Orysia Dawydiak

On my last full day in Arizona, Elaine took me to the ruins of the Wupatki Pueblo not far from Flagstaff and just past the Sunset Crater Volcano. We were able to wander around this ancient place, likely built in the early 1100s. The 100 room pueblo may have been influenced and inhabited by Sinagua, Cohonina and Kayenta Anasazi cultures as they farmed the fragile, volcanic ash-covered desert to raise corn and other crops. By 1250 the pueblos in the area stood empty, though their descendants, including Hopi, Zuni and Navajo people, live nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided that I need to return to Arizona (there’s the international gem and mineral show in Tucson, AZ each winter, for instance).  I’d also love to visit Sedona and the Sonoran Desert again (I was there in 1997), though I understand that one needs to be aware of the sometimes lethal Africanized killer bee swarms that don’t tolerate trespassers near their hives!  I insisted that Elaine and Randy MUST visit me on PEI…..and I’ll be waiting for them, their room is reserved.

 

My last hike along the base of Mt. Eldon with Rudy as my guide, and the day before the forest was closed to all traffic, on foot and otherwise, due to the extreme dry conditions and danger of fires. It was a glorious, sunny day as we explored the giant boulders at the base of the mountain along the dry stream bed.

 

I’ve been visiting my friends Elaine and Randy in Flagstaff, taking in huge breaths of fresh mountain air, surrounded by majestic Ponderosa pines. At 8,000 feet I need all the air I can get as we wander the forest paths with Rudy the rez dog.  Rudy is an example of a local mixed breed, some of which are used by the Navajo nation and other ranchers as livestock guardians for their sheep. These dogs appear to be a multi-purpose ‘landrace’ of various breeds, including the traditional European livestock guardians, adapted to this arid environment and herd management style.

 

On our final day together, our host Rene took Diane, Kat and me to the Ivins area to scramble over ancient rocks in search of petroglyphs. I am happy to report that we found them.

 

And finally, petroglyphs!  They were all over the dark grey stone slabs once you paid attention.

After our 2 mile petroglyph hike we bade Martine and Patrick farewell, then drove up to the Ivins arts village to tour the local galleries. Then back to the Xetava Cafe to sample their artful culinary delights.

My friends Diane and Kat below are also suitably impressed with their fancy drinks.

My friends Martine and Patrick picked me up at Terry’s home and we drove to the airport in Bellington, WA to catch a flight to Las Vegas from the US side.  The discount airline was bare bones but relatively inexpensive. We arrived safely amidst the cheers of a well-lubricated planeful of party-goers. A few hours later we drove into St. George, UT for the ‘mostly’ annual Akbash Dogs International Gathering. Our gracious and brave host was Rene Fleming, long-time treasurer for our dog club.

Our first full day found us getting lost in a city that is currently the fastest growing urban centre in the US, so I’m told. Thank goodness for GPS! We spend a hot, dry afternoon checking out a desert botanical garden (Red Hills Parkway) and the arts village in Ivins at the northwest edge of the city.

 

The next day Martine and I joined our host, Rene, and Akbash Dog owners Diane Spisak and Kat Medrea on an outing to Zion National Park.

Meanwhile, Patrick had a blast mountain biking.  No photos of all his fun, however.

We enjoyed our gathering today, and had the opportunity to visit with friends we had not seen in years, plus meet several new members. A guest speaker introduced us to the concept of using healing energy to help our pets with health issues and to relieve stress. And we discussed club business and had discussions about how to reduce the number of dogs that are abandoned by sheep ranchers and other dog owners, and who end up in rescue.

After the meeting, Rene took us on a short tour of old town St. George, adorned with several fascinating art installations. The day ended with a meal together at a local Mexican restaurant. On the menu for tomorrow –  a walk to see some of the local petroglyphs, then to say farewell to our host and other friends. Martine and Patrick will head home, and I will await the arrival of my dear friend, Elaine Dillingham, who I have not seen in 22 years!