Weekend Highlights

Sutcliffe Winery, west of Cortez, had been on our list to visit since we arrived 2 weeks ago.  Located in the McElmo Canyon, our scenic drive to the winery was fantastic too.

We had to keep an eye out for the entrance sign as the winery is nestled off the highway near a high rise cliff.

We were greeted by the winery owner and our sommelier, John Sutcliffe.  We arrived at the same time as another couple from Ridgway so we were in good company.  We all really enjoyed ourselves! The stories John shared with us of his "rich and famous" lifestyle were as intriguing and entertaining as his outstanding wine.

What a great location for a wine tasting..a sunny porch, comfortable outside temps and fantastic views of the vineyard.

I spied a tree in the Vineyard's fruit orchard with blue fruit, it was unlike anything I had ever seen..it's Damson Plums.  John allowed me to select a few to take home.

                                                                                                           


The grapes for the Syrah wine are ready for picking now.  John explained that the timing for this step is important for making outstanding wine to ensure its quality taste, color and aroma.

We came home with a bottle of Sutcliffe Vineyard's

Cabernet Sauvignon and a bottle of

the Syrah.  We plan to enjoy them during a special occasion. 

                                                                                     

Sunday was our travel day to Monument Valley Park.  We took Highway 160 west and with a couple of turn offs, we drove through the community of Bluff, Utah.  The Bluff Historic Fort lured us in with their signs on the highway of free admission.  Since it was a Sunday, the museum was closed but wandering around the historic buildings and displays gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoy some history too. 

This cabin was said to be one of the originals in the fort.  Bluff Fort was established in 1880.

The information placard described how this wagon traveled the famous "Hole-in-the-Rock" Route.

A reconstructed Bluff Fort cabin.

Cabin interior with period antiques.

Cabin interior with more period antiques.

One of Bluff Fort's interpretive volunteers told us not to miss the Petroglyphs at Sand Island.  We were driving by this landmark anyway and we were excited to see them.  What a special threat this was for us!  The petroglyphs were easy to spot and even easier to get a good, up close view of them too.

The info board stated that these Petroglyhs may be between 300 and 3000 years old.

Here is a close up view of a section on the rock wall.  I would estimate there were hundreds of drawings.

I could have used these photographs about 10 years ago in my art classroom!

Ronnie and I enjoyed our picnic lunch discussing these amazing drawings.  Afterwards, we drove on towards Monument Valley.  We drove through some incredible scenery.

Mexican Hat

Mother Nature's creative use of line and pattern in her landscape sculpture.

We drove by a road sign directing folks to Goosenecks State Park.  Ron asks:  "Do you want to go?"  Oh, Yes!

What a treat to see this amazing landmark.  I've read about this place and I've seen pictures, now I get to see it for myself.  

Panorama Photo

Warning..Do not get to close to the edge either.

We continued on down the road..when we realize we are seeing a view from the movies.  We recognize this spot from "Forest Gump" and maybe even a few television commercials.
Gotta get that photo...

Monument Vally was again special this second time around.  We visited this area around 1996 or so.  We revisited the Gouldings Trading Post and Movie Museum, drove through the campground where we stayed (boy, was it crowded) and reminisced about our first visit here.
Monument Valley is located on the Navajo Reservation.  We paid our entrance fee and received the privilege of driving through the spectacular eroded red rock scenery.

The Right Mitten

John Ford's Point

The Totem Poles

Artist Point

The Mittens

 We even enjoyed the lunar eclipse over the desert on the drive back home.

More later.