Visiting Monument Valley

Driving toward Monument Valley

You've seen it in the movies, this famous valley with rock formations rising from the desert floor.  I decided I wanted to visit in person, so off we went to Monument Valley.  The area is actually called Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and is run by the Navajo nation.  We could see these large formations ahead, and were excited for this next part of our road trip.  We planned to drive the 17 mile scenic loop in the park.

 Elephant Butte and dirt road inside Monument Valley

When we paid our entrance fee ($5 per person--children under 9 are free), the man told us we would be driving on a rough dirt road.  Our minivan is so brave!  Here we are, on yet another off-roading adventure in a family passenger vehicle.  As we drove, we passed tour group after tour group riding on seats in the back of open trucks.  The passengers were all being blown by the wind and were huddled up trying to avoid the dust.  We were grateful to be inside an enclosed vehicle sheltered from the dust and wind.  If you take a tour at Monument Valley, I recommend an enclosed vehicle! 

Elephants.

The road was dry the day we visited (thankfully, or we couldn't have driven on it), so the vehicles kicked up a lot of dust.  Sections of this road are pretty decent hard-packed dirt road, and other sections are fine sand and a bit treacherous.  I was glad we didn't get stuck anywhere.

The famous Mittens.

The Mittens are visible from the visitor's center parking lot, and are among the first formations along the scenic drive.    Seeing this place in person will make me pay more attention to the scenery the next time I see a John Ford film!

The Three Sisters.

The Three Sisters is supposed to be a nun facing two pupils.  We thought it looked like a letter W.  If you have seen "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," seeing a big "W" in the desert is good for a laugh.

Totem Pole

There are signs along the drive to help you identify the geologic formations.  We also had a map of the loop to follow.  You may drive the scenic loop yourself,  take a jeep/truck tour, or even see Monument Valley on horseback.

The artist at Artist's Point

When we got to Artist's Point, I made my husband get out for this photo.  He is a good sport.  Pretty funny to have a place called Artist's Point when there wasn't anything in view at all!  Of course, when we drove further into the parking area, we could see why it was called Artist's Point.

We are standing in front of the view at Artist's Point.

After completing the scenic drive, we visited the museum and gift shop area.  The parking area also contains a Navajo hogan you can visit.  The Visitor's Center is open everyday except Christmas and New Year's.

Hogans near the visitor's center.

I underestimated the time we would spend at Monument Valley.  If you are doing the scenic drive, plan at least two hours.  It is pretty slow traveling on the dirt road, and if you wish to stop for photos at all, it will take you some time to navigate this loop.  This was a great place to visit. 

Another view of the Mitten

We drove back to Blanding via Bluff, Utah, and stopped at the Twin Rocks Cafe for dinner.  We were tired and hungry, and the Navajo fry bread and cinnamon ice cream really hit the spot!  

Twin Rocks above the Twin Rocks Cafe, Bluff, Utah

In one day we visited Natural Bridges National Monument, drove the Moki Dugway, saw Monument Valley, climbed to an Anasazi ruin near Bluff, and visited the Sand Island Petroglyphs.  It was a lot to fit into one day, but I am glad we did it all!

Visiting the Sand Island Petroglyphs

Part of the Sand Island Petroglyphs

The Sand Island Petroglyphs are easy to access just outside of Bluff, Utah.  Follow Hwy. 153 from Bluff and travel southwest for about 4 miles.  You will see a sign for the campground. Turn off here, and follow the signs to the petroglyphs.

Turn at the sign for the campground.

The rock panel here is extensive, and the petroglyphs are between 300 and 3000 years old.  If you look carefully, you can see the desert varnish darkening the older glyphs.  Like Newspaper Rock, many different styles and ages of petroglyphs are present on this wall.

Sign at the Sand Island Petroglyphs

We parked, and followed the easy trail along the rock wall.  There are fences up to discourage visitors from damaging the rock art.  You can easily see the images from the trail.

Sand Island Petroglyphs

I love looking at rock art.  Obviously it took some effort to create, and I can't help but wonder what the symbols mean.

Spiral glyph

A rock art book I consulted suggests that spiral images could represent solstices, equinoxes, or sipapus (places of emergence).  This spiral doesn't look like the samples in my field guide, however!

Animal petroglyphs.

The upper left figure in this section of the petroglyphs is a frog or lizard figure.  Variations of a frog or lizard figure are found throughout the southwest, including in Chaco Canyon.  The other animals look like some kind of mountain sheep.

Large figures at Sand Island.

