Before we went on this hiking trip, I thought it would be so boring. I really had no interest in seeing things that existed years ago. Some people really enjoy historical stuff and can see beauty in it. I never have, until now. When I took the first step onto the canyon ledge there was a rush of history that filled the air. The cool breeze and the smell of pine gave new meaning to hiking. At first sight the canyon looks so enormous, I couldn’t imagine hiking all the way down and then back up again. It wasn’t Grand Canyon huge, but I’ve never been a big fan of stairs. There were manmade stairs that lead through the canyon and went almost all the way down.
As I hiked down I could see the dwellings all along side the canyon walls. I visualized how life must have been years ago when people actually lived in the dwellings. It seemed so primitive. I thought about how dangerous it might have been for children, I couldn’t believe they survived there. I discovered that they were instinctual and didn’t get to close to the edge; however when they did get too close to the edge they were so sure footed and comfortable because it was such a natural environment for them, falling or getting injured wasn’t very likely. I was nervous with my children getting too close to the edge, but years ago that was their playground.
When we got to the end of the trail I looked up and it didn’t seem as big as it did, but what I found most wonderful was the feeling of closeness. When I looked around the canyon I could see the time and hard work that was put into building these dwellings. I could feel the bond of each family creating this community and although they were in this huge canyon, they worked together as a team. They made a life in what we today would consider unfit conditions. This is such an inspiring place to visit, to see what they must have gone through.
My kids really appreciated what they have after this experience. They realized how hard the kids back then must have had to work at such an early age. They also thought about what they did for fun was all outdoors no games or Ipods. I felt such an intense feeling of respect and compassion for the people who lived there and died there. Although the hike was over 100 stairs, I enjoyed every step down and back up. So if you are like me and history doesn’t interest you, maybe try looking at it all differently. You might actually enjoy something you never thought you would. This is also a great way to show your children how to appreciate what they have.
