Christina Solstad - Spirit of Chaco Blog

Chaco Winter Solstice Events 2010 (and rare lunar eclipse)

[Photos taken on Chaco Winter Solstice 1998 - (c) Christina A. Solstad]

(my apologies for the odd photo and text formatting ... will be fixing it later, but wanted to get this info to you!)

If you are heading to Chaco for winter solstice, here is what my dear friend and Chaco park interpretive ranger extraordinaire, GB Cornucopia, told me yesterday (Sunday Dec 19). Lunar eclipse info is at the end of this post.

• It is currently cloudy and threatening snow, tho there is no snow there at the moment. It is supposed to be cloudy thru Wednesday, but that can always change!
• With the lunar eclipse and full moon, they will be opening up the observatory Monday at midnite for viewing.
• Casa Rinconada (the great kiva on the south side of the canyon) will be open at sunset Monday (normally the sites are closed between sunset and sunrise) for the moonrise.
• Pueblo Bonito will be open for sunrise Tuesday morning, for viewing of the winter solstice alignment in one of the corner windows.

I was there for winter solstice in 1998, and it snowed that morning, so missed seeing the sun and alignment, but got to see the magic of fresh snow everywhere! I am posting several photos of this amazing sight that few get to see.

 

 

More news:

The Visitor Center, which has been closed since last spring, and is in a wonderful yurt instead, has now been torn down, and they plan to have the new one built by next summer (tho realistically will likely be much later than that).

If you go, be sure to introduce yourself to GB, and say hi to him for me. It is sure to be a wonderful experience no matter what the weather holds. And give Chaco my love as you enjoy its splendor. :-)

Here is some info on the RARE LUNAR ECLIPSE:

The lunar eclipse of Dec. 21st falls on the same date as the northern winter solstice. Is this rare? It is indeed, according to Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory, who inspected a list of eclipses going back 2000 years. "Since Year 1, I can only find one previous instance of an eclipse matching the same calendar date as the solstice, and that is Dec. 21, 1638," says Chester. "Fortunately we won't have to wait 372 years for the next one...that will be on Dec. 21, 2094."

http://spaceweather.com/

Chaco Friends of Like Mind

Every trip to Chaco I meet people of like mind who are intrigued by, inspired by, affected by Chaco in some way. Most come back again and again.

Chaco is like that.

It draws those who appreciate its many wonders. I see it in their eyes and hear it in their voice as they share their experience.

And everyone leaves changed in some way.

Leaving the road as it is, unpaved, will help to continue drawing those who can sense its magic, but not those who might cause damage.

For all those I have met on this trip, and others -- thank you for enriching my experience. And, as GB Cornucopia likes to say, "May you get from Chaco what you need."

As I prepare to leave Chaco for home, I have received what I need from the canyon, once again.

What about you? Let me know what you are thinking, below in the comments.

(Thanks to Joe Kennedy for the photo of several of us after the Zuni sunrise ceremony [splendid!] on Saturday June 19 at Casa Rinconada. Do we look happy, or what?)
 

How Do You Say Good Bye? Larry Davis

(Photo: Larry and the three of us [Janette, Christina, Jory] on that first Chaco trip in April 1994.)

Good Bye, Larry

Larry Davis -- my friend, teacher, and the one who introduced me to Chaco Canyon -- has left us. He passed away, peacefully and unexpectedly, on Sunday, December 27.

So how do I say good-bye to a man who showed me so much?

His family says: "His hope was that his legacy would go on within each of us that called him teacher and friend. He loved all of us with such a big heart." 

Biggest Gift

His biggest gift was introducing me to Chaco in April 1994. Larry loved Chaco since he was introduced to its magic some 20 years before. Chaco spoke to something deep within me, and I've been returning ever since. 

Chaco Experiment

I met Larry in 1993. He led a weekly meeting of people interested in personal growth and spirituality.

When he announced a trip to Chaco, I wanted to go. This was to be an experiment to see if taking groups there made sense. Three of us made the trek, a 15-hour drive from Southern California, giddy with excitement.

We camped, the third week in April, in the bitter cold (12 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Larry swears it was 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) just the week before. 

Now that I know Chaco and the high desert, he may have been right. Then again, who knows ...?

It snowed on us the first night. We ate soup while sitting in the car to stay warm. We explored and hiked and filled our heads and hearts with Chaco.

We loved it. The experiment was a success. 

Many Introduced to Chaco

Larry continued to take small groups, usually twice a year. I was his assistant on many trips, then continued coming on my own.

Hard to say how many people Larry has introduced to Chaco, and how many are changed as a result. Lots.

Like me. I always go to Chaco with the intent to learn something about myself. And the things I've learned (and relearned)! They are not always easy or pretty, but always valuable.

Thank You, Larry

Larry, thanks for Chaco. And your friendship. And all those I met through you. And all that I learned with your help. And oh, the memories...

Your legacy lives on, in some small way, in me.

I love you, and wish you peace. 

Stop by Chaco any time.

