Going out to Fort Collins will be the same as always. I will leave StL on the 18th, drop by Morrill, KS to offer my love and respects to Terri and stay the night in Kearney, NE. I will arrive in Ft. Collins on the 19th around noon and spend the afternoon with mom. I have found that a few hours with her are about right. I will spend the night with D&D before leaving the morning of the 20th.
Google maps suggested three route options. All are about the same duration. Normally, I have gone down through Albuquerque. This time I think I will go the northerly route (weather permitting) as it goes through the Eisenhower Tunnel, Vail and passes near Monument Valley. We have always thought about visiting Monument Valley, but never have. We have read that there really isn't much to do there.
So, I have booked a room at The View hotel in Monument Valley for the nights of November 20 and 21. The drive from Fort Collins to Monument Valley will be nine hours in duration leaving a five hour drive to Phoenix.
The Monument Valley park is not a U.S. National Park, but a Navajo Nation Tribal Park located on the Navajo Indian Reservation (www.navajonationparks.org). The View Hotel (https://monumentvalleyview.com/) is the only hotel located inside the Tribal Park and is located adjacent to the Park Visitors Center. There is a fee of $20 per vehicle up to 4 people to enter the Tribal Park. As a Tribal Park, US National Park Golden Eagle passes do not apply.
I have booked a 2 Queen Beds With Premium StarView room. There were not many left available even though it is three months out.
According to their website:
"The guestrooms on the top floor of the The View Hotel have been designated StarView Rooms. All StarView Rooms are on the third floor and provide fabulous views of the Mittens as well as the best stargazing imaginable." The "Mittens" are the iconic buttes for which the valley is known.
So, I will arrive the evening of the 20th and stay the entire day of the 21st, departing for Phoenix the morning of the 22nd. I should arrive in Phoenix around noon. I have booked a La Quinta near where Mary lives. I will spend the remainder of the day visiting with her. I will leave the morning of the 23rd. I have booked another La Quinta in Fort Stockton, TX...about half way to Houston. I should arrive in Houston on the 24th.
Overall, it will be a 3,000 mile road trip stretched over seven days.
