109 miles North East of the Grand Canyon National Park sits Page, and the border of the Navajo Nation. Covering sections of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, the Navajo Nation reservation is a section of the traditional tribal lands of the Navajo people. We were lucky enough to spend two weeks with Paul and Baya helping out on their ranch and with their Bed and Breakfast Shash Dine'. The ranch was bursting with activity; 8 dogs, 2 cats, goats, sheep, horses, chickens, ducks and even a pair of peacocks, there was always something to do! Our last day on the ranch we were invited to help with branding a yearling on a neighboring property, which was both thrilling and exhilarating. Luckily Baya’s father Al was there to issue instructions, because the two of us had absolutely no idea what we were doing. We were really made to feel like a part of the family, and it was a wonderful chance to find out a little more about Native American culture and food. It had been a long time since I’d eaten lamb, and I was very happy to find that lamb featured heavily in the traditional Navajo diet.
If you’re passing through the area and need somewhere to stay, we would highly recommend Shash Dine'. Accommodation is Baya’s grandmothers traditional Hogan, still used for ceremonies and Navajo family events. Accommodation also includes a traditional breakfast, a great ‘glamping’ atmosphere and a chance to meet the ranches’ furred and feathered residents.
If you’re passing through the area and need somewhere to stay, we would highly recommend Shash Dine'. Accommodation is Baya’s grandmothers traditional Hogan, still used for ceremonies and Navajo family events. Accommodation also includes a traditional breakfast, a great ‘glamping’ atmosphere and a chance to meet the ranches’ furred and feathered residents.
Antelope Canyon
After a bumpy ride across the red sand in the back of a pick-up, visitors arrive at the mouth of Antelope Canyon. Tall, smooth red walls curve and arc the length of the canyon. Our guide was wonderful at instructing how and where to take photos, giving us info about the best settings for your camera and the best angles for remarkable shots. A quick walk up the canyon and back, this tour is suitable for everyone, and while multiple tour groups in one space detract from the magic pf the place, it’s still completely jaw dropping. Back on the Rach, Baya’s mum Lyn told us that when she was a girl the canyon was their playground, back before it was transformed into a tourist attraction. I can only imagine the wonderful games you could play in the cool shade of the canyon.
Monument Valley
Anyone who is into Cowboy films, will instantly recognise this place. Red desert, small scrubby bushes and towering red cliffs, Monument Valley was the backdrop of basically every famous wild west flick (including Easy Rider and the Lone Ranger). Our campground had the most wonderful view out onto the valley.
An exhibition about the Navajo Code Talkers was a great stop in on the way home. During the Second World War, the US army was looking for a way to communicate without giving away vital information to the enemy listening in. A very clever suggestion was made to recruiting Navajo soldiers, who created a code using the Navajo language. 400-500 Navajo soldiers were involved in the project, and to this day it remains the only World War Two code not broken.