After a second day in the Petrified Forest and with plenty of sunlight left, I headed north towards Monument Valley, Utah.  About halfway, north on US-191 lays the little town of Chinle, Arizona; I found it looking on a map (yes, a real map – you remember them, the ones that are hard to fold), since I knew I was not going to make it to Monument Valley by dark.  

In Chinle, the Canyon de Chelly National Monument is nestled just a few miles east of the highway. There are a few campgrounds there that are maintained by the National Park Service; I stayed in the Cottonwood Campground ($14 per night, dry camping).  The park was almost empty, so I got a primo spot nestled in a grove of trees, which the puppies loved after a few days without a tree to pee on.

Not knowing what to expect, I set out early the next morning to explore the park.  Much to my surprise, the place was stunning!

People have lived in the Canyon de Chelly for over 5,000 years.  The first residents did not build permanent homes but left behind remnants of campsites and images (etched or painted on the walls) that tell their stories. The “Basketmakers” and Puebloan (predecessors of the Pueblo and Hopi) people followed and are now referred to as the Anasazi – “The ancient ones” – by the Navajo.

The Navaho arrived around 1700 and used the rich, vibrant land to support a way of life.  In the winter of 1846, the US Army (Col. Kit Carson) entered the canyon and eventually forced the Navaho from the Canyon (motherfuckers) – this was the beginning of the “Long Walk”.  

In 1968, the US Government finally allowed the Navajo to return to their homes.  Today, the Canyon de Chelly is jointly managed by the Navajo and National Park Service to preserve a record of human history; but these Canyons are home to Diné, the Navaho people.

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Okay, enough of a short history lesson. Getting out to explore new adventures, invigorates and energizes the Mind and Body.  While you are at it, there is nothing wrong with a little edumacation along the way.  Learn of the past but live for the future.  #dofunshitalways #dfsa247 #nps #resist