For Navajo and Hopi Tribes, Daylight Savings Is Confusing

Above, the Navajo Nation's Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I go into Arizona during the summer months, I have to be mindful that the state is not observing Daylight Savings Time. 

Arizona is under Mountain Time, the same as New Mexico, but with the exception of the Navajo Nation within the state, Daylight Saving Time is not observed. The Navajo Nation in Arizona observes Daylight Savings Time.

However, the Hopi tribe does not observe Daylight Savings Time. 

As one can imagine, this causes a lot of confusion.

The Arizona Daily Sun has posted an article on how bad the confusion gets.

They begin with:

Those who live on the Arizona portion of the Navajo Nation — the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. — endure mind-bending calculations every March through November.

The Navajo Nation, which also stretches into Utah and New Mexico, reset its clocks for one hour later despite being situated between two territories that remain on standard time: the rest of Arizona and the neighboring Hopi reservation.

It's made for an especially unique situation with the Hopi reservation, which is landlocked within the Navajo Nation and goes by standard time year-round. A stretch of U.S. 160 in Tuba City is the de facto border between the two reservations and two time zones.

To read the full article, go here. 

RV Industry Again Falsely Claims RVing Is Cheapest Way To Travel

Above, The Beast at Hubbell Trading Post in Arizona last October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If anyone thinks that RV Travel is a mouthpiece for the RV industry, particularly the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the following should dispel that notion.

Chuck Woodbury, founder and publisher of RV Travel, takes on the RVIA's recent press release that claimed RVing is "the cheapest way to travel".  

He begins with:

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) issued its annual press release recently that claims, again, that yet another study confirms traveling by RV is the most affordable way to take a vacation.

The headline on its recent press release was:

Families save money by vacationing in RVs 

The release begins:

“A new study conducted by an outside, independent firm has found that RV vacations cost much less than other types of vacation travel, even when factoring in fuel prices and the cost of RV ownership.”

I say that’s a lie! The sad part, and this is why I get so upset when I read about this, is that many people (including those in the media) will believe it.

To read further on, go here. 

Navajo Nation Rescinds Mask Mandate

Above, the Hubbell Trading Post clerks (at left) wearing masks in October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I took my little trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park within the Navajo Nation in October, I had to wear a mask whenever I was indoors in places like the Hubbell Trading Post. It was a good thing I had some in my motorhome.

That was understandable as the Navajo Nation was hit very hard with coronavirus.

All that has come to an end as the new Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has rescinded their mask mandate.

From Breitbart:

The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate that’s been in effect since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday, fulfilling a pledge that new tribal President Buu Nygren made while campaigning for the office.

The mandate was one of the longest-standing anywhere in the U.S. and applied broadly to businesses, government offices and tourist destinations on the vast reservation, which extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. The tribe at one point had one of the highest coronavirus infection rates in the country and among the strictest measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Nygren and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Otto Tso, who temporarily is overseeing the tribe’s legislative branch, jointly announced the lifting of the mask mandate on social media Friday evening.

 To read more, go here.

Monument Valley: Road Trip To The Wild West

Above, the Three Sisters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in October, I took a little trip up to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. It had been six years since I was last there and I had a hankering to visit it again (and to stop at Hubbell Trading Post along the way).

While in Monument Valley, I took a sunrise tour of the park with Goulding's Lodge Tours. I had a great time photographing the rock formations illuminated in the morning light. Since I live about three hours away, I plan on going back.

Above, John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tyson Hugie has a new article on his recent mid-holiday trip to Monument Valley posted in The ClassicCars.com Journal. It is an enjoyable read.

It begins with:

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a magical place. Despite being only about a five-hour drive from my home in Phoenix, it feels like another planet entirely. At the same time, it has the vibe of a time-travel destination: The landscapes appear straight out of an 1950s cowboy film from the Wild West. Add in the hospitality and culture of the native Navajo people who reside there, and it becomes the kind of place I wish I could spend for an entire week or more.

To read the full article, go here. 

Drive To Joe Milo's Trading Post

Above, the front of Joe Milo's Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, Mitch Geriminsky and I headed out to Red Rock Park near Gallup to view the Red Rock Balloon Rally ascension that was supposed to take place at 7:30. 

We got there about 7:40 but there were no balloons in the launching field. The only balloons there were packed away at various campsites at the campground next to the field. A number of people were wandering, and wondering, why no balloons were being launched.

Above, Joe Milo's White Water Trading Co. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We decided to head into Gallup to have breakfast at the Cracker Barrel.

