Chaco # 2

By now, you could say I look like a pioneer weathered cowgirl. My hair is frizzy, my face is chapped, my eyes are bloodshot, my skin is tanned and dry. I might look like a drifter. But, oh the fun and the adventure, that I would not have traded for the world. 

I set out on this mornings hike towards Kin Kletso, my first close-up encounter of a Pueblo. The 48° air was crisp and perfect for a hike. As per the park ranger, I started to climb up towards Pueblo Alto Complex. But about halfway up it became unbelievably steep. I took her advice, and took my time, as I was the only one here shortly after 7 AM. But I know my limits and I know of my uncomfortable phobia with heights and suddenly I also feel that I have an uncomfortable phobia of falling rock. As many of them seemed precariously balanced. Could I really grab onto these rocks, to hoist myself up, without suddenly dislodging and causing them to roll down the mountain? I tried not to let my mind go there. But I am alone, and I can’t afford to get hurt, because in the end my little boy is in the RV waiting for me to return. I took some really nice shots from somewhat high off the ground into the Pueblo. I saw a deer in the distance and for the longest time I was absolutely alone in peace with just the birds. Perhaps the mockingbirds. I went on to a few other Pueblo‘s: Pueblo Del Arroyo and onto Casa Rinconada community. The haboob winds, removed a thin layer of silt exposing many pottery shards in certain areas that were just so plentiful, it took my breath away. There were many shards that were placed on a rock by former visitors to admire and observe and I took photos of these pieces. As a ceramic artist I am absolutely breathless with these finds, and so appreciative and taken aback over the history in this area. What a fabulous day as I also took time to sketch one of the small Adobe structures right next-door to my campsite.