Tear Drop Arch is very near and dear to me as it was the inspiration for me to get back into photography in the early 2000’s. I was interested in visiting Utah for the first time for vacation and ordered a magazine that was probably put out by Utah’s Department of Tourism. The cover of the magazine was a portrait shot of Tear Drop Arch. After seeing it, I was captivated by its beauty and knew that someday I would visit in in person. A few years later, my son graduated from college and we decided to spend a couple of weeks exploring Utah hiking and taking pictures. One of the places I was determined to visit was Monument Valley. I knew that to see some of the sandstone rock formations, you needed to hire a Navajo Guide. I found one and told him to take us to his favorite places in the park. The one requirement was that Tear Drop Arch be included as a location. He took us throughout the park and showed us some terrific rock formations. Near the end of the tour, we started for the exit and I reminded him of my requirement. He smiled at me at said that Tear Drop Arch was not in the park but rather high above the hotel where we were staying. Thank God he had a four wheel drive and, after getting there, it was every bit as inspirational as I had hoped. Turns out that he lived very close to the arch and took us to his home where we met his family. This trip rejuvenated my love for photography and travel, which I have done a great deal in retirement.