Sepia Saturday - 213 - Feb 1- 2014

You may be wondering why in the world I would post a photo like this?  Hint- vacation memory from my childhood.  This location is outside Florence, Arizona where my grandfather spent the majority of his life, as a rancher.



You may recall that I've mentioned him before.


So, speaking of vacations, or as Alan says, let's take a holiday- Yes!

Alan has gifted us with an open suitcase all stuffed and ready for a joyful holiday.  So please do gather your old photos and bring them here.  Or, just sit back and enjoy my Arizona tour.

No cell phones please!  Just kidding! Well a holiday, or family vacation in my childhood always included a sleepover, or stay over in a motel, where we would simply, spend the night.  We were always early to rise and back on the road again.

Holbrook, Arizona

Not just any motel either.  Swimming pools, weren't essential, yet many offered them.  We desired only two main requirements.  Can you see the AAA sign and, any mention that pets are allowed?  If not, it'd be necessary that my father turn away from the Wigwam Motel.

Sometimes it felt like we drove on and on before finally landing one too.

Truxton, Arizona

Oops, not here either.  Drive on, this looks a bit too desolate right?

SEPIA SATURDAY



You are surely welcome to pack your bags and journey with me.  Or, if you'd rather take the high road and board a cruise ship or take a stay in an extraordinary out of this world classy New York City hotel, you may want stop here.


Perhaps it's the blistering blizzards and endless powdery clouds of snow day after grey sky day but the endless days of frozen tundra temperatures, are beginning to get rather tiring.   So, yes I'm really hungry for a bite of dust between my teeth and perspiration dripping from my forehead.  Seriously.

Let's roll!


First Destination:
Monument Valley, Navajo- Tse' Bii' Ndzisgaii  More information from the Navajo Nation Monument Park here.

Beautiful isn't it?  I don't care that it's the desert.  Monument Valley, Arizona if you desire specifics.

Pictured is Jimmy Swinnerton ( dean of desert artists) and Bill Bender (working cowboy turned artist who as a child idolized Swinnerton and his lifestyle)

In Monument Valley

The story of James Swinnerton and the time he spent here from 1906 to the late 1950's can be read here.

Notice the Rainbow Bridge sign?
What could be more satisfying?  Of course, include me in any tour for the Rainbow Bridge. 

Looking west, petrified forest National Park Road and Bridges, Holbrook Navajo County, Arizona.  Note Rainbow Museum at rear.

Rainbow Museum.

Jim Camp Wash Bridge, spanning Jim Camp Wash at Route 10, Holbrook, Navajo County, AZ.



 Going back to the building with Jimmy and Bill, if you look closely, this rustic, lime stone appearing little shanty is also the Post Office.


Jimmy's wife Gretchen had this to say about their holiday to the Monument Valley.  "Each year from the first of June until the latter part of July, desert fever stirs our household with a grip stronger than an octopus."

I can relate to that feeling right now.  Blame it possibly on all my childhood holiday/trips that my family and I would encompass, every summer during our long scenic drives from Michigan to my grandfather's ranch in Arizona.

Gretchen continued with more.  "Why I do this each year I have never been able to figure out because it's the same trip, same road, auto cams and climate, and has been for the last several years...."  She added that the two had decided to "tour Old Mexico next year, and I'll keep my fingers crossed until summer comes again," but she concluded "I know Jimmy, and we will see Arizona again next year."

If I could explain to Gretchen the reason why, one endures this journey, this would be it.  It's all about that small little voice, that fully awakens within many of us, with a sensation so unbearably exciting, it can't be ignored.

Gretchen Swinnerton

Being completely honest about James Swinnerton, or Jimmy as his wife refers to him, these trips undoubtedly were all about incredible gifts from his muse.  See here for full disclosure.

There are folks that would describe the desert, even here in Monument Valley as being a bleak and dismal emptiness.

Never, James Swinnerton,a true artist unable to quench his thirst, year after year, as he discovers and delivers so much from so little.

My gift to you is a painting by Jimmy Swinnerton, enjoy his insight.

Full Wikipedia about Jimmy Swinnerton here.

A natural arch in Monument Valley, Arizona was named "Swinnerton Arch" in his honor.

Jimmy Swinnerton, died in Palm Springs at the age of 98, and his canvases are still in high demand.


Well, that concludes this trip/holiday and it's back on the road again!

Look there, it's the Triple AAA sign, and new COLOR TV'S too!

I always have to thank, The Library of Congress and especially their prints and photo department, that not only offer many photos for us to use, but just visiting their fact filled, supply of information and photos as well, is like going on a holiday as well.

THANK YOU LIBRARY OF CONGRESS and all the folks that work there.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed our visit to Arizona!