Sunday Drive In Iyanbito

Above, red rock cliffs above the Iyanbito Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since today is a nice sunny day at about 60°, I decided to take a little "Sunday drive" around the Iyanbito Chapter of the Navajo Nation. Iyanbito is across the valley from our community of Whispering Cedars in Jamestown, New Mexico.

Above, a view of Jamestown in the distance from Iyanbito. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get to Iyanbito from Jamestown, one has to get on the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 and exit at the Iyanbito exit (the first one west of Jamestown). From there, the ramp takes motorists directly onto historic Route 66.  About a mile down Route 66 is a turn-off to the right with a sign indicating Iyanbito. After the turn and crossing some railroad tracks (Burlington Northern Santa Fe), is the entrance into Iyanbito.

Above, a lone horse grazing beside the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Iyanbito is a community of interesting contrasts. They range from abject poverty to more well-to-do residences. Some have livestock pens and hogans (A hogan is the primary, traditional dwelling of the Navajo people. Other traditional structures include the summer shelter, the underground home, and the sweat house.) While a lot of Navajos live in what can be only be described as shacks, others live in more middle-income homes and there are a few residences that can be described as "mini-mansions". It all depends upon where one is in the "food chain".

Above, cattle roam free around the community. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Iyanbito sits just below red rocky cliffs that front higher mesas. It is a beautiful area with scenery that is enjoyable, no matter what one's income happens to be.

Above, keeping a watchful eye out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Iyanbito, I drove around on different roads that I didn't go on the last time I was there in The Beast. In the Mustang, I was far less conspicuous. While driving along the chapter's roads, I occasionally came upon livestock (horses and cattle) wandering around. As there are strategic cattle guards around Iyanbito, there is little chance the livestock will leave the area and wander onto Interstate 40.

Above, one Iyanbito loop road passes by rocky cliffs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was able to get some zoom shots of Whispering Cedars/Jamestown while in Iyanbito. It is interesting to see our community from a distance.

Above, I was being eyed by a prairie dog. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Also, during my drive, I passed several prairie dog colonies. It is usually an indication of springtime when the prairie dogs are out.

Above, Iyanbito and the rocky red cliffs next to it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable drive.