Monument Valley, Utah
Hugo Burge, Non-Executive Vice Chairman
Where? Agony. I can’t choose one place – that’s like the hardest homework ever! Hmm. I will narrow it down and proffer my favourite place in the USA so far (where I have been working on and off for CF for two years): Monument Valley, Utah.
Why? Get there, wake up at the crack of sparrow fart and you will see why. When the sun rises you will see one of the most spectacular and memorable views of your life. The characteristic fingers of red sandstone start as dark and sinister silhouettes that gradually turn to a warm glowing orange. I heartily recommend a drive around the Indian National Park Reservation at first light with the roof down. Ties in nicely with a West Coast trip taking in the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, The Hoover Dam and the legendary route 1 up and beyond San Fran. For me it was the highlight.
Where would you stay? Gouldings Lodge – whose entry in my outdated guide book was: $80 a night for a room with million dollar views. I agree. There is also a rather dusty looking Campsite at the entrance to the National Park with views directly onto some of the most spectacular columns in the Park.
Best meal? Oh dear. Don’t go there for the food.
Best way to spend an hour? Sit down. Watch. Enjoy the sunrise.
Top Tips? If you don’t watch the sun set and then get up at dawn (yup, no skiving) then you have missed the point. Beer lovers remember to bring your tipples with you as the Indian Reservation is dry. We made the school boy error of arriving empty handed, which resulted in a game of spoof to see who had to drive the 40 odd round trip journey to the nearest bottle store…
