Family Travel and Autism

On our way out of Mesa Verde we passed through a lovely little town with a Walmart and many family style hotels.  If you don't want to camp, I am sure that you can find an accomodation to your liking.

We were heading for Four Corners only a few hours away.  The monument charges a nominal admission and is surrounded by flea market style booths.  There were food vendors and portable toilets.  The monument was a large cement slab with flags and viewing stands.  The viewing stands were perfect to take photos.  How many photos can you take of your children standing in four states at the same time.

We spent some time browsing the vendors.  The tourquose jewelry was magnificant.  And affordable.  I admit that I bought earrings for the girls.  A great deal at only five bucks apiece.

We left Four Corners and headed south for Canyon de Chelly.  We took the highway through the reservation.  My heart broke.   It felt like I was driving through Appalachia - in the desert. 

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is beautiful and spiritual.  All tours of the monument have to be arranged through Navajo guides.  They can be pricey but worth it.  We stayed in the free campgrounds.  They are beautiful and right next door to the hotel.   The visitors center is a worth a visit and even has a hogan you can view.

Early the next morning we took off south again and headed for the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park.  It finally warmed up.  A high of 88 degrees.  YEAH!