Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wild West Trip: Day 5 - Walnut Canyon National Monument
Along
these canyon walls over 700 years ago lived a peaceful people who lived
here over 150 years along the sides of the canyon. They dug caves
underneath overhanging rocks and built walls of limestone to separate
and enclose for living quarters and food storage. These dwellings were
built at different levels along both sides of Walnut Canyon. The
estimate is that from 75 to 400 people lived here during this time. They
had crops along the Rim and collected water from Walnut Creek as part of
everyday life. Imagine the trek that was made along the cliffs in doing
everyday tasks, and how physically fit they must have been. Maybe it was
a drought that caused the Sinagua people to move on. The creek waters
today are mostly silent in the canyon as they have been diverted for use
by the city of Flagstaff. Other peoples had inhabited the area of Walnut
Canyon long before, including the Anasazi (who also inhabited the Grand
Canyon). Designated as a National Monument in 1915, we took a hike along
Island Trail to see inside the Walnut Canyon cliff dwellings up close
and to see how the people lived. 
The
pale wolfberry still thrives in the Canyon. Had rather a tart taste to
me. Other plants we came across along the trail with descriptions
included Mormon tea, rockmat, mahonia, Arizona walnut, mountain
mahogany, and alligator juniper, many still used by Native Americans and
now by herbalists for various purposes. 
While
going through the shop I picked up a hiking medallion to add to my
collection.
An interesting demonstration was being conducted by
Stephanie Lomatewama who explained the process of making Hopi baskets
while Horace Kayquoptewa carved ornate katsina dolls from cottonwood at
the Walnut Canyon National Monument. Stephanie is a member of the Hopi
tribe and belongs to the Badger clan, and teaches in Sacaton. Horace is
also a member of the Hopi tribe and carves fulltime. As part of the
tradition passed on, as a Hopi child matures, they get a new doll to
herald their advancement in stages to adulthood. The Hopi Indians are
descendants of the peoples that inhabited Walnut Canyon and is one of
the reasons why it is viewed as sacred.
From here, we will
venture 10 miles up the road and take Route 66 into Flagstaff where we
drive around town, grab a bite, and see Jupiter up close at Lowell
Observatory.