Navajo Nation

A road trip to Page, Arizona to see the spectacular sights of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend has long been on my bucket list. Unfortunately when we finally took the trip, the weather was not quite on our side, so the box remains partially unchecked for now. Since we only had a night to spend after staying a night in Vegas, we decided to stay at Shash Dine over one of the many generic Comfort Inn-type hotels available in Page. Shash Dine is unique glamping B&B located on a Navajo ranch just south of Page with no running water or electricity, and staying there was an experience in itself.



Our cozy cabin for the night.


The ranch was guarded by the sweetest sheepdogs.


And puppies! Still feeling sad about not being able to take one of these guys home.


Handknit turtleneck sweater, Madewell. Slim mom jeans, ASOS. Chuck Taylors, Converse. Knit bucket bag, Boohoo.


Tucking in for the night. Temperatures were in the 40s so we got a fire going in the wood-burning stove.


One of the things I was looking forward to was photographing the stars without smog or light pollution in the way. Unfortunately, the skies were partially overcast with more clouds rolling in as the night wore on, but it was a good learning experience for me. Next time, I definitely won't be leaving the tripod at home.


There's something to be said about waking up to a wide open expanse of land. And some delicious Navajo tea.


Traditional Navajo breakfast of blue-corn porridge and fruit. This was before I doused the whole thing in lots of honey.


And this cutie.


Ugh, so cute.


Just doing her job, guarding the livestock!


So hard saying bye to these guys. But we had to rush to squeeze in Horseshoe Bend before our reserved Antelope Canyon tour.


Just a ten-minute hike from the highway, we were greeted with this sight. The Colorado River curving in what is very aptly called "Horseshoe Bend" (there was a gaggle of other tourists there too FYI). Unfortunately, it started raining just as we got there! It wasn't pouring but it was wet enough that both of our iPhones shut down while we tried to take our selfies. So we weren't able to get any good shots. I decided that keeping my camera safe and dry was more important.


Here I am, cold and struggling to keep the rain out of my eyes. It was also quite windy which is always scary to me when standing on the side of a cliff. Please excuse my outfit...wasn't planning to need a jacket over my sweater but it was freezing! And wet. So due to poor planning I ended up with some kind of Canadian tuxedo except burgundy instead of denim....hah. And the worst part was, the Antelope Canyon tour companies were closed because of the rain. We didn't have time to wait and see if we could get in after the rain let up since we had a dinner reservation to catch in Vegas. So, the trip was a bit of a bust. But, that just means we will have to try again soon!


Just one lonely rain cloud for the drive home.