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Show I TheMaze.... A Remote Area inCanyon lands National Park i ;-5-rrr ;s V r . 1.. :-' ikf- Vt fc k jf V .-f . Oa touch witli ike breakdown oj! the century... JonlWitcUe t I . . .... .. .. .. . . ........... : ' i j ' , ' ' : - ' v., -- - J V - . ; ' ' 4 1 n a" ln,rlca,ey carved series of canyons and gullies, I ,,ickjaCalleda"Tnirty-square-mile puzzle in sandstone." The 1 arfo CrSS sect'on of interfingering of Cutler redbeds and j esa sandstone. Shown here in the distance south of the Maze is an area contaqining tall spires, appropriately named by the Indians "Tobm'-pin wu-near'Tu-weep'," or "Land of Standing Rocks." c I , by Linda Garrison ! The Maze, lying west of the Green and lower Colorado River, is the most remote and unaccessible portion of Can-yonlands Can-yonlands National Park. , This sounded like a good place to begin my exploring of Canyonlands and since two friends of mine were furnish-I furnish-I ing the 4-wheel vechicle and I some expertise of the area I set off very excited to be going. As we traveled slowly down the Flint Trail towards the Maze, the formations of Bagpipe and Elaterite Butte lead the way.- We stopped for lunch at Big Water Spring and finding Cottonwood trees to relax with, found no reason to hurry and stayed close to two hours. Slower Face The slower pace of this land was setting into my blood and I felt at ease being there. A few pictures were taken, some sincere thoughts expressed and then a quietness took over, leaving us each within our own thoughts. We "moseyed along" to the Maze overlook and there before us lied one of the last primitive areas around. I could have sat there for hours but was informed we were going "down" to camp for the night. And down, down, down, we went. I'm one who's used to walking in washes, but that would come later, it would just jtake a little work first. Into the Rocks Over, down, and into the rocks we went. I moved very cautiously, often climbing on hands and knees. A certain satisfaction surrounded sur-rounded me as I made it to the bottom. I was amazed and respectful of the mental concentration that was working work-ing very closely with my body. It was not a fight to conquer nature but a will to work with her. A quote came clear to me that hangs in my kitchen, "Nature never did betray the heart that loved her." We hiked on to the junction of the east fork and the main fork and finding a small spring put our packs .down and settled down for the evening. I immediately took my boots off, praising my vibrum souls, and buried my feet in the cool sand. I walked to the small spring and finding it cool and refreshing washed my face and drank. We ate and then as I climbed into my sleeping bag I . found it was a very special time to be there. The moon light started reflecting on the rocks and then, after a time, she shown brilliantly above us. We spent the morning exploring by ourselves. I was lucky enough to see two beautiful does gracefully moving mov-ing across the canyon. I called to them and asked them to wait, feeling they would, but on they went. Renewed and Happy The sun hadn't been up long and as it glided over the massive rock I felt renewed and happy. Problems and disappointments seemed more understandable here in the Maze. l :-- ? m rfc - The canyons are a little bewildering but there is no need to become lose in The Maze (unless by choice) for by following any channel downstream a way is found to larger and larger drainages which lead eventually to the heart of this country, the Colorado River. -vr , 'o -- I , ' - , . "tav- .. , -A, ' ... : j t'. ; r. - E . -1 i - - . , - . 'X . -r . t. ; - ."- ' ' C . ! ' .-- - .'. r. . , ' ' .- ;"-',.4 - ' Early morning sunlight meets the rocks. The small arch in the far right is just one of the many pleasant surprises found in The It wasn't a goal setting time but a contenting time. I realized how wrong it is to become bottled up inside and felt strengh that I" would be stronger the next time life seemed distorted and sad. - , Here in the Maze I could expect nothing and just be pleasantly surprised as life moved on. It is a thinking time in the Maze and it would be wrong if I left that out. Somehow I'm come complete as I saw a friendship growing between my body and my mind. Upon reaching the upward trail I sat and waited for one of my friends to accompy me. It wasn't long before Steve arrived and we started upward. up-ward. Small Steps The Park Service has been helpful in carving some small steps along the way and also positioning trail markers along the trail but I found great pleasure in knowing Steve knew the way and was close by. At one point while climbing up an eight foot joint I faced serious trouble. My right foot was not placed and my left foot was slipping. The hand grip was about six inches out of my reach and I was really worried and frightened. As I looked down there was no level area to fall to as the cliff dropped out a good distance. I was overtaken with the feeling of being in a childhood nightmare night-mare of helplessness. I explained the situation to Steve and he reacted quickly and calmly. Somehow, he climbed down behind me and placed his foot under mine and let me catch my breath. My right leg was shaking and Steve explained that was called, "sewing machine leg." I laughed and he assured me I'd be ok and told me to jam my hand in that crack like I was really mad at it. It helped, and I felt some control. Steve then took my pack and after a few trys to steady myself I pushed upward and climbed to level ground. Needless to say I was relieved and very greatful to Steve for probably saving my life. We both relaxed a while and surprisingly I didn't think to take a piture of the "thrilling" joint. We then walked on, placing our concentration a-gain a-gain on the trail. As we ascended, Chocolate Drops, Standing Rocks, and Lizard Rock all came into view. A couple of times we just sat down and looked around and enjoyed the quiet. We reached the truck and retreated under the shade of three Juniper trees for a little lunch, talk, and writing. It was good trip and as I reflect now I know one day I'll return to the Maze. Maze. It is a very mystical place to be any time of the day. |
