Canyon de Chelly

We toured the South Rim of Canyon de Chelly this morning. We thought we would eventually get to the point where we thought “oh hum, another canyon” but they are all so distinctively different that we have thoroughly enjoyed each one. Canyon de Chelly is the smallest of the ones we have seen and only about 1,000 feet deep. But, it has a relatively flat canyon floor and a good water source so the land is farmed by the Navajo people. It is green and lush and looks almost pastoral. There are ancient Indian dwellings on the side of the canyon walls. No one is allowed down into the canyon without a Navajo guide – they do have guided tours – but we decided not to take one. We had planned to hike the only trail allowed without a guide but it was hot and we met a guy who broke his leg yesterday when he slipped on the steep gravel trail – that helped us decide to forgo the experience. We drank in the peaceful area – it almost seems sacred – to store in our “hard drives!”
I drove out of the campground and for about 2 hours through the Navajo Nation and the Navajo Forest into New Mexico. I’m feeling more comfortable – except when a big gust of wind hit us! Even had to do a U-turn around construction!
We are staying in Albuquerque tonight and taking the motor home to the Freightliner service center in the morning - to hopefully get a leak in our front suspension airbag fixed.
Then we are heading to Michigan. This will be a real change for us – we are not used to driving more than a couple of hours a day – but no reason to tour any more – might as well hit it and get there!