October 27,28

On the way to Canyon De Chelly in northern Arizona, we stopped first in Winslow, AZ.  The first stop was on old route 66 to a restaurant made famous by a song by the Eagles, “Taking it Easy” with a line “Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see. It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin’ down to take a look at me”.  The actual building burnt down and the wall is preserved with a mural and two bronze statues in front.  Also in Winslow is the historic La Posada Hotel built in 1930 as a depot/hotel for the Santa Fe Railroad.  This is a destination overnight stay for the discerning traveller.

Next stop was in Ganado, AZ at the historic Hubbell trading post on the Navajo Indian Reservation.  The trading post on this site dates to before 1878 when John Hubbell bought it.  This was only 10 years after the return of the Navajos from the enforced Long Walk.  Trade was important as they traded wool, sheep, rugs, baskets, and pottery in exchange for food and other staples.  It was sold to the National Park Service in 1967 but still operates.  The photos show the rug room and various pieces of pottery for sale. A traditional hogan on one end of the complex along with cottonwoods near the river.

Standing on the Corner

Route 66 sign in intersection

Mural on wall in Winslow

Stairway to second floor in La Posada Hotel

Lamps at La Posada Hotel

Pottery in Hubbell Trading Post

Ceiling Artifacts

Navajo Rugs

Bridge leading to Trading Post

Hogan at the Trading Post