- Marvel at the sunrise at The View Hotel and Visitors Center
- 3.5 hour tour to Monument Valley
- Relaxation afternoon at the pool
- Watch the sunset from the same place
- Take some night shots
This morning we have to get up early again. At half past seven I rush Niki out of bed and we fold up the tent. Soon after, we set off to be at the viewpoint at the Visitors Center and The View Hotel in time for sunrise. From there you have the famous view of the striking monoliths East Mitten, West Mitten and Merrick Butte. Even beforehand, the day is slowly announcing itself on the illuminated horizon. The closer the sun comes, the brighter and more colorless the cloudless sky becomes. The cool morning is almost too flawless to take great photos, the contrast of some clouds is missing. As the sun rises, it suddenly becomes more pleasant. We take a few more pictures before we go back to Goldings Campground and have breakfast.
Immediately afterwards our 3.5-hour pickup tour through Monument Valley is due. We agreed on the cheaper 20 person tour so as not to overload the budget. Since I've already done a private sunrise and sunset tour with Oli, I can live with that. The sun is already high at a quarter to 9 a.m. and it is only moderately spectacular to take photos. But it is now almost 30 degrees, what a contrast to the cool nights. The fascinating landscape of the Monument Valley is fascinating, yet it casts a spell over you. The landscape gained world fame through advertising and film. It is teeming with German-speaking and Asian tourists in particular. We stop at some particularly beautiful places such as John Fords Point, where you can have your picture taken on a Mustang for a fee. Another photogenic rock formation awaits us at every corner. The English murmur of our Navajo guide is unfortunately hardly understandable and otherwise the tour convinces me moderately. The expensive tour with Oli was really worth the extra charge.
Back at the campground we make a sandwich. Then we go to the pool, where Niki skyps and I bathe and read. So we spend the afternoon before we cook early so that we can then be ready for sunset. We're going back over to the awful The View Hotel. Anyone who expects a luxury resort with a fantastic view is wrong. The complex is more reminiscent of Ikea and somehow doesn't look finished. Anyhow, we enjoy the view, take some photos again and want to order another drink in the restaurant. Wrong thought, in the Najavo Reserve no alcoholic beverages are sold and otherwise the supply is also moderate. I take a few more night shots with the starry sky and buttes before I go back to the campground.
