Sun, Oct 24, 2010

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The night in the cabin was an interesting one and Charles and I slept pretty good but I don’t think Dodger and Paris cared for the accommodations. Most of the time we get two queen beds and the motel will often give us an old blanket to put on the other bed knowing that most folks who travel with their pets allow their pets on the bed.  So in this small cabin with only one bed we had several rounds of “Get down” and “Nite, Nite” which is Paris’ cue to get in her own bed at home.  They obeyed reluctantly but after about ten minutes of darkness and quiet, Dodger would ease back up on the bed and then Paris would come around to my side and stick her nose in my face as if to say, “Momma, Dodger got on the bed… make him get down!” I’m not sure who gave up first us or them but we all finally were asleep. I do know that when I woke up early the next morning, Dodger was laying on my feet and Paris was draped across my stomach.

We did our morning rituals and then headed over to the Jacob’s Lodge Restaurant to eat breakfast.  About halfway through breakfast I realized I wasn’t feeling too well and headed back to the cabin.  After a dose of medicine and laying down for a while I felt like we could proceed. 

From Jacob’s Lake and the beautiful forests we soon dropped off the high plateau and began the drive along the Vermilion Cliffs toward Lee’s Ferry.  All along Highway 89 the high cliffs are visible on your left.  We made one short stop to walk out a little closer to the formations and enjoy the warmer temperatures and again the peaceful silence. 

As we approached the Colorado river we made a lengthy stop at the Historic Navajo Bridge and Visitor Center.  The visitor center and accompanying buildings are worth the stop and the weather was so nice we took the time to see it all.  There are now two bridges there but the newer bridge was built to withstand the weight of truck and heavier traffic and was built in the same style as the original bridge so it would serve as a compliment. The Historic Navajo Bridge was opened in January, 1929 and was big news for the southwest.  It was the only bridge across the Colorado River for over 600 miles and would establish a vital link between Arizona and Utah. When the bridge was built it was the highest steel arch bridge in the world and cost $390,000 to build.  The old bridge is open to foot traffic only and gives you a bird’s eye view of the Colorado River far below the straight red cliffs on each side.   A side benefit was that we spotted two California Condors perched on one of the girders below.  Condors were reintroduced in this area in December, 1996 and have done well here.

We were headed toward Page, AZ and eventually Cortez, CO but after we left the Lee’s Ferry area we found an interesting looking dirt road that would actually bypass Page and was about 25 miles or so shorter.  Although there had been a lot of rain in the area the road looked good and we entered it aware that if we got into any questionable places we would return to the paved road.  This road would cross thru the Navajo Indian Reservation and had been traveled since the rain so we felt it would be ok.  The road itself was about 45 miles long and we so only two or three Navajo houses.  It was a pretty drive and about halfway through we came across the abandoned Coppermine Trading Post.  It had served the workers of a now closed copper mine.  There were several old empty buildings that cast an eerie atmosphere with wisps of remaining curtains blowing in the breeze. 

We made it through with no problems and continued on our way.  We drove past Monument Valley just stopped on the highway to take a few shots since the light was terrible and we didn’t really have time to go inside.  At Mexican Hat, UT we took a short side trip to see the rock formation the town was named after. Then it was on to Bluff, UT to make a late lunch/early supper stop at the Twin Rocks Café.  They make a great Navajo Taco (kind of like a taco salad on Navajo Fry Bread) and we never miss a change to stop and have one here.

We arrived in Cortez a little before dark and have a great room close to the motel laundry so Charles is going to do the laundry while I catch up on my journal and backup our photos. 

Despite beginning the day with a “bug” it turned out to be another good day and we are well tonight!  We hope that you are too.

Peace, Hope & Love,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger