Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

Ah, finally an opportunity to catch up on the blog. So, now things will get caught up from the past few days….. Ummm, ok, sure. How about I just tell you about today as it will take forever. The rest can wait. Well, I suppose that’s not fair. So, I’ll give you the summary.

I’ve been super busy. Bert & Janie pulled in the other day, and I’ve been wanting to show them around the area, but go figure my schedule isn’t working super. So, we’ve gotten time where we could, and they’ve been exploring on their own (making me jealous as I’d like to explore more too). We had a wonderful morning in Jerome yesterday, and I had to cut it short. Wet blanket and all……. There, you’re caught up.

Easily Entertained Guests

Bert and Janie seem to be enjoying themselves. I don’t need to put on elaborate shadow puppet shows or anything. Instead, they’re getting a feel for the Prescott area while they develop a travel related article. I’m glad to be a part of their discovery of this place I now call home.

Last night I tried to decide on the best activity for today. A ride down Perkinsville Road, with a trip out to Sycamore Canyon? That was a possibility. But then I considered the length of the ride. 2.5 hours out there minimum. Not such a super plan, even though I desperately want to get back there.

Another trip to the Promised Land

So this morning I gave Sadira a buzz to run another thought by her (yup, Sadira came along too). Instead of the big off road trip all that way, how about a trip to the Promised Land climbing area? Janie was very interested in petroglyph photography, and I remembered seeing a few in the canyon. Sadira agreed that might make for a nice day, so we settled on that for the trip plan.

We all gathered together at 9 this morning and headed out in the Titan. It’s all scratched from driving into the remote areas, and I didn’t see any need for Bert to get “Arizona Pin Striping” on his truck. So the Titan was full of gear, cameras, and people. Fun!

The Promised Land was reached by 10, and we began the hike into the more interesting portions of the canyon. I pointed out climbs, the spot where an owl dive bombed me, and we all watched a few red tail hawks playing areal games. I’d forgotten a few spots where “navigational issues” could take place, and everyone had the opportunity to experience some awkward rock scrambles.

Getting further into the canyon we saw two folks wrapping up from a climb. I think Janie was a little disappointed about missing a photo opportunity. We chatted with the guys for a few, and they headed on out.

Other photo opportunities

As we prepared to head further in I remembered the spot we were at had a petroglyph. I turned back, pointed it out to everyone, and the cameras came out. Ah how markings on rocks catch the attention of some….. Guess I’m included as well, as I think they’re pretty slick.

After a quick round of shots we continued further into the canyon following the mostly dry river bed. As usual, the sand was extremely soft, and the rocks in the bed were slippery beyond words. Fortunately nobody really wrenched an ankle or smashed anything too important.

It’s at this point that Sadira is reading along saying, “What about my bruised and scraped ankle?” Ah, you walked it off nicely. Personally I think walking through the bushes with the scratchy stuff was harder on both of us. I’m still finding scrapes here and there!

Along the way we found a few spots that still retain water. Half of our difficult rock scrambles were due to these spots. Either wade in or find a way around. We all selected remaining dry.

While remaining dry we always paid attention to the wet areas. You find some interesting and unique things in them. Like beautiful green plants growing up between the rocks. Hey, just one of those “for instance moments.”

During our whole hike we were all looking in a dozen different directions. And that’s great! We found petroglyphs all over the place. Ones I’d never noticed before. Of course, my normal visits to the Promised Land normally encompass trucking toward the climb we’re going to do, unloading gear, climbing, snacking, climbing some more, and then trucking on out when we’re all tired. Today it was walking, looking, shooting, snacking, walking more, additional photos, and finally walking out slowly (and of course, being tired).

End of the line

We reached my normal stopping point in the canyon and settled in for a snacks and some nice conversations. Bert and Janie enjoyed our stop, and Sadira was happy to get further in. The last time we’d visited the area together the river was running, and it was difficult to get far. Monsoons had just finished, and the Promised Land seemed more interesting to folks with rafts than folks with packs on foot.

