Yesterday we decided to revisit Canyon de Chelly, a beautiful narrow valley in eastern Arizona. Our host at Kelly Place, Marc Yaxley, suggested we take an alternate route through the Lukachukai Mountains, which would require us to traverse the twisting Lukachukai Pass southwest of Shiprock. If we had simply driven to Canyon de Chelly and turned right around and come back, the day would have been full, as the scenery on the drive was breathtaking. At the beginning, the drive took us much closer to the Shiprock volcanic fin than we'd been before, and gave us a chance to see the smaller fins radiating out from it.
Then, as we reached the top of Lukachukai Pass at around 10,000 feet, the view over the vast desert back toward Shiprock was amazing.
Our route brought us to the North Rim of Canyon de Chelly, which we'd never experienced. The first overlook was of Massacre Cave, where the Spaniards killed 150 Navajos, mostly women and children. ("Hi, we're from Spain. We bring you Catholicism and death. You can thank us later.") You can barely see the cave tucked behind trees in the cliff face.
Next we visited the overlook at Mummy Cave, so named because archaeologists discovered two perfectly preserved mummies inside. This ruin, though quite distant, was amazing.
Everywhere we looked, the views were incredible. The green of the valley contrasted with the sheer, harsh cliffs of the interconnecting canyons. Navajo families still farm in the valley and live there during the warmer months.
Next up was the overlook at Antelope House, named after the Navajo (not Anasazi) drawings of antelopes on the nearby rocks.
Our final stop was Spider Rock overlook. According to Navajo lore, Spider Woman taught the Dine' (the people) how to weave, and she is highly revered. I was able to discern a face in the taller rock, Marie was not. Now it's your turn to try.
The return trip home provided a different perspective on the Lukachukai area, as the setting sun added a nice glow to the sandstone cliffs.
After a very long day, we arrived back in Cortez around 8:00. Just in time to share a Cajun Boil for two at Tequila's restaurant, augmented by Corona (Marie) and margaritas (John). Fine, fine meal.
Comments