CHACO CANYON: It is never enough (Part IV)
Posted by Robin Easton
Our last day in the canyon we saw Chaco’s largest and most majestic kiva (ceremonial chamber), Casa Rinconada. It would have held hundreds of people and was unique in that part of it was built above ground. Four huge, two foot diameter, upright logs held up the roof (which is no longer there). The kiva was aligned north-south and aligned with other kivas in the valley, as well as the north-south roads leading out of Chaco. It had many other unique features too numerous to share here. You can go to these links to read about this truly astounding creation. You will be amazed at some of the facts at these links. Casa Rinconada One. Casa Rinconada Two.
I am drawn to kivas more than any other dwelling. For me, the kiva connects me deeply to my organic Earth origins as well as to the Spirit within myself and all beings. I always feel a strong sense of power and groundedness in the Earth. At the same time I experience a heightened feeling of being raised high into the vast heavens. It is an awesome combination.
Scientists aren’t sure about the square vault structures on the floor of the kivas. Some scientists believe they were used to germinate seeds. Others believe they were covered and used as foot drums that echoed from the dancers feet. It would be easy to assume that the benches around the outer edge of the kivas were for seating, but that may not be true. 
Many modern Puebloans leave the benches for the spirits to sit upon, and the people sit on the floor of the kiva. I love the idea of leaving seats for the spirits or ancestors who guide me through life; a powerful way of connecting to a vaster world.
I spotted these beautiful mud-swallow nests high upon a cliff, under a rock over-hang, safe from rain and predators. Both the Ancestral Puebloans and the mud-swallows built their homes from Mother Earth….and that’s where they will return once the inhabitants have moved on. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”….but more importantly….”Earth to Earth”. We could learn much from the wise mud-swallows who “leave no footprint.” There are many wise species to learn from. We could learn ways that would save us, them and this beautiful planet….but if we really want to hear their message we need to listen more carefully and treat our fellow beings with respect….as equals. Wisdom is everywhere around us but I sadly suspect that few are listening. I pray every day that more will hear the voice of the Earth.
It was extremely hot the last day. When I came down the hill from photographing the swallow nests I found my sweetheart waiting for me. I asked him why he was standing in the hot sun instead of the shade. He said, “I’m supplying shade for someone else. Look under the arch of my shoe.”
When I bent down to peek there was a tiny lizard dozing in the small patch of shade provide by his sneaker. Eventually we had to move on so I reached down and gently stroked his back. I was going to pick him up and move him so he wouldn’t get stepped on, but he crawled further under the sneaker and looked at me like, “Are you crazy lady? You think I’m gonna go out there and fry MY toes?” Soooo, my sweetheart slowly lifted his foot and we watched the lizard run all the way across the broiling dirt road, frantically searching for shade. He finally found some under a small bush. My sweetie had stood twenty minutes in the sun just so the lizard could have a shady rest. I thought that was pretty cool.
We had loaded our car early that morning and it was now time to leave Chaco. It was growing late and we still had a hot sixteen to twenty mile drive over the washboard road that would take us out to the main highway. It would be very slow going…at least an hour. Then we had another four or five hours on the highway. But I didn’t mind. I loved everything about the whole trip…even the bumpy, dusty road. We stopped a few places along the road so I could take pictures. I fell in love with this weather beaten little house sitting alone on the vast open desert under blue sky. It really took my fancy…..simple peace.
But it was the free roaming horses that took my breath away. I used to ride horses when I lived in Germany…when I was younger. But I have not ridden for many years. However I have this reoccurring dream of riding bareback with a wild spirited horse over open plains. In the dream I know the horse so well he’s my best friend…and he knows me. We are inseparable, one being galloping under endless blue sky….only the horse and I exist in the whole world. My hair is blowing down my back, down to my waist.
I am barefoot and can feel the horses warm sides, hear his hooves pounding the ground like thunder. The feeling of freedom….and love of life is unforgettable. So for the time being this is my spirit horse.
This was my second visit to Chaco and “it’s never enough.” But for now I leave the canyon and move onto new things, because life IS movement, change, new ideas, feelings and experiences. As I wave goodbye to Chaco Canyon I thank you ALL for your precious comments on my Chaco series. You have touched my heart deeply at times. I am grateful for your presence on this Chaco journey…and this journey through life on planet Earth.
Love,
Robin
PS: Next week will bring “Change”….A shorter post, a new direction, a new look and music for the soul. I hope you will join me.
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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22 Comments so far...
