Brinda's Head West!: July 2018

We headed to Four Corners after leaving Monument Valley, but first had to stop for the iconic picture from Forest Gump and had to stop to see Mexican Hat.

Not exactly like in Forest Gump but close

Mexican Hat

Gavin holding up the Mexican Hat

Colorado!

Four Corners was next on our list and we got a few shots of Gavin in all four states!

Four states at one time!

Family pic!

Daddy having fun with selfies

Naptime!

We made a quick stop in Pagosa Springs, CO to stretch our legs and enjoy the greenery after being in the desert. Gavin got to play with his first dandelion and feel the brisk water!!

Blowing on the dandelion

Roaring rapids

Chilly water!!

After leaving Pagosa Springs, we also stopped at this scenic overlook in Colorado. Just enjoying the beautiful views and the waterfall in the distance.

Lovely waterfall

Beautiful vista!

While driving through Colorado, we decided to stop and check out the Sand Dunes and our hotel informed us of nearby waterfalls also!

Selfie! Gavin was asleep.

Carlton's shadow

Gavin enjoying the sand

Daddy & G

Mountains in the distance

More playing in the sand

Sand Dunes

Wide shot!

The waterfall our hotel told us about was Zapata Falls and was off the same road you take to get to the Sand Dunes. It was a very nice hike up to the treeline and then you had to criss cross over the stream to get back to the falls. The falls were so well shaded that there was still ice near the top! We weren't always successful in crossing the stream without getting wet and that water was COLD!!!!

First stream crossing

Carefully trying to walk along stream

Daddy and G selfie!

Still clinging to the wall!

Partially frozen waterfall!

In the shadows

Family selfie

C & G by waterfall

Gavin feeling the cold water

He liked it!!

Another frozen waterfall pic

Our visit to Monument Valley was great!! We were able to spend a couple nights there, which was so nice and we got to stay in Gouldings cabins, so we had a kitchen and separate bedroom. It was nice to have our own space for a bit! Warning - there are LOTS of pictures!! I can't go somewhere like this and NOT take a bunch of pictures!!
BTW here's a little video for those of you who wondered if Gavin was a happy traveler all the time. He really only did this when he was either hungry or tired:

the cabins

Ready for a hike!

great backdrop!

Selfie!

Gouldings Lodge

The morning of our full day we did a hike and then went to check out the buildings near Gouldings Lodge. They had a John Wayne Cabin which was used in one of his movies but he never actually stayed in it.

My Sweetie!

Close-up

Great view!

John Wayne Cabine

Fake storefront

Stagecoach

"The Duke"

There was also a stagecoach that Carlton and Gavin tried out. Gavin and I got our picture by "The Duke".

Then we drove over to the AZ side where The View hotel is located. We wanted to see the hotel and the surroundings before our sunset tour later that day.

The Mittens

Future rock climber

Carlton and I both had cameras during the sunset tour and Carlton was on Gavin watch so I could focus on photos! It worked out great because Carlton got some great shots too!!

These first ones, starting with Gavin standing on rocks, are all pictures Carlton took. He really got some great pictures of Gavin and Gavin loved exploring!!

He loves trees!

Love this one!

Outdoor model

Totem pole

Selfie

Totem pole

Surrounding views

Sand ripples

Horses!

Eye of God (or something like that)

Maybe it was God's Eye

Me photographing the Eye

Another natural opening

Petroglyphs!

More petroglyphs

Our model

Rock climbing again!

He loves it!

Mommy and Gavin

My outdoor boys!

Here are my photos, starting with this cute one of Carlton and Gavin on the rocks!

Photo shoot in action

Nature boy

Totem pole & ripples

More ripples

The boys & Totem Pole

Love this rock!

More ripples!

"A horse Mom!!"

Viewing the Eye

The Eye

Petroglyphs

Moccasin Arch

Another arch

Beautiful colors!

Sun rays

BIG!!

Window view

"Surprise!"

Practicing walking

Beautiful landscape

Funky rocks

Mittens!

Mittens close-up

Another view

Perspective

The next morning I was able to get up early and get some pictures just after sunrise. Here are a few:

Mittens

Three Sisters

View from North Window

REAL TIME UPDATE: Sorry it is taking so long to post blogs from our roadtrip but it is hard to find free time! Last week was an extremely busy week for us.....especially Carlton. Tuesday he flew down to Baltimore to pick up our 4runner (Baltimore is the closest port they ship vehicles to when you are shipping from overseas). Then he had to make the six hour drive back home. Wednesday we received our Household Goods (all our furniture and stuff). So the whole day was spent unpacking the boxes from the truck. Every day since then we have been doing laundry (gotta wash everything that was in storage) and cleaning kitchen items plus organizing (and documenting anything that was damaged in the move). Still working on that. Then on Thursday last week, Carlton had to drive to Boston to pick up Bubbles from the airport. She finally made it home!

Yesterday we joined our friends, The Schecters, on a somewhat impromptu trip to NYC to visit the Natural History Museum!! First trip to NYC and although the weather didn't cooperate, the adventure was fun! The Museum was PACKED because it was rainy (and summertime) but we had a lovely detour through Central Park, got to see Grand Central Station (we took the train to NYC) and enjoyed a walk down 5th Avenue.