Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

A Change of Plans in Flagstaff

I woke early in Flagstaff and opened the curtains to see Humphreys Peak rising against a crystal-clear blue sky. One look at the mountain and, for some reason, my plans changed completely.

Instead of continuing west along U.S. Route 66, I decided to make a detour north to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. I simply could not come this close and miss the chance to see those iconic sandstone monoliths rising from the desert floor.

For years I had watched classic Westerns set in Monument Valley, many starring John Wayne. I often watched them with my mum, who usually fell asleep halfway through, leaving me to finish the films alone. The detour added roughly 370 miles to the journey, but every mile was worth it.

Through Navajo Country

The drive north was spectacular. Snow-capped Humphreys Peak dominated the early part of the journey before the landscape opened into the vast emptiness of northern Arizona.

Along the way, I noticed isolated homes scattered across the desert. I found myself wondering what life must be like in such remote surroundings — how people make a living, endure the harsh conditions, and what keeps them rooted to the land. I never found the answers, but I am certain those who live there see something outsiders often miss.

As I approached Monument Valley, the scale of the landscape became overwhelming. I had seen these views countless times in films and photographs, yet standing there in person felt surreal.

Thirty Years in America

Then I realized the date: May 7, 2026. Exactly 30 years earlier, I had boarded a one-way flight from Manchester to Wichita. I still remember the apprehension I felt stepping onto that plane. Looking back now, those 30 years brought opportunities, friendships, adventures, and experiences beyond anything I could have imagined. Standing in Monument Valley on that anniversary felt strangely meaningful — as if the journey itself had come full circle.

Entering Monument Valley

The famous 17-mile scenic loop inside Monument Valley was every bit as spectacular as I had hoped. Around every bend stood another impossible formation carved by time and nature. Among the most famous landmarks are West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, Merrick Butte, Totem Pole, and John Ford Point. Each stop brought travelers together, all sharing the same sense of awe.

It was during one of those stops that I met Jeff and Christina. We exchanged a few words about the scenery, and Jeff mentioned that the fourth stop was the famous viewpoint used in many classic Westerns directed by John Ford.

Films including Stagecoach, The Searchers, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Once Upon a Time in the West, and even Forrest Gump were filmed in and around Monument Valley.

We went our separate ways but crossed paths again at John Ford Point, where Christina was about to take one of the famous horseback photographs overlooking the valley. I declined at first and moved on.

The Horseback Photo

The emotional impact of Monument Valley is difficult to describe. Every angle feels familiar because these landscapes have appeared in so many films, yet seeing them in person is something entirely different.

I spent nearly three hours driving the scenic loop and still felt as though I could have gone around again. Then, while leaving the park, I passed John Ford Point one final time and suddenly thought, “Why not?” Before I knew it, I had turned around, climbed onto a horse, and taken the classic Monument Valley photograph overlooking the valley below — something I never imagined myself doing, but absolutely loved once I did it.

Forrest Gump Point

Leaving the valley, I remembered the famous Forrest Gump Point. Since some family refer to me as “Forrest” because of my long walks across Europe, I could not resist visiting it.

I drove north along the highway to the iconic stretch of road where Forrest stops running in the film. After pulling over, I could hardly believe it when I saw Jeff and Christina there once again.

They took my photograph standing in the middle of the highway with Monument Valley rising behind me — another completely unexpected moment on an unforgettable day.

Back to Route 66: Williams, Arizona

The drive back toward Flagstaff gave me plenty of time to reflect on the last 30 years and the people and experiences that shaped them. Rather than stop in Flagstaff, I continued west to Williams — a decision I am very glad I made. Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” Williams was the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984. Because of that, the town fought hard to preserve its historic downtown and today remains one of the best-preserved Route 66 towns in America.

Neon Lights and Route 66 Nights

After checking in, I headed downtown and was immediately impressed. Williams felt like the Route 66 town you picture in your imagination — neon lights glowing above old diners, motels, bars, and souvenir shops, all surrounded by pine forests beneath the evening sky. I spent the evening talking with locals, enjoying dinner at a small diner, and sampling a few local brews. It is exactly the kind of town that makes you slow down and appreciate the journey. I would recommend Williams to anyone traveling the Mother Road, and it is definitely somewhere I will return too.

Reflections on the Road

This day was never part of the original plan, yet it became the highlight of the journey so far.

Somehow it feels fitting that the best day on Route 66 happened on the 30th anniversary of my arrival in America.

Once again, the road reminded me to embrace the unexpected — because you never know what memories, experiences, or people might be waiting around the next bend.