Monument Valley author at PCPL this week

Wanda Morlan Eilts and husband Terry

Author Wanda Morlan Eilts will talk about her book "Floating Hogans in Monument Valley" at the Putnam County Library on Thursday.

There will be a brown bag talk and book signing by her from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Eilts and her husband Terry became part of history when they became the managers of Lake Powell's first floating marina near the mouth of the San Juan River. They were only at the marina for one year, but it was a year they would always remember.

San Juan Marina, near Oljato in Monument Valley, Utah, was an isolated place in 1987 when the author and her husband arrived to manage the new marina on the San Juan River arm of Lake Powell.

They fell in love with the surroundings and the Navajo people and culture they encountered. In addition to daily joy and satisfaction of friendship and hard work, the couple dealt with floods, siltations, murder, drug-runners, graft, greed and corruption.

Their story is the basis for the book. Originally from Reelsville, Eilts will share her experiences of operating the marina and insights into the Navajo way of life.

She will give her talk in authentic Navajo dress. Guests are asked to bring their lunch; dessert and drinks will be provided.

The program is free and copies of the book will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the program.

For more information about the book, visit the author's website at http://www.floatinghogans.com.

You may also contact the library at (765) 653-2755 or visit the library's website at www.putnam.lib.in.us