"Closed for - (insert a Murphy reason here)"

So, anther week have passed and the more I travel, I see that thing are not as I planned. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but different. I though I'll have a photo-trip, where I'll be able to give enough time to every place I go, but just like every other tourist, I jump from place to place. There are just too many places to see here. So it's a photo oriented trip, still not a kind of trip I could have done with anyone. I guess this is the difference between a career photographer and a travel photographer.


Anyway, left Moab on Sunday morning and since I wanted to arrive at Monument Valley towards sunset, I had some time to spend in this nice area. Took the La-Sal mountain loop drive, starts at Moab and runs through the mountain with some wonderful view over Castle Valley.





Last view of Moab, Utah.




View of the La-Sal mountains, and one of the few lodges along the way.




Near Castle Valley, there's a small valley that resembles the real Monument Valley. Though after seeing the real one, it's really incomparable.



Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Nation, or Tribal Park. A huge piece on land that belongs to the Navajo's. They have their own police, own laws, something like a small state. Moving around their land is prohibited, except for the designated areas and other places only with a Navajo guide. obviously, such a popular place demands an entrance fee, but it could be worse. Also, as expected, the main visitor center and another main area where closed for construction. Should have known.


The main view point of the valley is at the rim next to the souvenir shop and at a 17 mile road through the valley itself. Spent almost two days here, met some nice people, talked some politics, and took some pictures.






The road that leads to the valley from the north, route 163, also known as the Forest Gump point.





Another movie reference in the valley, John Ford's point, from the famous image of john Wayne. By the amount of posters and info they have here about him, you'd think he's their idle. Maybe he is, by the amount of money he generates to the local businesses.





The famous and classic view is from the rim, amazing when you see it by eye, but quite boring when photographed.




Same place, a bit later.





The second day, I hired a guide for a few hours to go to a distant place that's not on the regular travel route, where there's an arch that overlooks the valley.




Actually, the drive over there, and the conversation with my guide, Carlos, was way more interesting.





All along the roads of the valley, there are countless Navajo jewelry trading posts, where they sell their original artwork. Even though things look quite primitive, they are well verse in the art of selling. As soon as I came inside, a few "Shalom"s and other familiar words were thrown in the air.








Page, Arizona, was my next area to visit. A world famous area as well, the Antelope Slot Canyons. I have to say, this place was one of the unique places I've ever seen.
These canyons are also on the Navajo land, and as usual, they are costly, but well worth it.



There are two canyons. The upper one, which is the most popular one, and very crowded. It's main attraction is the rays of light that are visible during curtain hours of the day, when the sun is above the canyon.




The lower one doesn't have the ray, thus less popular, but as beautiful non the less. and not time limited.



Tuesday night was the first night I stayed in a motel during a week day, had to do some work. Usually I'm camping except for Friday and Saturday. The problem in this area, when crossing states a few times a day, is keeping track of time. A couple of times I found my self an hour earlier later than the rest of the world.


Thursday started out as a nice day in the area, it the amazing Horseshoe Bend, a full top view of the curved Colorado river.



6 frames stitched.



Also passed by the Glen Canyon Dam.



Drove through a Sand Storm on the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.


The North Rim isn't as popular as the south Rim, and that's a good thing, trying to avoid the crowd.



Towards the evening, arriving at the North Rim, it started snowing. quite surreal. Fortunately, the storm cleared at the right time. Notice the small rainbow.




There is one main point of view at the rim, but it's so vast, it's just ineffective to cover it all in one shot.





Morning view at the North rim lodge. quick hdr.




and some morning snow melt.




on the road.





Before a three hour drive to an even more remote location of thee Grand Canyon, Passed by this national monument.



Toroweap Point is the name of this place. A 60 mile of a rough dirt road from the main road. maybe that's the reason it's a free place even though within the park area. It's also a primitive area, which means no water, no fence, no facilities etc'. The effort is worth it once again. Almost 3000 feet bare cliffs right up my feet. Even better at Sunrise.





Shavu'ot spent in Flagstaff, Arizona, that has a nice congregation.

Sorry for not writing that much, it's late. And no, I didn't post the best stuff. ;-)
Traveling is a lot of work..
3133 miles driven...


Up next, Back to Utah, Zion and Bryce National Parks. (map updated below)