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This gay travel adventure takes us to some of the most spectacular lands and sacred sites in the American Southwest...Monument Valley, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelley. Our days will be filled with outdoor activities, adventure and relaxation. As with all Spirit Journeys' adventures, we will combine the joys and benefits of being on a vacation with a spiritually stimulating agenda that can provide opportunities for us to "look inside" and learn about ourselves. Conscious travel in this manner allows ample personal time for play, reflection, relaxing and appreciating the beauty surrounding us.
 We will make offerings to the land, sing Navajo songs and tell stories around the campfire. We will leave behind the stresses of life by rediscovering our harmonious connection with creation. In this harmony, we will find the openness to allow events and teachings to unfold; it is here that true recovery and rest can occur.
We will be visiting the ancient sacred sites used by the Dine' (the name the Navajo people call themselves). Like the Dine' of long ago, and like the many who still respect the traditions today, you should bring with you on your journey a thirst for adventure, a respect for nature, a desire to widen your inner and outer horizons and a sense of playfulness. The oral traditions of the Dine' are filled with stories of brave deeds, fierce battles with enemies, the delight and surprise of new relations, and the insistent call of  nature. As you undertake your own journey, you will have ample opportunity to add meaningful personal stories to the sacred narrative of your own life.
Your guide is Howie Holben (pictured right). Howie was raised among the Dine’ in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to them and the Sacred places of the Southwest. The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this pilgrimage. He is also a Reiki/Karuna Ki Master, Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practitioner. His desire is to help others uncover their potential and set free their hearts and minds.
 Day 1
After arrival at the Bodhi we will have a welcome dinner at Los Ojos, followed by our opening circle.
Lodging at the Bodhi Zen Center is simple, rustic, and quaint - each bedroom accommodates two to four persons (there are no single occupancy rooms at the Bodhi) with several bathrooms throughout the center. There are enough sleeping areas for everyone to spread-out and be comfortable.The Zen Center also has natural hot spring pools that are accessible 24 hours a day. There will be time for a late night soak under the New Mexico's star-studded sky, but remember that we have an early start in the morning.
  
Day 2
 After breakfast, we "hit the road!" It is about 350 miles from the Bodhi to Monument Valley, so today will be a fairly long drive through New Mexico and Arizona. No worries though; we will stop frequently along the way to "stretch our legs', have bathroom breaks and to grab snacks. On our way to Monument Valley, we will stop for lunch at Four Corners Monument, the only place in the United States where you can stand in 4 states at the same time. Both Four Corners and Monument Valley rest on Navajo Nation land and are Navajo Tribal Parks.We arrive at Monument Valley around 4:00PM and meet up with our Dine' guides. At Monument Valley, only Navajo guides are permitted to escort us into the tribal park. For more information on Monument Valley, visit http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/monumentvalley.htm.
 We begin our explorations of Monument Valley with a sunset open air vehicle tour. As darkness approaches, we head to our hogans (they are bigger than they look) that will be our home for the night (sleeping bags will be provided). After dinner, we listen to Dine' stories and songs around the campfire and we will learn something of their spiritual traditions. Then we snuggle up in the hogan, or if you choose, you can sleep under the stars outside.
 A hogan is an authentic, traditional Navajo home. This multi-sided or dome-shaped dwelling with a doorway facing east is a place that is cherished and respected by all Dine'. Dine' creation stories describe how First Man and First Woman built the original hogan. It represents the universe and all the things in it. The hogan also represents the harmony that can be found in Nature. A hogan is more than a home. Being a representation of the universe, it is also a sacred place for Dine' ceremonies. Inside a hogan, a woodburning stove sits in the center of a single, unpartitioned room, and a stovepipe extends through the open smokehole.
Day 3
In the morning, we have breakfast and then continue our explorations. Today we go to the Mystery Valley (also known as the Valley of the Gods) area of Monument Valley. Mystery Valley is a part of Monument Valley rarely seen by tourists and is home to some places that are very special to the Dine'.
