7-22-17

We stopped one last time at an overlook to see the Grand Canyon on our way out this morning and then drove northeast to Navajo National Monument. From the moment we left the Grand Canyon, we were in the Navajo nation. It actually goes up in to Utah and across to New Mexico as well. It seems barren but we passed cows and sheep and horses so the animals squeak some kind of food out of the dry grasses. 

Navajo National Monument has cliff dwellings but we didn't arrive in time for the 3-5 hour tour so we took the concrete path a half mile down to the overlook. It was another large dwelling and very intact. Amazing to see all of these places. A few things we observed as we were out at the overlook with many other guests. There are a lot of Europeans visiting these places and very few Americans (none at Navajo). They are all speaking German, French, Italian or other languages we can't make out. This was also true at the Grand Canyon although there were Americans too. It made me wonder why so few Americans were there. Why are Europeans valuing our National Parks when we don't seem to be. They are such amazing places and you understand the people of your own nation better when you explore these places. 

After Navajo, we drove northeast a little more. Right at the beginning of Monument Valley where most folks would turn north to go see the parks in Utah, we turned south. It made me so sad to turn away as there is still so much that I am curious to see. Another trip in the future. We arrived in Chinle at Canyon de Chelly. This is another place where Navajo ancestors and even present day people make their homes. It's a unique park because it is a National Parks site but it is cooperation with the Navajo nation. We drove up to the overlooks, only one trail is open to the public but with thunder clouds around, we decided not to take it. I'll be honest and say that I was appalled that there were Navajo people setup at the overlooks with there truck beds open, displaying jewelry and stones with painted Navajo art on them. Never in and of the 270 visits to national parks have I been asked if I want to buy stuff while out exploring the place. I would liken it to purse, painting and watch vendors on the streets of New York City. Of course my irritation and shock was very mixed with feeling guilty and sad because this is their land that I'm coming to gawk at and so why shouldn't they be trying to make a buck off of me. There is a lot of poverty on their lands. Houses that look like shacks and you wonder how anyone could live there. 8 horses living in a 30 foot round pen. I've felt this way on every native reservation we've ever been on. 

The Canyon was beautiful and it's a shame that we destroyed the lives of the people that lived here in our westward expansion. We stopped for dinner then headed to our hotel to do laundry and catch up on emails.