A monumental day.

The wind had not died down by the next morning and we hit some even larger dust storms. Once they had died down it was clear to see more of the stunning scenery. The surging clouds leave wonderful rolling shadows on the massive rocks which jut out of the plains. I bought myself a pair of sunglasses in Walmart for $10 which are a similar but cheaper version of a brand I’ve been looking for. They are quite tacky and look terrible but make the landscapes really stand out whilst reducing the glare. Apologies for some of the photos, the flies seem to love our windshield.

Our first stop today was the corner where four states meet. This visit can best be summed up by photo:



After this came more driving through the vivid landscape as the rocks weaved across the panorama in strips of different shades. At this point it was quite a clear day but we really had a mish mash of weather across the day. I was expecting the heat and sun we were getting in the Arizona Dessert and I could accept when it rained on us for a stretch but when it started to snow in April here there was really something special going on.

We drove for so many miles today and every single mile had a stunning view in this great uninhabited expanse of wilderness. It’s like driving through something like the size of England but there is nothing but huge rocks and open plains. Your view of the structures and hills is constantly changing as you approach and pass them taking in all the angles. Photos can’t do I don’t think you’d ever get tired of driving along these roads. There are so many shapes and formations for the eye to take in, it’s truly spectacular as layer upon layer of rock exists that no photos could ever do justice.

If we weren’t in awe of the landscape already, next came Monument Valley. It is all on Native American soil so you have to pay $5 per adult to get onto the land. This takes you up to the souvenir shop and restaurant overlooking the area. I then had the absolute pleasure of driving the 17 mile route around all the structures and back. This was bone shaking a dirt track full of humps and bumps. It wasn’t the easiest to do in a huge van which is automatic but I had great doing it as Andy did Paula Radcliff impressions in the passenger seat whilst gripping the handle. It's the first time on the trip that we haven't needed to use sat nav.

The rocks projected up into the sky as we drove up close and around them. The small trees around the area look like they’re in agony as they lay split and swelling. Arcade Fire were providing a good soundtrack but today’s apt track came when the playlist moved onto David Bowie and Life on Mars. It played out whilst we were surrounded by red sand and rocks and driving the van with the right hand side up by 30 degrees. There really weren’t enough windows in the car to take in the environment so we would stop on occasion, get out and take in the whole 360. The epic scale of everything is overwhelming. In the two hours it took to drive the route I think it was $5 well spent.

J.