 Mystery Valley received its name because of the many ancient ruins and drawings that the Anasazi Indians, the Ancient Ones, left behind long ago. Like strands of early-morning mist, the legends of the Ancient Ones float through and pervade the area known as Mystery Valley. We will visit the past and unfold the mysteries as physical evidence reveals the authentic rock arts where sacred grounds still remain. As we drive alongside the painted walls and age-old dwellings, stories begin to slowly unfold. Silently we begin to discover and imagine the lives of these ancient forefathers. Following the prehistoric trails we also discover eye catching natural bridges, arching across the desert floor, delicately connecting the massive sandstone  rocks. Mystery Valley is like the Undiscovered Country, where not many have gone and which few have witnessed.
 Around mid-day, we leave Monument Valley and have lunch at the Visitor's Center. We will spend a couple hours at the Visitor's Center and then head toward Goulding's Lodge, our hotel for the night. Gouldings Lodge is only two miles from the Monument Valley park entrance and all our rooms have balconies that face the park and offer incredible sunrise views! An interesting note about Gouldings: It has been home to film crews since John Ford and John Wayne.
On the way to Goulding's we will stop at the roadside market to explore the craftwork of the local Dine'. The Navajo are especially known for their silversmithing. Tonight, dinner is on your own at the Gouldings Stage Coach restaurant and the rest of the night is free time. You can explore their museum, gift shop or take time to journal about your experience in Monument Valley.
 Day 4
After breakfast at Goulding's restaurant, we begin our drive to The Grand Canyon. We take a slight detour along the way to visit Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is also a Navajo Tribal Park and is one of the most breathtaking, yet tranquil places on earth. Gently carved from the Navajo sandstone over the course of countless millenniums, the slot canyons are majestic and narrow passages, just enough space for a small group to walk the sandy floor - and for the occasional shafts of sunlight to shine down from above.
The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks." Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, or "spiral rock arches." Both are located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
After Antelope Canyon we continue our drive to The Grand Canyon, arriving late afternoon. We will spend tonight and tomorrow night at the Thunderbird Lodge on the south rim of the canyon. All of our rooms are on the canyon side of the lodge and offer great views of the Grand Canyon.
 Day 5
After breakfast, today is a free day to explore the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Lunch is on your own. In the evening, we gather for dinner and afterwards, maybe a heart circle. Overnight Thunderbird Lodge.
 Day 6
Breakfast and then we begin our drive to Canyon de Chelley. The ancient ruins in Canyon de Chelley, nestled at the base of sheer red cliffs that rise up to 1000 feet and in canyon wall caves, date back to 350 AD. Canyon de Chelly gives insight into present day life of the Dine’ who still occupy and cultivate the fertile valley floor. We take the scenic route to Canyon de Chelley. We will have the opportunity to view Dine' life and to explore their arts and crafts. Driving along the north rim of Canyon De Chelley, we will stop at lookout points before we meet with our Dine' guides. We then take open air jeeps into the canyon to begin our explorations. The night will be spent camping in the canyon (all camping gear will be provided). Dinner will be served around the campfire with Navajo stories. To learn more about Canyon de Chelley, visit http://www.nps.gov/cach/index.htm.
 Day 7
Breakfast at camp and then spend a couple hours exploring the canyon in our open air jeeps. Late morning, we leave the canyon and drive back to Albuquerque. We will arrive mid-afternoon and check into the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. Old Town Albuquerque has been the focal point of community life since 1706. Quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies are waiting to be discovered. Wrought iron and adobe benches beckon you to rest in the shade and watch people stroll by. Visit historic San Felipe de Neri Church and relax in the Rose Garden. Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150 shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.
There will be a little time to explore Old Town before we have our farewell dinner and closing circle. Overnight Hotel Albuquerque.
Day 8
After breakfast, you can use the hotel shuttle to transfer to the Albuquerque Airport for your flights home.
Here's a Google Map of our Road Trip Pilgrimage
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