I couldn't find anything similar to these figures in my field guide. They remind me a bit of pictures I have seen of the Grand Gallery in Horseshoe canyon.

Another figure at Sand Island.

Sand Island Petroglyphs

This petroglyph panel contained shapes that looked more like animal or bear tracks than a human foot.  Could the squiggle lines represent lightning?  Is this some sort of map?  If you look closely, you can see the faint, darker outlines of older glyphs on the panel.

Kokopelli petroglyph

This was the first time I have seen a Kokopelli (flute player) petroglyph, so that was pretty exciting.  The Sand Island Petroglyphs are easy to access and have enough variety and detail to make a visit here well worthwhile.

Looking back toward the Sand Island Campground.

Vault toilets are available at the campground, but there are limited facilities here.  Bring plenty of water.  The Sand Island Petroglyphs are near the San Juan river.  When we visited the Anasazi ruin on the other side of the river, we wondered if any of the ancient inhabitants had contributed to the art at Sand Island.

Click here to see the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock.

Free Day at This is The Place Heritage Park!

Huntsman Hotel at This is the Place Heritage Park

Here is your opportunity to visit This is The Place Heritage Park for FREE!  Jon and Karen Huntsman sponsor a free day at the park once a year.   This is a fun place to wander, learn a little about Utah history, experience pioneer life, and more. You can see baby animals, restored pioneer-era buildings, and artisans demonstrating their skills.  Sample a sarsaparilla, or take a ride on the train.  Volunteers and staff dress in period clothing and tell you about the early life of settlers in the Salt Lake Valley.  There is plenty to do at This is The Place.  Be sure to look at the statues and monuments when you drive in.

This year the free day is Friday, June 8, 2012.  Free admissions are available between 10am and 5pm, and there is also free ice cream, so pack up the kids and enjoy some time at This is the Place!

This is the Place Heritage Park is located at 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. in Salt Lake City (north of Hogle Zoo).

Tourette's Syndrome - Books & TV

Tourette's Syndrome is often portrayed in movies and on TV as someone swearing uncontrollably.  Comedians make jokes about it and public figures use it to excuse themselves when they misspeak.   I wanted to point out a couple of books and a show where I have found Tourette's Syndrome portrayed more accurately. If you want to know more about Tourette's Syndrome or want to help a child understand it better, check out some of these:

"Against Medical Advice" is a non-fiction book by James Patterson and co-authored by Hal Friedman.  It tells about the Friedman's son, Cory, and their journey seeking help with their son's Tourette's Syndrome.  When Hal, the father, approached Cory about sharing their personal experiences, Cory agreed, in hopes it would help someone like him.  Thanks to this courageous family and their persistence in seeking answers in a cumbersome medical system, families like mine have had a much easier time accessing appropriate help for our children. This is a great read.

Picture book about Tourette Syndrome.

"I Can't Stop" by Holly L. Niner is a good book for explaining Tourette's to children.  The text gets a bit lengthy for my taste, but it is filled with good information and simple explanations.  As you follow a boy through his normal activities and life, you get a feel for how he copes with his Tourette's, and also how it affects him.  Reading this may give you ideas on how to explain your child's condition to others, and also how to help them deal with Tourette's as they interact with other people.  

Teen Fiction

"Michael Vey:  The Prisoner of Cell 25" is bestselling author Richard Paul Evans' first book for the tween and teen set.  This fictional book is the story of the title character, who happens to have a very unique power to channel electricity.  Oh, and by the way, Michael has Tourette's Syndrome.  Tourette's features in the book as simply a characteristic of Michael.  Evans does a good job of portraying a young man with Tourette's without making it the main focus of the book.  It is refreshing to see Tourette's handled this way in a novel.  Author Richard Paul Evans has Tourette's Syndrome himself, and his descriptions have authenticity.

Image from the Hallmark movie, "Front of the Class," starring James Wolk.

Brad Cohen is a man with Tourette's Syndrome, and also an award-winning teacher.  He wrote about his experiences in a book entitled "Front of the Class," and later Hallmark produced a movie about Brad with the same name.  This is an uplifting film appropriate for the whole family, and shows a man dealing with a disability in a positive way, and not letting it stop him from living a full and successful life.  Brad Cohen also operates the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation.

Of course there are other good books available dealing with Tourette's Syndrome, including several which give advice for parents.  But this list may give you a good introduction!

Check out my other blog post about parenting a child with Tourette's Syndrome here.

Thought for the Day

Indian Paintbrush, Grand Canyon North Rim

"In hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet."

--Albert Schweitzer

Take time to appreciate the things blossoming in your life today!