He calls this ledge a "sidewalk".
I wish the Native Americans of old (probably of the Fremont culture in this area) hadn't liked heights so much. They often built their homes in cliffy spots. Here are the ruins of a 1000 year old pit house, situated at least a couple of hundred feet above the Nine Mile Valley floor:
Their choice was logical, though. The height gave them a good view in all accessible directions. If enemies attacked, the pit house dwellers would have had plenty of warning.
Up above the old dwelling, the petroglyphs were amazing. Pecking all of these figures into stone must have taken a lot of time:
I got nervous seeing the picture of you looking around that huge boulder at the narrow 'sidewalk'. I'm not sure I would have gone on, but I'm glad you did. The petroglyphs were fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a super hike. I'm not too good at heights and thank you for going on it and sharing those incredible petroglyphs and the thousand year old pit house. The scenery is a sight to behold.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, that one shot gave me vertigo. I had to grab on to my chair. No petroglyphs here in south Florida but we do have shell mounds.
ReplyDeleteLooks rather like an Indiana Jones adventure. How very cool to find these ruins and rock markings.
ReplyDeleteOh Janie, Heights give me the heebie-jeebies.. BUT--seeing those Petroglyphs made that 'sidewalk' hike worth it. Great pictures....
ReplyDeleteNext time though, take the elevator up there..... ha ha
Hugs,
Betsy
Oh boy! That third photo! There were days in my youth I would have thought nothing of it. Older and wiser...or at least more appreciative of life now, I think I would pass on that set of petroglyphs. Thanks for going the distance and sharing.
ReplyDeleteHa. as I was reading this, the main thing that kept popping into my head was that baby proofing in a cliff dwelling must have been tricky.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I guess the Freemont Indians liked a good view too. Humans have always desired to inhabit the more dangerous (but gorgeous) locations.
ReplyDeleteLife was hard back then. Having a good spot to defend is nice but you would have to haul all your food and water up there also.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...perhaps a helmet and some bubble wrap at least???
ReplyDeleteGreat photos again Janie!
Janie, I was also shaking in my flip-flops as I viewed you two climbing up so high. But I do appreciate seeing how and where the Native Americans lived.
ReplyDeleteA helicopter sounds like a good idea but I don't think Adventurous Steve would think so!
Happy trails to you and Steve.. carry a safety net next time, Janie.
I am most content to sit in front of my monitor and view these magnificent works of art vicariously. Yes, a helicopter would be a good way up. Be careful!
ReplyDeleteI'm not good with heights so I'm glad you took these photos so I can see the petroglyphs. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a provincial park (Peterborough Petroglyphs) east of here where taking photos of the carvings is illegal because First Nations people consider them sacred. But there are photos on the Web.
First...WHOA I do not like heights...Secondly LOVED the petroglyph's.
ReplyDeleteThis was truly a special post for me. Thank you!
Janie...you are way braver than I am....I would still be at the bottom looking up...
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteSteve is very brave (and you too, you must have taken the picture) I'm loving these 9-mile posts.
ReplyDeleteThe view from above is breathtaking, to see it on a picture. I would never see these fantastic places if I had to walk on that "sidewalk" myself.
ReplyDeleteThis last picture is like a beautiful postcard.
I have nightmares about trails like this. I prefer to explore petroglyphs on rocks easier to access.
ReplyDeletebeautiful landscapes
ReplyDeleteHoly moly that is one narrow ledge!!
ReplyDeleteawesome post! that rock art is really beautiful, always fun to stumble on! and that is a serious drop off! yikes!
ReplyDeleteooh, i'd LOVE to one day explore and visit these hidden places... but even more I like the armchair exploring. I'm a wee bit nervous on those high narrow trails too! So you guys keep hiking and showcasing the treasures!
ReplyDelete- The Equestrian Vagabond
That looks like a hike we would enjoy. Great photos of the petroglyphs and scenery. Steve's sidewalk is definitely a bit narrow!
ReplyDeleteMy days in the area of Nine Mile Canyon hold a special place for me. I worked for Howard and Virginia price as a ranch hand in the late 60's and drove cattle for the Nutter ranch all over. Thanks for the pictures as they bring back fond memories.
ReplyDelete