Amy, thank you for this story. It reminds me of one of my favorite memories from a backpacking trip my friend and I did in the Four Corners area. We were driving on a remote road, similar to the ones you described and came upon a large herd of sheep crossing the road and being shepherded by a dog! We never saw a person giving the dogs instructions, only the dog. When we stopped at a market and mentioned this we were told that the dogs are trained to manage the sheep on their own. That scene is etched in my memory - in the the lonely and beautiful solitude of the desert witnessing that one dog dutifully caring for his herd of sheep - it felt a little like a spirtual experience.
Years ago, I was in Four Corners and ran into some tour guides who asked us as we were leaving if we planned to go to "Indian Flea Market?" "just follow the cars out of town (at the single stop light). The next day, we had some time and did in fact go to the Indian Flea Market. We were the only white people there. A Navajo woman who looked to be about 90 years old talked to me (through her son interpreter) about spinning, dying, and weaving wool. I used to do that (before children) and it was fun to talk to someone who had done it, instead of reading about it in books. My husband often suffered from headaches and at an herbal medicine booth, one of the Navajos lit up a hand wrapped smoke of some sort, saying it was good for headaches. My 7 years son was beside himself when he saw this... his grade school had preached mightily against "drugs." We weren't sure what was in it, but pictures of old TV shows and "passing the peace pipe" ran through our minds and my husband accepted the offer. Fortunately, whatever it was that we bought, I remembered to take out of our luggage for the flight home... We still have the unused Kachinna wood that my duck carving husband bought and planned to try making "someday" ---maybe when her retires? I raised my kids on Miyazaki which explains a lot about them. I discovered Dore Pugatory in an antique store in 1980; my husband talked me out of buying it for $90... the lithographs were museum quality. I wish had it now. I learned not to pay any attention to him about this sort of thing early on!! Enjoy New Mexico - it is truly magical. PS. I wouldn't have done the Chaco trip in that kind of weather. I'm glad you came out okay-- I bet you had 4 wheel drive!!
I am one who generally has a very good sense of direction, even when traveling in parts unknown. My husband and I are currently in the midst of a major relocation to a new state and town, after having lived in our current home for 30+ years (with a pack rat husband). Feeling ‘lost’ right now is an understatement. That’s why I LOVED your comment about ‘needing to let the road take me to where it’s going’…..a much needed perspective to take moments to breathe. ❤️
As I was reading, I wondered if you took food/drink with you when you decided to wander. Then I got to the DQ part. Isn’t it fun when you find things in the most unexpected places?
Also, the night chant is mesmerizing and I loved its backstory.
I share the pain of unruly eyebrows and lost my way in Lincoln in the Bardo. However, I grew up in the Finger Lakes of NYS where the natural infrastructure runs north and south. So if one miscalculates direction, one runs smack into a lake or drumlin. Can't get lost for long, unless you want to, of course. Love your newsletters!
And sometimes taking the unexpected route offers those blessings, as well
i am lost in the laughter of a three year old.
Amy, thank you for this story. It reminds me of one of my favorite memories from a backpacking trip my friend and I did in the Four Corners area. We were driving on a remote road, similar to the ones you described and came upon a large herd of sheep crossing the road and being shepherded by a dog! We never saw a person giving the dogs instructions, only the dog. When we stopped at a market and mentioned this we were told that the dogs are trained to manage the sheep on their own. That scene is etched in my memory - in the the lonely and beautiful solitude of the desert witnessing that one dog dutifully caring for his herd of sheep - it felt a little like a spirtual experience.
Years ago, I was in Four Corners and ran into some tour guides who asked us as we were leaving if we planned to go to "Indian Flea Market?" "just follow the cars out of town (at the single stop light). The next day, we had some time and did in fact go to the Indian Flea Market. We were the only white people there. A Navajo woman who looked to be about 90 years old talked to me (through her son interpreter) about spinning, dying, and weaving wool. I used to do that (before children) and it was fun to talk to someone who had done it, instead of reading about it in books. My husband often suffered from headaches and at an herbal medicine booth, one of the Navajos lit up a hand wrapped smoke of some sort, saying it was good for headaches. My 7 years son was beside himself when he saw this... his grade school had preached mightily against "drugs." We weren't sure what was in it, but pictures of old TV shows and "passing the peace pipe" ran through our minds and my husband accepted the offer. Fortunately, whatever it was that we bought, I remembered to take out of our luggage for the flight home... We still have the unused Kachinna wood that my duck carving husband bought and planned to try making "someday" ---maybe when her retires? I raised my kids on Miyazaki which explains a lot about them. I discovered Dore Pugatory in an antique store in 1980; my husband talked me out of buying it for $90... the lithographs were museum quality. I wish had it now. I learned not to pay any attention to him about this sort of thing early on!! Enjoy New Mexico - it is truly magical. PS. I wouldn't have done the Chaco trip in that kind of weather. I'm glad you came out okay-- I bet you had 4 wheel drive!!
I am one who generally has a very good sense of direction, even when traveling in parts unknown. My husband and I are currently in the midst of a major relocation to a new state and town, after having lived in our current home for 30+ years (with a pack rat husband). Feeling ‘lost’ right now is an understatement. That’s why I LOVED your comment about ‘needing to let the road take me to where it’s going’…..a much needed perspective to take moments to breathe. ❤️
I get lost in the town I have lived in for 68 years. I have learned to embrace forced wandering😳
Has Raily Jane heard about this controversial interpretation of Totoro?
https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/32059/1/unraveling-the-fan-theory-behind-ghibli-s-totoro
As I was reading, I wondered if you took food/drink with you when you decided to wander. Then I got to the DQ part. Isn’t it fun when you find things in the most unexpected places?
Also, the night chant is mesmerizing and I loved its backstory.
Thank you for sharing, I do love to read your stories!
Don't ever ask me for directions. I once sent some poor soul in the complete opposite direction of where he wanted to go. I still feel guilty.
Sounds like a nice break from upstate NY winter (used to live there). Enjoy!
I share the pain of unruly eyebrows and lost my way in Lincoln in the Bardo. However, I grew up in the Finger Lakes of NYS where the natural infrastructure runs north and south. So if one miscalculates direction, one runs smack into a lake or drumlin. Can't get lost for long, unless you want to, of course. Love your newsletters!
Thanks for your story of wandering on the Navajo Rez. Brings back memories of my own time around my favorite part of the world.
Thank you! Enjoy the journey!