Click on this image to see a photo album with samplings from my Sunday, June 27th hike. I visited the ruins of ancient inhabitants of this area. Palatki and Honanki were settlements of people considered to be the ancestors of the Hopi. In addition to this cliff dwellings, people also lived along the lower ground as farmers of cotton, corn and fruit. It is assumed that the cliff dwellers were hunter gatherers that traded with the farmers. They all abandoned the area over 1000 years ago when a 23 year drought hit the area.
As a hike, it was not strenuous to visit these sites. But they are beautiful, sacred spaces. Especially, Honanki. I had the feeling that it was more ceremonial than simple shelter. In both places, I saw abundant bushes of Datura. They were even growing in places where it seems unlikely there was water flow. I heard that the recent wet winter created conditions for the sacred plant to grow in this area. I am glad that there are people who are committed to maintaining the dignity of these sacred places. I also took a picture of a tree with small, fluffy, yellow flowers. In most places, I see it as a bush or small plant, but in this area they are large, healthy trees. They are responsible for the incredible, sweet scent I have been encountering during some of my hikes.
I also hiked on nearby Loy Canyon trail. It was quiet and absolutely empty, with signs that relatively few people had been on this trail. I considered it a capital E-easy hike. But the forestry guide says it is "strenuous." Maybe because it is so long (10 miles round trip) and the area is extra dry. A guide at Palatki said the area is so dry that the flies attach themselves to people for moisture. At Loy Canyon, I encountered many fly companions who wanted to share my moisture. Especially since I was sweating so much in the heat. At one point, I sat in the perfect spot on a large stone in a dry stream bed. As I made deep exhales, I looked down at my legs. They were completely swarmed by tiny little flying insects. Their numbers made the flies seem timid. I thought about Elizabeth Gilbert's experience in "Eat, Pray, Love" where she gained deeper insight allowing the mosquitoes to bite her while she meditated. These little creatures barely touched me so, I was convinced I could do it. I lasted about 2 minutes. The sounds and the feeling of a cloud moving around my legs was disconcerting and strongly distracting. I admitted defeat and took of my virtual hat to Ms. Gilbert--a better man than me. I resumed walking meditation and the company of a few flies.
My failure to endure the little bugs became amusing as I walked. I laughed at myself and began to sing and pray joyfully. Every lesson is a gift. Beautiful gold flowers brightened my path; a golden butterfly darted in front of me. This too is a sacred space.
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