While sitting at a favorite climbing spot I remembered one of my missions for the day. Check out the cave. If you’ve seen shots from my climbs in the Promised Land you might remember a cave in the background. Looking up from our lunch spot we saw the cave once again, and decided to take a walk up. I led the way, Bert right behind, and Sadira following up. Janie opted to stay below and take photos of our progress up to the top of a set of cliffs where the cave was.

As we neared the top Bert passed me and headed on into the cave. From the ground it looked to be a sizable and deep opening, but once we were in front of it we realized it didn’t go that far. Still, it’s an interesting formation, and even climbers like it.

Why I say climbers like the cave is due to the fact that it’s full of bolts. Climbing bolts. Clearly the area is used as a practice spot for people who like dealing with roof problems. You can get completely upside down and climb with a rope. The cave was loaded. Maybe someday I’ll get back to roof problems, but not today.

Bert went inside the cave and took a series of shots of Sadira and I coming toward the cave. I think it’s safe to say he had fun up there. We did too, and everybody took plenty of photos.

After hanging out in the cave for a while, and shooting away, we decided to take a look into the canyon from up top. It was a unique perspective that I’ve never gotten. Sure, climbed other spots, but not this particular wall.

As we were looking below Bert hatched an idea for a photo. Sadira and I marched back down to join up with Janie while Bert stayed above. He wanted a shot of 3 people hiking up a canyon, and he wanted to take it from a high spot. So, we made our way down and joined up with Janie.

Sorry to say for Bert, but we didn’t go fast. As I neared the bottom Janie shouted up that I was near some pretty flowers. I detoured and found them, and sure enough, they were vivid. Just your standard hedgehog cactus, but the really looked great.

I spent a while shooting, Sadira continued to navigate downward, and Bert waited above.

Ah, the things folks do for a photograph. Now I understand a little more. If you see something that would make a better picture, set it up. Even if that means having a few friends march up the canyon while you stay behind. Another one of those, “How did they get that photo?” moments revealed. Now I know!

We finally made our way down, and marched up the canyon. Bert waiting above, and finally we saw his face and lens from the cliff high above. I noticed right below him a pair of chains hung off the rock face. Ah, another climb! And Bert was right at the top. How cool.

We marched up the canyon, Bert got his shots, and then he started coming down. As we waited we found more drawings on the walls of the canyon, and we proceeded to take more photos. By the time Bert joined up we were well into discovering that the wall we found told some form of intricate story. It wasn’t a simple picture or two, it seemed to be some kind of book documenting where game animals were, what it took to get them, and how they were gotten.

The petroglyphs we found were detailed. Some type of game (maybe antelope), drawings of human feet (we think) going up the wall to the game, squiggles with fire atop them, what looked to be a ladder, and so many other symbols. Wow! So much I never noticed in the promised land!!!

We all took time to photograph a good deal of the wall. Sadira broke out her camera, Janie had hers, I had mine, and when Bert came along he brought his right back out.

As he setup his shots Janie was there to assist. Janie explained that these were the moments when photo credits showed up with both their names. Yet another mystery revealed! They make a good team!

Finally we wrapped up with our shooting. I was getting hungry and tired, we’d been out tromping around for hours, and we all had enjoyed ourselves. Sadira and Janie were talking “Life is Good” shirts, so we headed out for Manzanita Outdoors. Janie needed a few new shirts!

There’s the wrap on today. Now really, did you need me to write a bunch about yesterday? Hmmmm? I don’t think so.

Oh, and so I don’t leave you hanging. We did hit the outfitter, Janie did get some “Life is Good” T-shirts (3 I believe), and I finally got some substantial food (after doing laundry first). I’m not getting into what laundry detergent I used, or any of those details. I’m tired, many photos are here, so be glad in a long post once more…..

And by the way, today was wonderful! Thanks to everyone who joined me today!!!!

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at 8:36 pm and is filed under Arizona, Digital Photography, Notes from Gadget, Photo of the Day, off road adventures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.