W returned to the outskirts of Albuquerque to visit the Petroglyph National Monument. The rock carvings are estimated to be 400 to 700 years old. They are etched into volcanic rock that was created by prehistoric fissure eruptions. The area is considered sacred by the native people that originally inhabited the area. Today that sacred area sits across from a subdivision of the stucco tract houses that are ubiquitous in the southwestern U.S.
Our first stop was the visitors center where we were provided with maps of the various trails that wind through the monument and directions to their starting points. I look up and see the type of hawk gliding above the parking lot whose beautiful black and white wingspan have been recreated countless times over the centuries in art, textiles, basketry, pottery and jewelry.
We decided on the Piedras Marcadas Canyon trail where the petroglyphs are the most closely concentrated. We laughed at the directions to the trail site which told us to turn left at the Sonic fast food outlet. The parking lot for the trailhead is located behind the Valvoline oil change station. I find it kind of sad that so many of the nation's natural treasures are almost only accessible by private car.
Leaving Valvoline behind us we hit the trail. After a short trek we began to see the carvings etched into the tumble of rocks. In spots they travel far up the black stone walls. We jokingly refer to them as 700 year old graffiti. The meanings of the symbols are lost to time. Some may only hold meaning to the one that carved them centuries ago. One in particular seems to tell a story but what that story is is anyone's guess.
Along the way I hear a couple remark on the Chicago Fire Department tee shirt my husband is wearing. A brief conversation with them reveals that they are from the north west suburbs of Chicago.
The sun is bright and hot. One man is wearing a safari hat with sun shield veils on its sides, a long sleeve shirt and shorts. His calves are dark brown. I thought about what his tanline must look like. There is the well known farmer tan, I don't know if there is a word for a calf tan.
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