Supercharged wrote:

I have breakfast with a good friend who is a Navajo artist every few weeks, last time I asked him if his mother ever told him when he was a little boy and acting crazy, that he and his brothers ran around like a bunch of wild mid west farm boys. He said yes she did.

JohnnyT wrote:

I am sorry you found the Four Corners Monument so un appealing. In terms of the monument itself. The location has always been Navajo and Ute Mountain Tribal Land. Navajo tribal funds were expended to construct the monument and viewing platform as well as the parking area, the paved access road along with the ongoing maintenance. I really doubt the $3 dollar fee covers all the expenses. Having been there when the four corners was an insignificant marker at the end of a dirt road I appreciate what has been done to make the attraction more significant. I have been visiting the four corners area since the 40's... I am from New Mexico. So every time I find myself acting a tour guide I will usually swing by there if it fits into our travels. The road in is paved and the large parking area is not but there is ample room for any sized motorhome.



I have never sampled the food at the monument site but do enjoy seeing the offerings and occasionally buying from the Navajo's that have stands to sell their wears... You will find an assortment of items ranging from inexpensive items to some fairly high quality Jewelry and pottery which is accordingly priced. I should add that the pricing is far less than these items can be bought at a trading post or dealer. You buy directly from the folks that make most of what is offered for sale. Actually more often than not its a family member or friend doing the selling but often the artist are in residence working on new creations.

The stands where Navajo's sell their wears are humble. but not ramshackle. They do serve as an enclosure to separate the Navajo's "store" fronts as well as providing shelter from the sun ... The "store" fronts have an extended overhang to keep shoppers out of the sun.

I am sure Tee shirts are sold there but I have not seen any for sale when we have visited there. But tee shirts have never been my focus. But its been a couple of years since we visited. Depending which route there are some scenic country which would include Shiprock which is of mythological significance to Navaho's if that is of any interest.

I can think of two reasons to visit the monument... One because its a unique place and the other that its a good place to shop for Navajo Jewelry and pottery. Another is that its a place that can be visited on the way....

I have meet two Native American store buyers from Oregon who have Four Corners on their buying trips.

From my perspective the "monument" and facilities are as good as they need to be.

JohnnyT

wfr1 wrote:

There are some things worth seeing, and there are those that definitely need great improvement. With some fencing, paint, and sprucing up this would more than a little improved. Tacky is still tacky where ever you find it.