Posts by Dooley

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    To me, on horseback would be the only way to see Monument Valley. Another great photo, Dooley. We don't mind seeing all of your pics. Some of us can't get enough of that beautiful landscape. Thanks again for sharing them with us.


    Mark


    Thanks Mark,


    I agree Horseback is the only way.


    I tried to keep as much 'civilisation' out of the pics as possible: roads, telegraph poles, cars etc. Thankfully not too difficult around Monument Valley, Mexican Hat etc.

    How much was the rental on the horses, and how long are the tours? I can imagine, however long it was, it wasn't long enough.


    Mark


    They vary depending on who you use, there are quite a few in the area. A lot are an hour, waste of time IMO as that's far too short, then they do sunset treks which are 2 hours, awesome, a must do, how the light changes at Monument Valley every minute at that time is amazing. You can also bespoke if you're willing to pay outside the pre-organised tours.


    We did a day trek, 4 hours, and a sunset trek, 2 hrs. If you haven't ridden before 4 hours may be a bit harsh!


    They are pretty relaxed, not polished 'guided tours' like some with the rangers at national parks can be, but I actually prefer the less 'school teacher' approach, gives you time to really soak up the atmosphere. I took most of the more dramatic shots when on horseback.


    I'll put a few pics of the trekking on too, you may as well see all our pics ;)

    [quote='chester7777','http://dukewayne.com/bb/index.php?thread/&postID=111360#post111360']So they allowed Eagle hunting? . . . just kidding. These Bronzes must have cost a pretty penny, they are outstanding !


    They were mighty impressive: The Chief standing approx 6ft tall and The Cowboy being over 10ft!

    Thank you for your input, yes, I think horse back riding might be the way to go, if they have large horses.
    Last time I wanted to go horseback riding ,the stable owner said,"We don't have any Clydesdale's", much to my surprise. I found out even horses have weight limits. )-:


    Chester :newyear:


    They do have large horses.
    They're all Mustangs so hardy and used to the conditions.

    Wow, the weather was behaving ! Beautiful !


    Is there still any things reminiscent of the Searchers filming still around?


    Chester :newyear:


    Hi Chester,


    No, not really but the locations are so integral to the film that if, like me, you know the film scene by scene you'll be able to immerse yourself by standing pretty much where film history was made.

    Dooley,
    Just curious, was the hotel, or Monument Valley in general, seem very crowded this time of he year? And from your pictures, the weather was behaving?


    Chester :newyear:



    Hi Chester,


    The hotel I would say was approx 70% full, but to be honest you don't really notice apart from at breakfast and in the evening as most people go off exploring. The only other place to stay which is really in the thick of it is Goulding's, the Hotel not the lodge!, but if you want to see the mittens etc. you have to go to The View anyway, and pay to enter the 'park', whereas guests at The View don't have to pay.


    Other things to note: you cannot go wandering around Monument Valley without a guide and 'the loop', which you can do by car, is a track and so, so bumpy it'll rattle the teeth out of your head! Best bet is going around on horseback, it also feels fantastic in such an iconic location.


    The weather was great the first couple of days then it started off pretty overcast in the morning but the sun burnt away the clouds by early afternoon.


    Hope that helps!


    ATB


    Peter (Dooley)

    That hotel looks like just the kind of place one would want to stay at when visiting Monument Valley. Duke stayed at Goulding's Lodge, most of the times he visited. Which, at the time may well been the only hotel in town.
    How far from Goulding's is the View? Did you visit Goulding's during your stay?
    Did you find much of John Wayne's or John Ford's history displayed around Monument Valley?


    Chester :newyear:


    Hi Chester,


    Gouldings in less than 5 miles from The View Hotel. In fact it's a straight road for 4 miles from The View, you arrive at a crossroad and Goulding's Lodge is less than a mile on the other side.
    We had thought of staying there but The View actually has the uninterrupted views, unsurprisingly, from every room.
    I will load pictures of The View and Goulding's later.
    Looks like you guys are going to see most of my holiday snaps!


    ATB
    Peter (Dooley)

    Great to know that Peter,
    if and when I get there, that sounds like a good place,
    and from the web-site it looks just the ticket


    The View Hotel


    Hi Keith,
    It's a lovely place. Very low key, nothing over the top, but that suits the locale perfectly: how could you compete with that scenery! I have some pics of the hotel too! Can I post those here?
    It is run pretty much 100% by locals from the Navajo nation who were all very friendly.
    The one thing I will mention is they stop serving evening meals at 8.30pm, which for someone from the UK was a shock! We got caught out the day we went Mustang trekking around Monument Valley, lovely guide, again a local from the Navajo nation, but after 4 hours in the saddle, we got back ravenous and ended up eating Cheetos in our room! The meal the next evening more than made up for it. I had the 'Duke steak' which was wonderful.
    ATB
    Peter

    Absolutely stunning. I am so envious now. I got to get out that way one day.


    Mark


    Hi Mark,


    I cannot tell you how amazing and magical a place it is. We spent a day at the Grand Canyon, did a helicopter trip etc. which was amazing but Monument Valley has something else about it. If you can you should really try and go; being a Duke fan also will make it all the more special. Glad you've enjoyed the post.
    ATB
    Peter (Dooley)

    Dooley,
    You may of mentioned this, where did you stay while at Monument Valley?


    Chester :newyear:


    Hi Chester,
    We stayed at The View Hotel, aptly named, Monument Valley. All the rooms overlook 'The Mittens' and the sunrise shots were taken from our balcony.
    Great base to set out and explore too; we did a huge amount of driving around and discovered some amazing places.
    Truly a fantastic trip! I've been back a week and am missing being there so much.


    Regards,


    Peter