A few weeks ago (when I was too busy to post), I was on a drive about and exploring some of the Southwest. The mister and I recently welcomed grandchild number 9 and it was high time we got an opportunity to meet her. So, we set off for the great state of Texas and spent a few days with mommies and baby. It was wonderful visiting with the latest Screamin’ Sicilian!
No babies were harmed in the making of this photo.
We sadly had to part ways after a few days and then the Mister and I (and Charlie, of course) set course for a new adventure.
When driving cross-country last year for our relocation, I noticed that there was a national monument on the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I don’t know why, but I am fascinated by petroglyphs. I decided that we would take a “northern” route going home from Texas and stop in Albuquerque for the night. This would give us an opportunity to visit this park and enjoy the city a bit. Going forth, I will make NO attempt to interpret the meaning or purpose of these glyphs. There are plenty of scholarly writings on the subject and like most things of this nature, they are up for interpretation to non-Native Americans.
The Mister and Charlie and I first stopped at the visitor center. It is a historical site in and of itself. Originally built by Col. Alexander Stewart around 1948 as a homestead property on West Mesa, it was sold circa 1954 to Dr. Sophie Aberle and her husband William Brophy. She was the first practicing applied anthropologist and she spent much of her time studying women in the pueblos. In 1990, Dr. Aberle agreed to sell her home to the National Park Service. On July 11, 1996 she returned to her home to celebrate her 100th birthday and the success of the monument.
We needed to move on and chose to visit the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail, a 1.5 mile loop where we would have the opportunity to see over 500 petroglyphs! While it was an easy hike on a beautiful day, the sight of all those drawings was overwhelming. It was great because it was a bright, sunny day. It wasn’t great because it was a bright, sunny day. These glyphs just don’t photograph well in full sun, so I apologize for the quality. However, I do hope you enjoy a few photos from our walk!
Some of the drawings are very large
They are everywhere! How many can you count?
Interesting shapes and forms
Most were easier to see from afar
Closer view
The gorgeous surroundings
This area is a volcanic basalt escarpment and just perfect for creating these glphys. Some were also made by the invading Spanish. Here is a closer look at the drawing from above.
Mr. Charles enjoyed his walk through the monument. Not sure that he appreciated the art on the same level as us, but he was happy to be out of the car and walking with the Mister.
I hope you enjoyed this abbreviated tour through the Petroglyph National Monument and this encourages you to see this wonderful and plentiful art on your own!
