If you look closely toward...
If you look closely toward the center of the wall, you will see a giant footprint made by Mother Nature. The Navajo people saw this as a sign of peace.
Our first overwhelming vista came no later than 10 minutes into our trip. We quickly became surrounded by massive monolithic walls, reminding us that nature is in charge out here. Pulling out our telephoto lens, we noticed the small homes once occupied by the Anasazi people built several hundred feet up the rock walls. The Anasazi built their homes high above the flood plains to conserve the bottom lands for farming and cotton cultivation as well as a defensive tactic against enemies. The climate was also 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the canyon floor. It was simply amazing that even some of these primitive hogans (Navajo for "homes") were still standing despite the threats of dramatic weather conditions and vandalism. This is another testament to how much pride the Navajo Nation takes in keeping the history of this land alive.
Pictographs and petroglyphs covered many of the rock walls as our group made its way to the next rest stop. One of the most commonly found pictographs depicts the Flute Player, called Lahlanhoya by the Hopi Tribe. According to the traditions of the Flute Clan of the Navajo and the Hopi, it represents a clan symbol. Clan members would leave this drawing on the walls to mark the route taken on their long migration. Many people confuse the Flute Player with Kokopelli, but Kokopelli, a deity of the Asa Clan, rarely appears in rock art and was never depicted with a flute.
Jeep offers all of the tour's...
Jeep offers all of the tour's participants a sack lunch for a small fee. Our group met up with several others along the way and found a nice shady spot for a bite to eat.
Along our tour, we ran into a number of local animals, including sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, and cattle. Some of these animals belong to the canyon inhabitants and provide necessary food for survival. Another rule our guide informed us of is that you are not allowed to take any pictures of the native people or their homes without permission. There were a number of great native settings we would have loved to show our readers, but unfortunately we couldn't locate someone to ask their permission.
Our first major stop for the day was at the White House Ruin. If you have even an ounce of appreciation for the history of this country, you will want to see this in person. This ruin was home to a great number of Anasazi families for many years. A good portion of the original foundation still exists. You really have to admire the persistence and perseverance it took to build structures like this by hand with only primitive tools.
Our final stop of the day brought us to Spider Rock. Spider Rock was home to Spider Woman, the subject of a Navajo legend. Nobody could see her, but they felt her presence. Sylvia told us a story about a man and his two sons who wanted very much to see Spider Woman and how the man would tell his sons that if they were good Spider Woman would bring them plentiful harvests as well as weapons to defend themselves. The holy people of the area said they would see her traveling on a rainbow from canyon to canyon. It has proven to be the most spiritual place in Canyon de Chelly.
After posing for a spectacular group shot, we all made our way back to the trailhead, stopping by one more location called Newspaper Rock. The pictographs were numerous, ranging from handprints, flutes, snakes and other creatures, to holy images, people, and fire. It seemed everywhere we turned there was a piece of history. At the end of the day, we can only suggest you sign up and participate in this event next year and visit the canyon for yourself. It is truly something you will never forget. We want to thank Jeep for having us, as well as Nancy Jenkins for clearing out her backseat.