I chose this company for my Monument Valley tour based largely upon their about statement located on their website. It moved me knowing their company is not only family owned and operated, but committed to sharing the spiritual side of Navajo culture.
We met our tour guide Will Cowboy at the Navajo welcome center, climbed into the tour van and headed towards Monument Valley. It was clear right away Will had a strong sense of humor which put us at ease. So many aspects of the tour stand out. The stories Will told about his Grandfather, what it was like growing up in Monument Valley and intricacies of Navajo culture are memorable. Plus Will sang for us at the eagle monument area. The acoustics were wonderful, bouncing the song off the rock walls. So beautiful and special.
Meeting Effie Holiday was such an honor. She shared the Navajo method of darning sheep wool, dying colors and weaving blankets. Typically it takes many months to finish a blanket. She does not write down a pattern, just memorizes what she wants to create. Also she takes requests for a certain pattern, animal or whatever you can think up for a blanket you’d like her to make for you. We met Effie Holiday inside her Navajo home. It’s quite cozy with a wood stove in the middle and dirt floor. Wood beams create the impressive circle shape interlocking together.
Also I found out on this tour another example of opposite thinking between our cultures. When I asked why so many dogs running around (no leash or collar) do they need help or be taken to a shelter. Will answered by first chuckling a bit, then pointed out this is a difference between our cultures. The Navajo do not believe in fences or keeping their dogs behind one. So all of the dogs that I was worried about actually did have a home. They are just free to wander.
The tour I chose was for sunset. We were picked up a half hour early to catch the mittens shadows lining up. Which I’m told only happens twice a year. I took a video of the last 7 to 8 minutes of this phenomena and I’m so happy I did. The colors and shadows change faster than you’d expect during sunset and the video definitely caught it.
Also sending much appreciation to Will for showing me how to use the pano option on my iPhone camera. Huge difference in my pictures as it covers a larger area.
Definitely on my next vacation plan for this area I will pick this tour company. The Hunts Mesa overnight tour is on my list as well as the all day tour!
That was an awesome tour. You got some great photos!
Yes very memorable! I look forward to returning and seeing new areas.