Strangely enough today didn't include very many miles, a welcome relief from what is normal at the moment. We rode out of Cortez early and headed for the four corners. Stood on a plate that marked the point at which the four states, Utah - Arizona - Colorado - New Mexico all join. Not that exciting and it was raining a little so we took some pics and bailed.
Back on the road we passed by a small semi-deserted town, Bluff, which was interesting to say the least. Lots of vegetation taking back old houses and cars. Only a short stop before we left for the Mexican Hat, essentially a large balance rock in the shape of a hat (well obviously!) Again, not incredibly exciting (we have seen heaps of rocks in weird formations by now) but it was all building towards the peak of our day.
The Moki Dugway is a 3 mile unpaved road that ascends 1100 feet up the Cedar Mesa at a gradient of ~11%. It was originally built in the 1950's to haul uranium and is now maintained as state route 261... It's famous for its views over the Valley of the Gods and for being a bit of a white knuckle drive; it's only wide enough for one vehicle at most points and the cliff is always only a meter or two away, no barriers.
We approached from the bottom and noticed a heap of guys on bikes stopped on a ridge about 3/4 up. On our way down we stopped there after they had left and had the place to ourselves. Amazing views and eerily quiet. You could shout and then hear your voice echo for what seemed like forever along the cliff wall. We will have some videos later but for now, pics only.
After we descended it was only another 17 miles or so until we hit Monument Valley. We were planning on camping here but the weather forecast didn't seem to enticing so we got a last minute booking in the lodge. A good call as it really hammered down in the afternoon and we were able to watch the lightning show from the balcony (as opposed to weathering it out in a tent).
Back on the road we passed by a small semi-deserted town, Bluff, which was interesting to say the least. Lots of vegetation taking back old houses and cars. Only a short stop before we left for the Mexican Hat, essentially a large balance rock in the shape of a hat (well obviously!) Again, not incredibly exciting (we have seen heaps of rocks in weird formations by now) but it was all building towards the peak of our day.
The Moki Dugway is a 3 mile unpaved road that ascends 1100 feet up the Cedar Mesa at a gradient of ~11%. It was originally built in the 1950's to haul uranium and is now maintained as state route 261... It's famous for its views over the Valley of the Gods and for being a bit of a white knuckle drive; it's only wide enough for one vehicle at most points and the cliff is always only a meter or two away, no barriers.
We approached from the bottom and noticed a heap of guys on bikes stopped on a ridge about 3/4 up. On our way down we stopped there after they had left and had the place to ourselves. Amazing views and eerily quiet. You could shout and then hear your voice echo for what seemed like forever along the cliff wall. We will have some videos later but for now, pics only.
After we descended it was only another 17 miles or so until we hit Monument Valley. We were planning on camping here but the weather forecast didn't seem to enticing so we got a last minute booking in the lodge. A good call as it really hammered down in the afternoon and we were able to watch the lightning show from the balcony (as opposed to weathering it out in a tent).
Until next time!
Bill
Bill
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