Our trek is just about over, and its amazing how this adventure has touched our spirit, our emotions. It's been totally awesome! Aussie speak, sharing stories, and hearing Winnie's stories of her people. This is a special place. I feel so humbled and privileged to walk these trails, and what fun its been to hear our Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi! echoing across the canyon.
For me personally, I have really loved the petroglyphs and pictographs and checking out the ruins of the houses and storage pits The fossicker in me really emerged! I loved looking at the Anasazi ceramics that seem to be spread throughout the special places. Hey there are even toe holds - you gotta look carefully though - to the high ruins. Winnie taught me to spider climb, I hope I can still climb when I'm her age (63).
The Arch Way at Window Rock (another special place) had us all sitting staring down at the canyon floor below - mesmerised and spell bound with the blue sky stretching upwards. What a great place to sing "I will survive" at the top of our voices.
These girls I've been with this week have been incredible, and wonderful fun. It's gone too fast this trek, but like life hey!
Hugs to all!
Kerrie.
Well our time here is almost over and what a fantastic time it has been. I've loved talking to Winnie and listening to her stories. There have been so many special moments - Winnie's prayer and the flower she gave us all at Spider Rock was quite moving and emotional for me. It was a privilege to watch Winnie to her weaving and see Daniel Sand Painting.
Today's hike up to Window Rock was very challenging for me but what a wonderful sense of achievement to make it all the way up and back down again. The view from the top was spectacular and what a great feeling all of us sitting together singing "I will survive". Sitting in silence and just being there was so special.
There are many memories that I will never forget of this special place and the amazing women who are here with me!
Cheryl
Here I am sitting in front of the camp fire for the last night of our trek, and I can't believe this is our last night together. Today began with Daniel - Winnie's nephew - showin gus sand painting. How incredible it was, once he finished we were able to stand over the painting and wish and draw energy into ourselves. This is very sacred and it was a privilege to take part.
After breakfast we made our way to Window Rock. My friendly hiking boots had had enough. I think at last count I had 10 bandaids! But everyone knows my stubborness and I perservered. Going up was challenging, but truly worth the effort. The views were spectacular. We all had a moment and just enjoyed the beauty of the canyon. It was breathtaking. Going down was harder and my toes felt like they were trying to escape from the front of my boots. And as I looked back on the trail I knew it was all worth it!
This trek has given me lots of thinking time away from the same old same old. I have met some amazing new women and formed new friendships. I am grateful to have met Winnie and honoured to have trekked around her ancestral land. I'm not sure if I connected or attained what I've been looking for, but I've had an awesome time.
Megan and Meredith have done a wonderful job yet again - thanks for the experience!
I'll see you all back in Aussie land soon - love to you all.
Maria
