MTA HORSE TOURS

Above, the MTA Horse Tours stables. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last September, I stayed at the Monument Valley KOA Kampground. I usually stay at Goulding's Lodge Campground, but I decided to try out the KOA.

The KOA is a relatively new campground. I did enjoy my stay there.

One attraction at the KOA is the MTA Horse Tours. It had been 50 years since I last rode a horse, so I decided to take a 90 minute ride.

Above, a photo taken during my ride. 

The stables are right next to the KOA, so it was an easy walk from one's campsite.

From the MTA Horse Tours website:

Monument Valley is well known for glowing red buttes and mesas that tower over the beautiful Southwestern Desert.

​As you take part on this adventure with MTA Horse Tours you will be among the sacred spirit of our horses.

Horses represent significant and spiritual roles within the Navajo Culture. Many Navajo people acknowledge the spirit of these amiable creatures who embrace you with the medicine of tranquilizing enjoyment. So, prepare yourself for an interactive, bumpy, and exhilarating ride! 

Above, at the stables before my ride.

I enjoyed my ride. If one plans to visit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, I recommend taking a horseback riding tour.

For more information, go here.

2024: Not Bad

Above, during the horseback ride in Monument Valley.

Well, 2024 is just about wrapped up.

The year hasn't been bad for me. For one thing, nobody in the family has passed away, which is always a good thing.

Above, during a boat tour in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Thus far, it has been a mild winter. Not much snow has fallen as of late. But there's always January and February. 

I managed to do some traveling. Two clampouts were attended. A cruise to the Bahamas was taken. Helped with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Half Marathon in Ridgway, Colorado. That was immediately followed by a trip to Monument Valley. A visit with ex-roomie Jessica in Des Moines, Iowa. That included a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in nearby Winterset. Christmas was spent with the Geriminskys in Lake Havasu. I also visited Fort Sumner, New Mexico and toured the Billy the Kid Museum and gravesite. I attended this year's G-FEST in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago). It was good to see everyone there.

Above, during a Jeep drive to McGaffey Lake in May.

Happily, the 2024 Election turned out the way I wanted. We even gained some ground in the New Mexico legislature during the election. That is certainly a plus!

Above. with the gang at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup.

What 2025 holds is anyone's guess, but I am optimistic.

I plan on staying home tonight. It is safer that way. 

Happy New Year!

RVing Addresses Top 3 Senior Concerns

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

From tent camping with my family or Boy Scouts to my current Class C Winnebago, camping has been in my life. 

Now that I have reached the septuagenarian age group, I can easily see why keeping active betters one's overall health. 

Back in September, I took a RV trip to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons. From there, I headed over into Monument Valley in Utah for some more camping. This included horseback riding from the KOA Kampground I stayed at. This was the first time in fifty years I've done so. I joked afterwards, "Ask me in ten years if I can still ride a horse."

RV Travel has posted an article on how RVing addresses the top three concerns for seniors. If one is still in their fifties or sixties, it may be a worth a read.

It begins with:

As people age, anxiety can become a common, often overwhelming, experience. Anxiety in older adults can stem from a combination of health, social, and financial concerns. I’d like to make the case that RVing positively addresses these concerns—especially for seniors, but really for everyone. Read on to find out why.

To read the article, go here.

Monument Valley KOA Journey Review

Above, the row I was camped in at Monument Valley KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I posted my review of Monument Valley KOA Journey at RV Life Campgrounds. This is a site that travelers can post reviews of campground and RV parks around the country.

Already, my review received a vote on it being helpful. I received an email from them this morning.

My review included this:

I stayed two nights at the KOA. I usually stay at another campground near Monument Valley, but I decided to try the KOA out as it is fairly new. The roads are easy to navigate but still could be wider. The sites are a little close to each other. The staff was friendly and helpful. Tours to Monument Valley are available as are horseback rides (which I did and enjoyed it). We camped at Monument Valley KOA Journey in a Motorhome.

To read all of the reviews of the Monument Valley KOA Journey, go here.