Our adventure this time took us from Farmington, New Mexico, to Monument Valley, Arizona, where we camped at Goulding’s RV Park.

Goulding’s has quite a history in Monument Valley. The Gouldings were early pioneers in the area and became very close to the Navajo people who lived there.

I think Jim and I must have said at least 20 times apiece, “A picture just cannot capture this.”

It was truly breathtaking at every turn.

We had a glorious campsite with a gorgeous view looking out toward the valley. It had been raining quite a bit, so we planned our Navajo-guided 4×4 tour for a day when the weather was supposed to clear. And clear it did! We woke up to a beautiful sunny day and, as it turned out, we were the only people on the tour. We had our guide all to ourselves!

He had been raised in Monument Valley and knew the area well. Of course, Jim and I peppered him with questions the entire time. He was great.

We took the Backcountry Cultural Tour, which was fascinating. We traveled into areas of Monument Valley that you can’t visit on your own and learned more about the Navajo people and their history. We also visited a traditional Navajo hogan, where a woman gave us a weaving demonstration.

Another day we visited museums and looked at Navajo jewelry displays. There is so much history here, and we enjoyed learning more about the people who have called this land home for generations.

And then came THE RAIN!

We hunkered down in Big Bertha, but by morning I was starting to feel a bit like Noah’s wife.

It POURED. THUNDERED. HAILED. Lightning lit up the sky and the thunder shook the trailer.

We were supposed to leave that morning, but then we heard that the entire area was being hit with severe storms—including a TORNADO WARNING!

WHAT????

That was enough for us. We changed our reservations and decided to stay put for two more days. Good thing we did. Roads throughout the area were washed out, and traveling with Big Bertha would not have been a good idea.

It meant our time in Page would be shortened, but better safe than sorry.

Ruby Has This Travel Thing Figured Out

Ruby has become quite the little traveler.

She can tell when we are getting ready to go somewhere and looks at us as if to say, “Am I going or am I staying?”

If we tell her, “You get to go!” she runs for the door.

If we tell her, “You’re staying,” she runs over to the couch and flops down in complete disappointment.

She has sure been a fabulous little traveling companion.

On to Page!

Once the rain finally cleared, we made our way to Page, Arizona, where we had several great sights planned.

We explored the Lake Powell and Wahweap area and visited Glen Canyon Dam and its visitor center. We also spent a day exploring Vermilion Cliffs, Lees Ferry, and Navajo Bridge.

There is just SO much to see here.

But my favorite was our hiking tour through Lower Antelope Canyon.

You may not realize it, but images of Antelope Canyon have appeared on computer screensavers and backgrounds—and now I understand why.

You descend deep into the canyon and make your way through narrow passages, twists and turns, surrounded by incredible walls of sculpted sandstone. Then you look up and see light filtering down from above.

Again, how do I describe it?

A picture just can’t do it.

Wandering God’s Wonders

Throughout this trip, I continue to be overwhelmed by the creativity of God.

Believing that He created it all, I am amazed not only by what He created, but by the way He created a world that continues to change and shape itself.

To stand beneath these vast walls and see canyons, cliffs and hoodoos that have been shaped over time by wind and rain is mind-boggling.

I loved it all.

And I have already decided that our next big adventure needs to include the Creation Museum in Kentucky!

This excursion has been eventful, restful and worshipful as we have wandered through all these wonders.

In fact, if I were going to rename this whole blog, I think I know what I would call it:

WANDERING GOD’S WONDERS

That pretty much says it all.

The Amandus BBQ Report

Oh—and lest you think we forgot one of the most important parts of this journey…

Today Jim found his favorite BBQ of the trip!

Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page.

He even saved half of his ribs for tonight.

The plan?

Cowboys on TV. Seahawks won last night!
Leftover ribs.

Now that’s a happy pappy.!!!!!