Friday 15 May 2015
As we drive towards our objective today Val and I are discussing what it is that draws us to this area. We are surrounded by mile after mile of sage and cactus covered slopes framed by high walls of banded sandstone. I think anyone would look at that scenery and find it, if not strikingly beautiful, at least pleasing to the eye. But most (and I don't mean this to be critical), would accept it for what is is and be ready to move on to the next destination.
I will not speak for Val, but for me, each canyon we pass by begs the question, "Has anyone ever been up to the end, and what did they find there?" Undoubtedly over the past couple of millennia, countless have done just that. Hunters, both ancient and contemporary, prospectors, ranchers looking for their cows, bandits on the run. And most certainly dreamers, as evidenced by the occasional panels of petroglyphs with their depictions of gods and beasts and many things that have known meaning to modern man.
And today, Val and I can experience, (albeit in the comfort of our modern day Conestoga wagon), at least a small slice of the exhilaration of those that have come and gone before us.
OK - Enough of the hopeless romantic stuff.
 |
OK - She told me to take this photo.
And that's the only comment I'm going to add! |
 |
| Another iffy start to a hike. |
 |
| So much for the "iffy" part. |
 |
| Good - the sun comes out and the desert is happy. |
 |
| There, in the distance! |
 |
| Probably not as comfy as the trailer we saw the other day. |
 |
| Think we'll make if back before the rain starts again? |
 |
| Just another 1,000 year old pile of rocks. |
 |
| A bunch of squiggles on a random rock in the middle of nowhere. |
 |
| A "rock art" model. |
 |
| Ismay Trading Post |
 |
| Ismay Trading Post Restroom Facility |
We had a good day in spite of the rain. We were well dressed for it and it just added another dimension to the hike.
On the way back we stopped at a small ranch that advertised trail rides in the canyons. When we pulled into the "parking" area, (a little more ground clearance would have been handy), it also contained several authentic looking chuck wagons busily being attended to by equally authentic looking "cookies". A guy in the barn was hacking away at a side of beef and others were busy doing ????
I spotted a great big guy who looked like Tom Selleck complete with honkin' big mustache, looking much the wrangler boss. Asked him about the trail rides and what was going on. Turns out they were all gettin ready for a regional chuck wagon cook off followed by a barn dance for all of the neighbors up and down the valley. What a hoot!
Dying Americana
Good night AGAIN from Hovenweep CG
Brad and Val
To clarify... that is the "only comment" you are going to put in writing.
ReplyDeleteIn writing, verbal or any other tangible form. We still have several weeks to go.
DeleteI love those tight stone walls. I hope I did half as good a job on my wall. Altho I guess we get a bit more rain out here.
ReplyDeleteThe chinking mud is like unfired clay. A bit mushy when wet, but when baked in the hot sun for 1,000 years, walla! Concrete. Some builders must hae been better than others bucause the majority of sites are just piles of rock rubble.
ReplyDelete