Four Corners

Planning for this trip started with the idea of going to Santa Fe, NM. I have wanted to go there for a long time, but it never worked out. When we lived in Southern New Mexico, had I known what Santa Fe held, we probably would have gone, but I was young and had no idea that it was a place I would like to visit.

For my 60th birthday, Rick decided to take me there!

The trip started on Aug. 25. We headed out to the Savannah Airport bright and early, and traffic wasn't nearly as bad as we had feared, but I would surely rather hang out at the airport than stress over getting there on time. It was a quick flight to Atlanta, GA, a bit of a layover, then a 2 1/2 hour flight to Albuquerque, NM. We rented a car, made a quick stop at Target for water, soda, and a few other things, and a stop at a liquor store because once we left, we wouldn't find one for hundreds of miles.



We drove over to Chinle, Arizona. The Thunderbird Hotel was -- OK, it was a room for the night. Nothing special. One weird thing, though, we set up motion lights when we stay at a hotel or VRBO, and that light went off at least twice that I know of when no one was moving.



We had dinner at the Thunderbird Cafeteria, which was next door to the hotel. I'll give them a good review. Rick had the Monday special -- Chicken Fried Steak with white gravy, mashed potatoes with brown gravy and (yuck) peas and carrots -- but he like those. The chicken fried steak was good and both gravies were homemade and excellent. 

I opted for the Navajo Taco, OMG it was huge! Navajo fried bread with beans, lettuce, tomato, onion and salsa. It was really good, but I am sure glad I ordered a small!

The Thunderbird is located in a National Monument. I gotta admit after a long day, we slept good! The next day and made several stops. This was one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

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We spoke briefly with a Navajo woman who was selling her art in the parking lot. She spoke of speaking to those buried in unmarked grave and not knowing if they are her kin. She thanked them just in case, because without them she would not be here. She spoke of how she feels her ancestors in the air and the land. 

Then we headed north to Utah. I can honestly say I had not uttered the word, "Wow," more in the next few hours than I have in the past several years. The landscape was utterly amazing. We stopped at Sand Island, where fortunately the petroglyphics are not protected. The history of mankind on this land dates back more than 1,400 years. We went a little off  road but down by the San Juan River. Beautiful, that's all I can say.


Finally we got checked into the Bluff's Garden cabins in Bluff Utah. OMG, so much better than last night's hotel. There's about a dozen cabins in a circle. We were in number 10. As soon as I walked in, I knew it was a great place, Rick did good finding this one! 

Everything was very comfortable. It doesn't have a stove but it does hava a hot plate, a grill and a microwave. If we were staying for more than one night, that would be more than enough. Soon after we arrived, it started raining, downpouring actually! So, we had a drink and relaxed, when it stopped we ventured out on foot.

Across the street was a Fort Bluff Historic Site. It was all free and self-guided. While there were some original structures, most were recreated. However, the place told the story of the Mormons who were tasked to settle in the area. 




Unfortunately, we were barely halfway through when it started pouring down again. We took shelter under the roof of a cabin until it stopped.

After getting back to the cabin, we weren't tired yet and it was still daylight so we set out toward Mexican Hat Rock. And the rains came again. Downpouring! We got to the Mexican Hat Rock just as it was lightening up a bit and two of the most gorgeous rainbows we have ever seen appeared. They were so bright and full we could see where each end reached the ground. It was amazing


After a good night's sleep we packed up and headed back over to the Fort Bluff Historic Site to spend a little more time, and in dryer conditions, exploring the amazing history of the settlers in that region. Finally, it was time to head over to the Four Corners, which was about an hour's drive through more beautiful landscape.

It was interesting to stand in one spot and be in four states at the same time.  The Four Corners Monument is located on Navajo land and managed by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. The Navajo Nation operates a vendor market at the Four Corners Monument. 





Next, it was time to settle in for about a five-hour drive to Santa Fe. When we got there, the house was everything we could have asked for. It was cute and comfortable and in a nice quiet neighborhood but just a block from a bustling area.

 

After settling in and getting another great night sleep, we headed out to explore Santa Fe. We wandered off to the historic and art districts. The architectural styles, the ambiance, and the overall vibe of Santa Fe is amazing. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is usually open for visitors but a funeral  service was underway when we went by.

All in all it was a wonderful birthday trip!






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