Did you ever have the feeling that things just couldn’t get any better, and then they did? This was one of those days.

The day started with a drive into the Tribal Park, early enough to catch the emerging morning light through some beautiful broken clouds. At one stop, we happened to strike up a conversation with a mother and daughter selling some exquisite jewelry made by the mother. She is first-language Navaho, and a superb artisan. We did purchase a few things, and we enjoyed the conversation so much that we returned later to ask a few more questions and gain more insight into her culture. It was an inspiring morning, especially considering the scenery, which follow.

In the afternoon, we decided to take a guided tour through Mystery Valley, a section outside of the park that is inaccessible without a licensed Navajo guide. We were very fortunate to have Sandrea fill this roll for us as driver and guide. She took us (and five other travelers) on a brilliant trip of incredible scenery and cultural stories and insights. She shared examples of how the Navajo used (and still use) native plants and medicines, how clans relate to each other, and how important it is to understand your place on the earth. She also sang us a beautiful Navajo song at the end of the excursion, which I recorded and will try to attach here. Some images:

And a fond farewell to Monument Valley Tribal Park: