona.  Nevertheless, we still had plenty of time to drive down onto the desert floor and follow the 17-mile trail.  

Monument Valley is a sacred site for the Navajo.  I don't know much about the gods or spirits that they worship, and these gods are not my God, but it was the most amazingly spiritual, calming place.

Obviously the valley has been used as a film location for decades - from the early Westerns to Cars: the Movie.  Here's Steve and Tom standing on John Ford's Point.

Finally, the West Mitten Butte at sunset.