“I’d rather be here, with you, than anywhere else in the world.”
When the man in the mountain spoke, it wasn’t with words. A wave of warm air rippled across his furrowed forehead, crept over his craggy face, and burst from the mouth of a cave carved above his clean-shaven chin. The breath of wind beckoned. “Come,” it coaxed. “Let us walk together in another’s footsteps.”
The distance from the edge of the mesa to the bottom of the rock face might just as well have been the height of the Empire State Building. I thought we’d be maneuvering the 200 foot drop along some wide, gradually sloping, hand-railed staircase, not snaking down a perpendicular footpath where I’d have to stab my fingers into hand cracks to stay balanced and, in particularly narrow spaces, pry my dusty size six sneakers from smooth grooves worn into the pitted volcanic tuff by legions of industrious feet for nearly six hundred years.
We did have the option of driving back down to the Puye Cliff Dwellings Welcome Center in the van that had delivered us to the top of the dry mesa once we’d toured the site and had a glimpse into how the Tewa people lived centuries ago,
except, well, as you must know by now, that really wasn’t an option. We three mavens aren’t known for being faint of heart. Or rather, I should say, at least two of us aren’t. I’m usually the one along for the ride. The last one to jump off the bridge, or cliff, as in this case. But once I swallowed hard, screamed banzai in my head, and stepped over the edge, my curiosity for exploring the spectacular two-storied ruin of caves and cliff dwellings kicked in. With each terrifying step, our guide, Mr. E. (Emmett? Elliot? Charming man – can’t remember his name or where I noted it. I apologize E.)
took us closer to the small window in time
where his ancestors, today’s Santa Clara people, thrived for centuries
I tried to imagine carrying anything larger than a pea while scrambling up and down the rugged rock face on a hot summer’s day without slipping and plummeting to my death, especially when it came time to descend to the lower level
Whew – if that didn’t help me overcome my fear of heights, I don’t know what would.
Although – maybe this helped.
Now, a short film to tease your sense of adventure and fill in the cultural and historical details I failed to supply ~ Enjoy! ~ And thank you for stopping by today ❤
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
As one of the mavens I can say it was a very good day, beautiful, soothing and deep energy, especially in the kiva and the local people. Imagine living surrounded by healing earth – I was thinking of moving there. Thank you Donna for sharing!
LikeLike
My pleasure, Oona! Where to next? ❤
LikeLike
Loved the shot of the moon so high in the sky behind the cliffs. Beautiful piece.
LikeLike
Thank you Pam!
LikeLike
You do get around, you and them mavens! Nothing like traveling with your best gal pals.
LikeLike
We hadn’t in sooooo long, but now twice in six months. It really is fun. We were supposed to swim with whales in the Caribbean this month, but I chickened out. So this was a nice filler. Thanks for being a faithful reader and commenter, Susanne. You’re a a true blog buddy, 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, you are so brave climbing that ladder, Donna. No way you’d get me up there 😀 As for being a cave dweller…well, all I can think of is snakes paying a visit at any time day or night. Wonderful photos.
LikeLike
Snakes? Bwaaah! I didn’t think of that. But I suppose since ‘down under’ you have about 80% of the world’s poisonous snakes slithering about, you’re more aware of those guys. I’ll be paying better attention from now on. Thanks, Lyn – be well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL yeah, we do have a few of the nasty ones. Gives me the shivers just thinking about it.
LikeLike
Ohhhhh…me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appreciated your blog. It is amazing how much there is to discover about the Native American history when traveling in the west.
LikeLike
Thank you K. There is so much to lerarn. I’m always in awe 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely wonderful photos and words. You are very brave! I am deeply in love with the desert and find so much peace when I’m there. Thanks for sharing this!
LikeLike
Thank you, Suzanne. I’m beginning to understand why you love it so much. Be well ❤
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading this. Thank you.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person