After breakfast, we went to different Gallup trading posts to do some browsing. We eventually ended up going 16 or so miles south of town towards the Zuni Pueblo. I had never been in that area, so it was interesting for me to see what's down there. 

Above, Joe Milo's is ready for Christmas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We stopped at Joe Milo's White Water Trading Co. in Vanderwagen, New Mexico. Next to the Hubbell trading post in Ganado, Arizona, Joe Milo's has the most interesting collections of merchandise, including raw turquoise, silver, guns, ammo, art and goods to make jewelry. I ended up buying a dream catcher. I got lucky as it was 50% off the regular price. I've seen Joe Milo's billboards in and around Gallup, but I have never been there until now.

Above, Joe Milo's Trading Co. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the road to Joe Milo's, were many ranches of various sizes. It turned out to be a nice area for a drive.

Ban On Guns With Serial Numbers Removed Is Unconstitutional

Above, old rifles on display at the Hubbell Trading Post in Arizona.
How many have no serial numbers? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is sure to give liberals apoplexy!

A federal judge has ruled that bans on guns with serial numbers removed are unconstitutional. 

According U.S. News & World Report:

(Reuters) -A federal judge in West Virginia has ruled that a federal ban on possessing a gun with its serial number removed is unconstitutional, the first such ruling since the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically expanded gun rights in June.

 U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin in Charleston on Wednesday found that the law was not consistent with the United States' "historical tradition of firearm regulation," the new standard laid out by the Supreme Court in its landmark ruling.

The decision came in a criminal case charging a man, Randy Price, with illegally possessing a gun with the serial number removed that was found in his car. The judge dismissed that charge, though Price is still charged with illegally possessing the gun after being convicted of previous felonies.

No doubt this decision will be appealed.  

To read more, go here.

A Visit To The Hubbell Trading Post

Above, the Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The route I took to Monument Valley from Jamestown, New Mexico had me pass by the Hubbell Trading Post. It is, perhaps, the most famous trading post in the Southwest. It is a historical trading post that dates back to 1878.

I paid a brief visit to Hubbell Trading Post and bought a few things.

From the National Park Service website:

 A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUBBELL TRADING POST

John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased the trading post in 1878, ten years after Navajos were allowed to return to their homeland from their terrible exile at Bosque Redondo, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. During the four years spent at Bosque Redondo, Navajos were introduced to many new items. Traders like Hubbell supplied those items once they returned home.

Hubbell had an enduring influence on Navajo rugweaving and silversmithing, for he consistently demanded and promoted excellence in craftsmanship. He built a trading empire that included stage and freight lines as well as several trading posts. At various times, he and his two sons, together or separately, owned 24 trading posts, a wholesale house in Winslow, and other business and ranch properties. Beyond question, he was the foremost Navajo trader of his time.

Hubbell family members operated the trading post until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1967. The trading post is still active, and operated by the non-profit organization, Western National Parks Association for the National Park Service. They continue the trading traditions the Hubbell family started.

I was planning to visit the trading post two years ago. It is about 70 miles from home. As fate would have it, a few days before I was going to visit it, everything was shut down, including the trading post, due to the pandemic.

It is an interesting place to visit. My favorite part was the rug room. 

To read the full National Park Service website on the Hubbell Trading Post, go here. 

As the website does indicate, masks are still required. As Navajo Nation requires masks, I had some handy in the RV, so it was no problem for me.

Some photos:

Arrived At Monument Valley

Above, the historic Hubbell Trading Post. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After four hours after leaving home, I arrived at Goulding's Lodge Campground around 11:00 this morning.

It would have been a 3.5 hours drive, but I stopped at the historic Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, Arizona. I spent about a half hour there browsing around and bought a few things. It was an interesting place. I will post a full blog report once I get home.

Above, yours truly at the Hubbell Trading Post.

The weather in the Monument Valley area has been nice. It has been sunny and in the upper 70s (it could've been in the low 80s). 

After relaxing a while after checking into the campground and setting up, I took a shuttle down to Goulding's Lodge area. I had been there before, six years ago, but it had been cold and windy at the time. I spent more time looking around and wasn't in any hurry.

Above, the Beast at Gouldng's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I checked out the museum, which includes Harry and Mike Goulding's living quarters. The building had been featured in Fort Apache (1948) and in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon (1949). 

Also, John Wayne's Cabin (as Capt. Nathan Brittles) in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon was open. It was closed the last time I was here.  

She Wore A Yellow Ribbon will be screened tonight at Goulding's Lodge.

Above, John Wayne's Cabin from She Wore A Yellow Ribbon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I ventured into the gift shop to browse around. Unfortunately, a tour group of seniors were in the gift shop and an old lady with the group "broke wind", fouling up the air. 