K.Fields Says:
17 July 2008 at 10:38 am.
Wow, Thank-you for the beautiful dedication I am honored and blessed by your words.
I have been following your adventures in the Chaco Canyon, it is the next best thing to being there myself, your descriptions and photos are fantastic. It is so awesome to see these interesting places through your blog!
Please don’t ever stop writing and sharing your adventures, they are such fun! 
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don Says:
17 July 2008 at 11:21 am.
While the sparrows may not leave a “footprint” on Mother Earth, try standing under one of their nests for a while. They have other ways of creating a legacy. And they can be pretty long lasting too. Just try to get some of their messages off a nice sweater.
Get better soon Robin.
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laura godsil Says:
17 July 2008 at 1:23 pm.
To recieve a dedication from you is an honor and I offer you my heart felt thanks.
I love the Chaco series and whenever I visit some ruins in Arizona or New Mexico I’m struck by
how out in the middle of nowhere these places are located. If there out in the middle of nowhere now, they were really in the middle of nowhere when occupied. These people were on their own. No Wal-Mart or Safeway down by the next mesa.
Great pictures and comentary, as usual , make all your posts eagerly awaited.
Thank you Robin for the helping hand you extend to us all and God speed.
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soulMerlin Says:
17 July 2008 at 4:32 pm.
Hi Robin ~ So many parallels – The tiny lizard – little creature of god…last week the small frog in our pond had a major fight with his(?) little “friend”…all arms and legs and small waves and now there’s only one..it’s life and very precious and none-artificial. Your canyon is my Stonehenge (how I envy your hot weather…although I’d probably evaporate in your environment) But it’s the same difference between us and yet in veri-similitude.
Your free-roaming horses…like I used to pony-trek across our mountains in the Yorkshire Dales and trust the warm-sided beasts to not lose their footing and pitch me down a long slide…
I am a spirit from the soft cool mist of England, who would love to be with you on your adventures…but your earth spirits are different from mine and yet entirely the same. You are part of your environment and grow from and with it as do I.
I really loved your account
The best
henry
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Mike Foster Says:
17 July 2008 at 6:02 pm.
Wow, Robin, I feel like I was there–your sense of time and place are fantastic. I WISH I was there–it looks like it was an amazing journey. I love your blog; promise to return more often.
peace,
mike
livelife365
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Ophelia Rising Says:
17 July 2008 at 7:40 pm.
I (optimistically enough) believe and hope that more and more people are listening to the earth, and to the wisdom of nature. I have no absolute proof of this, but I feel things may be turning.
I love that your sweetie sheltered the lizard for that long. A sure sign of good character, that.
My grandmother, who died some years ago, once told me that she loved horses, and now whenever I see or think of horses, I think of her, and her loving spirit. Your dream of your spirit horse is so wonderful, and something that I hope remains true and real to you.
I’ll miss Chaco Canyon with you, but look forward to reading other journeys that I know are in store.
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miriam Says:
17 July 2008 at 8:31 pm.
Robin–you are the best–thank you so much–i am blessed that you have found my sites and that you immediately connected with them. you are such a special person—you are so positive and constantly remind me to find joy in the little things. i hope we meet someday soon. enjoy your adventures and watch that rib.
hugs,
miriam
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CaseyE Says:
17 July 2008 at 8:57 pm.
You really are such a great energy. Thanks for lighting up the world with your presence. PS – Is there anywhere you haven’t visited?
: *
Love!
Casey
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David Says:
18 July 2008 at 7:05 am.
Seeing these horses makes me feel sorry for the thoroughbreds we saw last weekend at the races.
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Alexander M Zoltai Says:
18 July 2008 at 8:57 am.
Oh, Robin!
Even though you’re moving into a shorter post, never feel your posts are too long! Your storytelling power is worlds apart from too many words…
~ Alex
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Lilly Says:
19 July 2008 at 1:56 am.
Hi Robin, a great adventurer combined with a wonderful story teller equals magic. Your photography is wonderful. I loved the pictures of the horses and the little shack. The blue, blue sky looks devine. In fact, I can see that little deserted shack picture being on the cover of one of your future books – it would certainly entice me to turn the page. There is something lonely about the wilderness, yet inclusive, isnt there. I bet that shack has some stories to tell. So glad I came into your online world, always inspiring everyone.
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DrowseyMonkey Says:
19 July 2008 at 3:36 pm.
Loved that post! (even though there was a lizardy thingy there…still loved it)
That was very educational, I love those mud swallow nests, how interesting. And wild horses … ohh, is there anything more beautiful?
