Friday, February 7, 2020

Adventure 575: White Tank Regional Park/Post B

Bite me!
You knew I was a snake when you let me in. Elaine Pagels, who wrote a book about the origin of Satan explains that in the original Genesis story, the snake wasn't portrayed as the devil; instead, the talking snake was more Adam and Eve arguing with themselves. It wasn't until later, the story got modified to create an adversary, some place for humans to put their dark urges, something to fight against. But that's an aside because today we hiked up the Waterfall trail via the Black Rock (5.8 m) trail to a site of one of the Hohokam Indian sites. According to Brittanica, the Hohokam, which populated the Pima Valley and other parts of Southern Arizona, lived from 200 to 1400 CE. They were a populace people, skilled artisans, expert farmers, and they formed a sophisticated culture that included ball games, pottery making, weaving, quite perfect underground living structures. They mostly farmed corn, and developed elaborate canal systems for irrigation. It's said they left the area as a result of the great drought. When we got to the base of the mountain where the water falls after rain, we were surprised to see a pool of cool water. We were also surprised to feel the sharp temperature drop, and could only imagine this place as an oasis in the sweltering summer heat. It reminded us of the Indian settlements around Mesa Verde. Earlier in the morning, we rode our bike around the park for about an hour. I spent the time gazing at marvelously personal cactus, breathing exceptionally clear fresh air, and contemplating the meaning of existence. This morning I watched a clip that comic, Jimmy Kimmel, put together contrasting Obama's prayer breakfast with that of our current President. In the end, it's the arrogance that's so short sighted. If history is any guide, and I know it is, as I walked on paths today that human beings (No longer in existence) walked 2200 years ago, I wondered how i could live with arrogance at all. I should be grateful to have the ability to awaken to each new day, and I should be grateful that life is good, especially today.


 Snaketown, one of the largest Hohokam settlements in Arizona, somewhat South of Phoenix, was excavated in 1935. Archeologists learned much about the complexity of the people. One notable thing is that they were very generous in sharing their water with other people living in the area.

 We saw several etchings on our hike today.


 Grandpa Rick, getting a load of Falcon.

 Saguaro of the day.
 This pool of water sits right at the base of the mountain.
 Nice day for a hike.

Selfie of the day.
Happy I was to be allowed another day in the sun.

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