nazSTUFF - Intuitive Hiker, First Discoveries

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Intuitive Hiker Journal Reports

"Northern Arizona Experience" - CLICK ON ANY IMAGE for more information and design details. Make changes.

Dear Reader... This is an interpretive series of pages taken from the personal journal of Mr. JH Thomas. For over 25 years Mr. Thomas hiked, explored and photographed the limestone canyons and vicinity of northern Arizona. As a result he recorded several scientific "firsts" in archaeology regarding the activities of the ancient people we now call Sinagua. He also acquired some basic knowledge of local geology, the native plants and wildlife. It is a pleasure to present some of these observations in this format. Sincerely, John Vroom, Editor

The 1980s

Thomas's connection with his life's great love began with the discovery of this place, just one of the dozens of local limestone canyons.

During the walk from the car to the canyon edge Thomas discovered that he wasn't alone. One of the advantages of arriving early in the morning is the observation of local wildlife.

This little Gray Fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, actually expressed great curiosity in Thomas, the hiker, and walked nearby for about a half hour. It is part of the banquet of the hiking in northern Arizona!

But, to continue...

This stretch of sunlit canyon was actually discovered on Easter Sunday, which was fitting for the inspiration it provided. The upper arrow in this photo points at a cave where ancient people once lived at a time when water flowed regularly in the creek bed still under these native Arizona Walnut trees. The second arrow points at an eroded alcove that exhibited the wonderful gallery of images in this photo below.

Interviewing the professionals about this deeply etched image indicates that this might be an "archaic" classification of petroglyphs. This makes it very old, perhaps more than 1000 years, plus. To Thomas it is insect looking but he has also read a lot about a "two horned priest" society in pre-Hopi times. These were the shamans of rain making. None of this is conclusive but it is still a wonderful discovery. This carving is over three feet high.

Adjacent to the above image is this extraordinary configuration and collection of pecked images. In the mind of a Caucasion (modern man) this certainly appears as an altar with a perfectly carved coiled snake on the front surface. A second snake-like figure is just down and to the right of this major figure. Secondary grooves and other glyphs are everywhere on the walls of this alcove. Faded pictographs are also found on this limestone wall but not apparent in this picture.

A short hike downstream along this same canyon wall there appears THIS magnificant rock art panel. It is vertical, about twelve feet high, and located well above the observer. Very few know this location. Enjoy. JV

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