Johnny Depp in the “The Lone Ranger”

Yesterday we went to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona.  There were LOTS of things to see in this national monument.  First, the canyon is gorgeous.  The picture shows Spider Rock.  It represents the home of an important God to the Navaho people.  It also has been used as the background in several commercials.

 Second, we saw many Ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings or ruins.  Most were seen in the distance using binoculars.  It was bizarre at first seeing how small they were being so far away.  We saw this ruins (called the While House due to the color of one of the walls) when we hiked down to the bottom of the canyon.

Third, we saw current Navaho life.  The park exists in Navaho Nation.  Many locals were visiting or working today.  While most national parks do not allow anyone to live in the park area or to sell items, this one is different.  Homes were all along the road and someone was selling native art at all the stops for overlooks and even along the trail.   Plus, many people will also take an all-day ride with a local guide.  At one point we were climbing out of the canyon and could hear a flute playing native music in the canyon below us.  Wonderful!

Fourth, we saw local wildlife.  Not wild animals as much as sheep, goats, horses, and dogs that walked across the road wherever they wanted.  John definitely had to keep watch.  I believe the Navaho consider the area communal property so animals may graze wherever they want.

 Let’s see, fifth, we got some great exercise hiking to the base and climbing back up.  Not really that difficult of a hike, instead it was fun.

Finally, and this is the really cool part, they were filming “The Lone Ranger” in the park while we were there.  We didn’t see Johnny Depp, though we met someone who saw him and his horse (he’s Tonto).  We did get to see cameras filming background shots.  The 1st picture shows a camera on a boom with several crew members. The 2nd picture shows a camp with lights nearby and a tent (for meals?). There were at least a couple camps for the crew both in the canyon and in the local town.  I read that the hotels were booked up with crew members.  Most of the people at the park knew this was happening so everyone was really friendly and asking “Have you seen anything?”  We met one guy who said he never heard of Johnny Depp or Captain Jack Sparrow.  I’m not sure if he was telling us the truth or a paparazzi playing dumb, but I guess it’s possible.

Exciting day!