I know. I know. This is the monument of Monument Valley everyone videos, films, photographs. However, where ever do you see that tree? Its a cool twisted sculpture among taller and therefore more striking sculptures of the valley.

However this tree has history, recorded history. I don't know what year, because how do you look up a year in National Geographic for "Monument Valley tree." First off there are other trees in Monument Valley. Second, by the looks of this tree they photographed it long ago if it was green at the time. Stripping the life off a tree and bleaching it in the sun has a way of changing its appearance.

However, I have it on good authority from a Navajo guide on my tour of Monument Valley that National Geographic's little photographich journey through Monument Valley made a very well-paying repeat New York photographer client irate when my guide tried to show him the area.

Of course my history with the tree in October 2024 is seen here and recorded in my black and white photograph Spirit Dance.