I wrapped up my visit to the lodge area with a beef stew dinner at the Stage Coach Restaurant, which had nice window booths to enjoy the vistas of Monument Valley.

Above, one of the window booths at the Stage Coach Restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner I headed back to the campground via the shuttle. I later had to go back to the area as the campground store had no "moo juice" (which got a laugh out of a lady shuttle driver). 

Tomorrow morning, I will be going on a 2.5 hours sunrise tour of Monument Valley. I am looking forward to that! 

7 Fantastic Places To Find Authentic Navajo Art

Above, Navajo and other tribal rugs on display at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming week, I am going to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, the route I am taking will take me by the Hubbell Trading Post near Ganado, Arizona. I plan to stop there while I'm in "the neighborhood."

I was planning to visit the trading post two years ago, but on the weekend I was to go, it and other places were shut down due to the pandemic.

It and other trading posts in the Four Corners are the subject of an article by TravelAwaits on seven "fantastic" places to find authentic Navajo art in Arizona and New Mexico. I have been to the second and third places on the list: Richardson Trading Post on Historic Route 66 and the Gallup Flea Market.

They start with:

For more than a century, the Hubbell Trading Post and others like it on the Navajo Nation have been the go-to spots for finding distinctive Navajo art. You’ll find everything from handwoven rugs to beautifully embossed pottery and elaborate silver-and-turquoise jewelry. The good news is that a handful of the original trading posts are still in operation, offering a remarkable array of goods and artworks.

Dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, trading posts long served as gathering places where Navajo people brought their blankets, rugs, and woven baskets to trade for needed goods like flour, coffee, sugar, and tools. Today, the historic businesses on the Navajo Nation continue to offer world-famous Navajo artwork.

Another place worth checking out is the monthly Navajo Rug Auction in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Along with Navajo rugs, they also have pottery, jewelry and other items by different tribes. I found some good deals there.

To read more, go here.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Hubbell Trading Post

This weekend, I will be heading for an overnighter at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.  

It is about a hour and forty-five minute drive from Jamestown (77 miles). 

Above, the great kiva in the plaza of Chetro Ketl at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. National Park Service photo.

Here's a little about it (from National Parks Traveler):

“It’s not like going to a national park,” said Matthew Campbell, on his second visit from his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. “It’s a spiritual experience. It’s a different feeling.” 

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an atypical national park. The massive, thousand-year-old pueblos blend mysteriously into the towering canyon walls. Mystery and curiosity are among the top reasons thousands of visitors make the intentional trek far from paved roads deep into the Navajo Nation.

“I thought it was time for Edward to experience (Chaco Culture),” added Campbell.

Standing on the plaza at Hungo Pavi pueblo next to the large kiva, Matthew and Edward Donham-Stradling, also from Albuquerque, are astonished by the 150-room great house. Built nearly 1,000 years ago, Hungo Pavi is one of 16 such villages readily explored at Chaco Culture. The pueblo looks much as it did in 1847 when a U.S. Military survey team first visited the canyon. Chaco is a national park people visit for more than scenery. 

Located between Crownpoint and Nageezi, Navajo Nation, New Mexico, it’s a trip visitors intend to make. In the Gallo Campground, the only accommodations within the park, it’s common for campers to be on their second or third visit.

For more on Chaco Culture National Historical Park, go here. 

Since the tribal parks of the Navajo Nation have reopened (at 50% and with some restrictions), I will probably head over to the Hubbell Trading Post in Arizona next week. I was planning to go there last year, but the trading post was closed due to the pandemic a day or two of my planned trip there.

Above, an early photo of the Hubbell Trading Post. 

Hubbell Trading Post In Arizona

Source: National Park Service.

During our usual morning gathering at Denny's in the Flying J this morning, I mentioned that I went to Window Rock yesterday. This led to a discussion on different things to see in the general area and Hubbell Trading Post came up. It is a National Historic Site operated by the National Park Service.

I had seen signs from Interstate 40 near Petrified Forest National Park about Hubbell Trading Post. It, as it turns out, is not too far from Window Rock and it has goods for sale with annual events.

According to the National Park Service:

The squeaky wooden floor greets your entry into the oldest operating trading post on the Navajo Nation.  When your eyes adjust to the dim light in the "bullpen" you find you’ve just entered a mercantile.  Hubbell Trading Post has been serving Ganado selling goods and Native American Art since 1878. 

Discover Hubbell Trading Post NHS, where history is made every day!

I'll have to pay Hubbell Trading Post a visit once the weather gets better and the partial government shutdown ends.

To read more, go here.