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Nards Says:
19 July 2008 at 6:16 pm.
Nards whining: “But I don’t wanna leave Chaco Canyon yet!”
Robin, this was wonderful (as usual). Careful with the rib (you would NOT want to re-bruise it). You are the absolute best! Thanks for giving of your time and sharing with all of us your indomitable spirit! – Nards
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Liara Covert Says:
19 July 2008 at 8:40 pm.
Imagine there is no such thing as, “never enough.” How you experience life is meaningful wherever you are and however you choose to perceive it. What you share reflects soul level connections to parts of the Earth plane many human beings overlook.
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graceonline Says:
21 July 2008 at 12:04 am.
Wow. What clean, simple, powerful writing. I feel blessed having read just this one post. I look forward to reading many more. What a conscious human being is your sweetheart, to stand in the mighty blaze of the sun so long, that a tiny creature might find comfort in the shade. I can’t wait to read many more. I’m going to stumble you.
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Greg Says:
21 July 2008 at 7:37 am.
A cracked rib!?! Oh, noes…take good care of yourself, dear, and let that heal.
As for your latest post, just WOW. Thank you so much for introducing me to a part of the world I’ve never been to. Your posts are so packed with information and ideas that I just know I’ll be surfing back here again in a little while to re-read and see what I missed the first time. You always give me so much to think about.
I love that little blue house…it looks like someone cut down a piece of the sky and built a home in it! Your sweetie is so kind to stand there and give that little lizard some shade. His dashing across the hot road makes me think of little kids crossing the hot sands of the beach and beach parking lot in the summer sun!
So, this dream…is it a Lady Godiva fantasy or something?? Heh heh… Thanks for the review…you’re too good to me. I shall find the time to return the favor very soon!!
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Dan O. De Ment Says:
21 July 2008 at 7:47 am.
I look forward to seeing your changes, Robin, although I will miss your long posts. Chaco Canyon must be a magnificent study. Great Photos and very good work.
Dan
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Gale Says:
21 July 2008 at 8:12 am.
Hi Robin!
I LOVE these photos, especially the kiva and the swallow nests! Great shooting!
Gale
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the fearless blog Says:
21 July 2008 at 12:07 pm.
Beautiful post! The entire Chaco journey has been amazing, the photos and the stories. I especially love the photos of the kivas and enjoy reading about all that ancient history and mysticism surrounding those sacred structures. I could see myself taking part in one of those ceremonial events…the fire pit in the middle, smoke rising and the elders siting around telling their stories. As a woman, however, I don’t know how inclusive these particular communities may have been and whether I would have even been allowed to participate.
However, the most important thing running through my mind at this time is the part about the cracked ribs! What happened?
A speedy recovery wish being sent your way…right now…
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Graham Says:
22 July 2008 at 3:52 pm.
Dear Robin, I love how you capture photographs of your shadow… there is something so special about one’s shadow… something so curious yet so reassuring. No matter wherever you are, your shadow is always by your side.
I loved your account of the little lizard taking homage under your sweetheart’s shoe… how amazing is that… how caring and considerate he is… a true gentleman who clearly has a wonderful heart.
I truly understand what you mean by “It’s never enough”, when you visit somewhere so special. I am sure that you will be leaving a little piece of you in Chaco Canyon, a little piece that will always be there, so that when you close your eyes you will be able to see, to hear and to smell the memories of your amazing visit.
Your words are always a pleasure to read, your thoughts are always a pleasure to understand and your photographs are always a pleasure to admire and MOST importantly, Robin you are always pleasure to know.
Wishing you all the very best my friend,
Graham x
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phoenix Says:
24 July 2008 at 4:20 am.
another great post.. I loved going on this trip, thank you! was an awesome journey!!
And the photos are great, I especially love the house photo. nice contrast there of the earth.
Looking forward to your next trip!
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bird Says:
27 July 2008 at 9:00 am.
Ouch! You have a cracked rib? I’m reading your blog backwards and so there are obviously things I have missed, I hope you are healing well! I am sorry I haven’t been over here to visit lately, life in the big world has overtaken me somewhat, but I have truly appreciated your visits to me
I love the story of the lizard, the landscape must be so hostile and that little one found a safe place for a little while at least – I guess you learn to glean shade from the most unlikely things in the desert. And what a kindness that your man protected it – I hope he didn’t get sunstroke for his pains. Ok, off to read some more, don’t go breaking any more bones now please! 
xxx
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