Bighorn Flute Player

I loved wandering Canyon de Chelly in NE AZ, looking at the many petroglyphs on the canyon walls. I had a Navajo Tribal Elder with me in the beginning, but was later allowed to go wherever I wanted in the canyon.
It was a beautiful, fertile area then, but would flood often. Remember several rescue missions I helped with. Loading horses and sheep into the back of pick up trucks. Residents of the canyon were taken out in the back of trucks as well. Helping them remove belongings from their homes.
I also helped build some elevated storage structures for times of flooding. The Navajo community decided to come together and help the long time canyon residents. We also reinforced the homes, so they would not be destroyed during the floods.
No, I am not Navajo, but was "adopted" as being Navajo when I lived there.

Unfortunately, all of the photos and rubbings I took of the amazing art on the canyon walls are long gone. As are the photos and accounts of several ancient cliff dwellings I was allowed to explore. All I have are the memories and knowledge gained in this amazing time in my life.

If you have never visited Canyon de Chelly, please do. Located by Chinle, in NE AZ. I called it a mini Grand Canyon. Beautiful features that were well preserved in the 1980's.
If you go to Chinle, traveling north to Tsaile is a must. Only bout 30 miles. Get a fishing license and catch your dinner of 16"+ trout in Tsaile Lake. This dammed lake feeds Canyon de Chelly. A magnificent waterfall from the dam flows into the start of the canyon.

Such a beautiful area.

Oh, rocks.... When I lived in the area, there were many wonderful rocks in the canyon and by the lake. At the time, part of the canyon walls were lined with Turquoise veins. Some pet wood was on the floor of the canyon. The lake has many interesting rocks lining the shores.

So, if you can, go there to see a piece of history.