Southwest Vacation, Day 6

Today was supposed to be a visit to Monument Valley. The first thing that happened though was John and I got up to see if we could find someplace in Kayenta (not a big place at all, smack dab in the middle of the Navajo Nation). We were recommended one gas station, but they said they couldn't help us until 10:00 AM. They recommended a place across the street. We went there and after some deliberation, convinced the guy there to help us now. We had him replace the valve stem that was failing, plus for good measure, the only one that hadn't been replaced yet. Wonderfully friendly, we were repaired and ready to visit Monument Valley.
We drove into Monument Valley and had a great time. The 'burb's tires and cooling system all worked fine. After we finished touring, we had a nice dinner at the restaurant at the entrance to the park. Caroline and Frankie wanted to take the horseback tour, but they were the only ones. We drove everyone else back to Kayenta, and then drove Caroline and Frankie back out to Monument Valley and got them their tour. Meanwhile, John and I watched movies about the Navajo codetalkers at the visitor's center. We met a nice couple there who told us the real secret to visiting Monument Valley was to hire a guide for a private tour. While we were driving ourselves around, we kept coming across signs that said we couldn't go this way or that. The Indian guides you hire can go anywhere and they take you in jeeps. The general tour was a waste of money, but for only $5.00 more each, you can get one of these private tours. Too bad we found out late, but maybe next time. The couple also told us about the nearby John Wayne museum. The kids got back from their horse ride and we left, but stopped by the museum for an hour or so to see what was there. Then it was back to Kayenta for some much needed rest.
We had dinner at the restaurant in our hotel. This was Julie's 21st birthday and she was finally legal to drink alcohol. Too bad they don't sell alcohol in the Navajo Nation. She had to suffer through dinner without any wine -- oh, there was some whining, but no wine.