Uraling to Monument Valley

 Thursday, April 07

I decided to do a recce of the campgrounds in the Monument Valley area, thinking perhaps displace there next so I could be near the formations during sunrise/sunset.

Monument Valley is actually very close by.  Just 35 miles from my present campsite in the VOTG.

Heading south on US 163, one soon starts seeing the iconic rock formation used in many movies, to include "Forrest Gump".

There is one small stretch of the highway, where the speed limit goes from 65 mph to 35 mph.  Why?  Because of morons like these, trying to get selfies on a pretty active highway.

There are several "scenic turnouts" past the above point and I recommend not stopping for pictures till there.

I got to the visitor center only to find out that motorcycles/ATVs are no longer allowed on the 17 mile loop within the Monument Valley Tribal Park.  Of course, you can pay for a group guided tour but I passed on that.  Saved me $20!  

Here's a link to the time I rode the loop: link

Instead I headed to the buildings/area owned by the Goulding family.  Specifically to get some groceries at their store.  Before I stopped though, I passed through this area and found myself in a small valley with lovely sandstone formations.

Below two pics I took because they provided an example of Pareidolia.

To my eyes, and in the lighting of the moment, I

could see what looked like the head of a bird, gazing

to its left as it sat in repose.

Groceries picked up, I wandered about a bit but the views were basically of the other side of the iconic formations one sees when approaching Monument Valley from the North.

Here's the southern side:

Got back to camp with no major issues and after putting the groceries away, proceeded to change the engine oil for Scarlett.  She went over 70,000 km on this ride.  Of course, she now has started dripping gear oil from the front seal on her final drive.  Noticed it upon my return.  Sigh.

Anyways, the oil change went fine and I'll be ordering a seal replacement soon.  I believe Scarlett is still rideable for the remainder of the camping trip, just have to watch the oil level in the final drive carefully.