As A Kid, My Dream Was To See The World
As a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day. Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.
On a chilly morning in Monument Valley, I embarked on a photography adventure that I will forever cherish. The air was crisp, and a light layer of frost adorned the landscape, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue across the majestic rock formations, I couldn't resist the urge to capture the magic of the moment.
Wrapped in multiple layers to shield myself from the cold, I positioned my camera on a sturdy tripod and carefully composed the frame. The iconic Mittens stood tall in the distance, their peaks glowing with the warm morning light. I adjusted the exposure settings, wanting to capture every intricate detail of the snow-dusted landscape.
As I clicked the shutter, the quietness of the morning was momentarily disrupted. My breath fogged the air, a visual testament to the frigid temperatures. Yet, I was completely immersed in the beauty surrounding me. Monument Valley, usually known for its arid desert charm, had transformed into a winter paradise, and I felt like a witness to a hidden gem.
In that frozen moment, as I captured the photograph, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Nature had unveiled a side of Monument Valley that few had witnessed, and I was fortunate enough to freeze that fleeting beauty in time. That photograph serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring moments that nature gifts us, even in the most unexpected and inhospitable conditions.
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On my second trip to Monument Valley, the flowers were blooming, wild horses were grazing, and I was with the love of my life. Sharing a place as magical as this was a treat I hope I can share with my kids one day. But, what made it special?
From the 10,000 foot level Monument Valley is just a desert with some towers. But, that isn't how this place feels. When my feet landed in the sand and my face was warmed by the sun, I couldn't help but feel something special about this place. A sense of calm. A sense of belonging. A sense of struggle. A sense of perseverance.
The towers made me feel small and the dryness of the desert made me feel the ephemerality of life.
My mind tries to transport me back in time, but I can’t because it hurts. The history of this land in the not-so-far-back history is one of cruelty that I do not understand and will never understand. Even if I pretend to understand, it is a lie because the mindsets of both groups were so vastly different and conversations were not possible as a global mindset wasn’t around to aid in communication.
Going back farther in time, the landscape was likely very different. Water was more present and the area had far more predators and prey. Hunting would have looked different, the towers would look different, it all would be different.
I wish I could sit and understand, but I honestly don’t know where, or how, to start. So, on this trip, I drove the path and remained stunned by the natural beauty of the place. Snapped images and let the landscape sink into me. Laughed with Kristin and were goofy together.
The loop isn’t that long in distance and the 2WD van made the journey just fine, but we took our time. Starting at the famous Mitten towers we rattled down the dirt road and to the “back” at the Totem Pole. From here, we took a lunch break and walked around for a while. Not far away some like minded individuals pulled out a table and made lunch.
My belly was hungry and Kristin kept eyeing their food, so we made some ourselves.
I can’t recall if we had breakfast this morning because we woke up so early to arrive at the Mittens for sunrise. Something I recommend everyone do! So, the simple food we made of veggies was a delight.
Together, we sat on the roof of the van and stared out at the Totem Pole. What a sight!
I can see why movies have been filmed here. I just wonder what this place looked like 5,000 years ago.
A few of these images are available as prints, check them out in my store:
https://dalton-johnson.com/prints/monument-valley
