Walnut Canyon Hike

I'm 110 miles East of Walnut Canyon Park, just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. It is 9:15 AM and I'm traveling I-40 West, flanked on both sides by endless desert. It is so vast, my eyes can see no end. It is as though I'm surrounded by an ocean. My spirit is soaring as the eagle and I feel exalted. I love this "in-between land" and this "in-between time." I'm in between my past and my future; it is exhilarating and exciting to step out of the procession of ants. Do you ever look around at humanity and think we all look like the industrious ants, coming and going and focused on our tasks? I do. But for now, I am one with the world. For the moment, I am not part of a community or a workforce; I've stepped out of the parameters of my tribe. I am a traveler with wanderlust in my heart, filled with possibility, wonder and potentiality. It is thrilling, refreshing and a welcome change for my mind's eye. It is so fantastic to step outside of your life for a moment and be filled with the feeling that anything can happen next. I'm out there, in the neutral, in-between zone. And I like it.

11:00 AM. I've arrived at Walnut Canyon for my field trip! A hike through the Canyon!

Well, there was a landslide in 2007, so the hike was not as substantial as I would have liked; part of the trail was impassible. But it was a grounding and inspiring hike. The Sinagua people lived in this Canyon prior to 1250. They built homes within the cliff over hangings, which ironically makes them look a bit like town homes. Archeologists believe it was the women who built the homes. To form wall around the hollowed spaces, the Sinagua gathered limestone rocks, then cemented them with the clay found in surrounding canyon areas. They used wooden beams to reinforce the doorways. Even more impressive was a hole in the exterior wall, three feet above the doorway, which allowed smoke from interior woods fires to be released. And this was all done almost 800 years ago. It was truly fascinating and inspiring.

It is 12:45 PM, Central time and I've just landed in Flagstaff, Arizona. Windy. It is incredibly windy here and 55 degrees, which feels colder on account of the wind. Unfortunately, I am finding that the further West I travel, the more gas costs. Because the White Knight gets Premium gas, I'm up to $2.44 per gallon now. I think Premium gas was $2.02 back East. Interesting. Right now I am on my way to Macy's Cafe, serving Vegetarian fare in Downtown, Historic Flag. The last time I was here was January 15, 2008, when I surely thought I would die; that was the beginning of my divorce and journey back East. It was the onset of MY journey back to myself. At the time I felt I was at death's door, my life force was dangerously dimmed. And now, here I am, back again, coming out victorious. Amen.

You know, this is my third trip across America in less than two years. The first two times I was escorted by men; first by a former husband, the second by a friend. And now for this third time, I'm going solo. And this third time has been the most enjoyable trip thus far! I haven't been fearful once. It's been pleasant and enjoyable. My body is not in pain because I drive what is manageable for me each day. It just goes to show you, when you pull upon your own resources, you really can take care of yourself!