Monument Valley and Solar Eclipse

Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Nation.  The schools, emergency services, all government offices,etc. are run by the Navajos.  The Gouldings came to Monument Valley and set up a trading area, brought more water to the Navajos, and they were responsible for bringing many of the Hollywood movies to the valley. Mr. Goulding talked John Wayne and John Ford to film Stage Coach in Monument Valley to put it on the map and give area people jobs. It was in the 30's. From then on, Monument Valley has been a successful tourist attraction and film setting. Thanks, Mr. Goulding.  Most were John Wayne movies, but other included:

 Fort Apache, How the West was won, Cheyenne Autunm, and Trial of Billy Jack.   John Ford's "The Searchers" was shot in Monument Valley along with his "Cheyenne Autumn," "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and others.

I'd like to see you on the stage...there's one leaving in five minutes.  Ha Ha  old joke

Gouldings rv park

The Duke and I had a beer together.

It was a beautiful valley

Our campsite at "Gouldings RV Park

This was the view from our campsite.

Another view from our campsite

Dale took this shot at sunrise

Our tour guide for Monument Valley

This Navajo woman demonstrated blanket weaving and food making

Dale in front of a Navajo Hogan  (like ho gone) .  The door always faces east and many Navajo people still live in them.

and we thought we wouldn't see "mittens" after we left MI!

 

No the I wasn't going to rob the stage with the bandana , but it did help with the dust as the truck rolled across the red dirt

The colors were beautiful.

The Three Sisters

Dale at John Ford's point.

You've probably seen a scene like this in a cowboy movie

The Totem Pole

Avoiding snakes!

Elephant Butte

Our RV Park

A movie cabin from a John Wayne movie

He's still trying to get on the stage.

While we were in Monument Valley we saw the most spectacular solar eclipse.  We weren't sure how we were going to be able to view it, then Dale noticed that our blinds were acting like pinhole cameras and that the eclipse was appearing on our kitchen cabinet.  I thought he was pulling my leg again, but nope...he was correct.  So I took a piece of aluminum foil and cover the window, poked a pin hole in it and used a paper plate to focus the image.  We were able to observe the eclipse from the comfort of our sofa.  

Yes, it really is a paper plate.

Almost a complete covering

Nice ring of fire!  I love science.