Chaco Winter Solstice: Clear and Cold

Photo: G.B. Cornucopia, Winter Solstice 2004, Pueblo Bonito

Happy Winter Solstice! 

This is the day when the sun appears to stands still (the literal meaning), rising and setting in the same place for several days around this date. The sun's arc is also at its lowest, giving us the least amount of light and warmth. 

This also marks the return to longer days, and more light and warmth from the sun, as the sun's arc in the sky increases.

Since I could not be there in person, I spoke to G.B. Cornucopia, park ranger extraordinaire, and dear friend. The photo is one G.B. sent me from a previous year.

This morning at Chaco was clear and cold (minus 0 degrees Fahrenheit), with 43 hardy souls showing up at Pueblo Bonito before sunrise. They got to watch the sun's beam of light shine through a high corner doorway, and onto the wall. This is the only time it looks like this. 

See how the sunlight in the photo marks a nice square shape on the wall? 

The changing size and shape of the resulting light on the stone wall would have allowed the ancient Chacoans to mark important events, such as the return to longer days. 

Don't you think you would have wanted to mark and celebrate the return of more sunlight! 

I have yet to see this with my own eyes. One day I will! 

I was there one year for solstice, but it snowed, so we could not see the sun. Instead, I experienced another kind of magic. That will be another post!

Are you one of the hardy souls who has had the privilege of seeing this in person? Do comment below and tell us your experience!

New National Park Quarters to Feature Chaco in 2012

Congrats to Chaco!

Chaco Canyon is to be featured on the New Mexico quarter for the new national park quarter series. The quarters will highlight one park or site per state or territory.

They will appear in order, based on when the park was established, beginning in 2010, with five parks per year through 2021. Chaco (officially Chaco Culture National Historic Park) was established in 1907, and will appear on a quarter in 2012.

"These new quarters will honor some of our most revered, treasured and beautiful national sites - majestic and historic places located throughout the United States and its territories that truly make us 'America the Beautiful,'" United States Mint Director Ed Moy said. "The designs will help reinvigorate interest in our national parks, forests, fish and wildlife refuges, and other national sites, as well as educate the public about their importance to us and our history."

A PR Newswire article on MarketWatch has the full article, including the quote above.

I wonder what Chaco image will be featured on the quarter - Pueblo Bonito from above, Bonito doors, Fajada Butte ... any ideas?

Great News! Chaco Campground Reopens September 17

I'm thrilled to let you know that the Gallo Campground at Chaco will reopen on September 17, with limited services. That is much sooner than previously expected. 

The ability to camp close by, rather than 20 miles away, makes a big difference. I think it's a smart move for them to reopen to campers, bringing back visitors during the beautiful fall season.

Because emergency repairs to the septic system are still being done, lack of running water limits campground services. Basically this just means semi-primitive camping.

Here are the limitations:

• No running water - it is still available at the visitor center parking lot
• Portable bathrooms - campground restrooms are closed; restrooms also available outside the visitor center
• Conserve all water use
• Dump station for RVs is closed, with no alternate facility in the park
• Only 49 campsites available - first come, first served
• Only one group campsite, with reservations required

Campsites are still $10 per night - a bargain.

I'm checking my calendar to see when I can get to Chaco this fall. How about you?

Ancient Pit House Discovered at Chaco

Photo © 2009 Gallup Independent / Adron Gardner

Chaco's latest archaeological discovery has now made the news. It's a big deal.

An ancient pit house was discovered in the maintenance area when they began to do the sewer upgrade work that has closed the campground.

Unfortunately, this also means the campground will likely be closed for quite a while. Work on the upgrade can't continue til the excavation is completed.

Even so, this is very exciting!

I heard about it soon after they discovered it, but it wasn't yet appropriate to publicize it. It is in an area off limits to visitors, so not sure if you can see it.

I'll keep you posted as I hear more!

Here's a portion of an article in the Gallup Independent; you need to subscribe or be in Gallup to get the paper yourself to read the rest of it.

(Photo caption) Park archaeologist Roger Moore points out some of the excavated area of a recently discovered pit house at Chaco Culture National Historical Park on Tuesday. Moore believes the uncovered area dates to around 500 B.C. Carbon dating from corn recovered in the fire pit will confirm the actual age of the discovery.

Copyright © 2009 Gallup Independent
By Helen Davis, Cibola County Bureau

CHACO CANYON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK — New discoveries have a knack for coming about in unusual ways, as archaeologists at Chaco Canyon National Historical Park found out this summer.

It is not very romantic, but archaeologists monitoring work in progress on a sewer upgrade stopped work when signs of ancient human activity showed up at the proposed site of a lift station.

[To read more subscribe to the Gallup Independent by calling (505) 863-6811 or purchase the paper at the newsstand.]

Has anyone else heard more that they can share with us? Please comment below!

Why I Missed Chaco Solstice 2009

Photo: Here we are (most of us), about to enjoy our yummy New England lobster

Missing a Chaco Solstice ... me? ... gulp.

Try as I might, I still have not learned how to be in two places at once. If anyone has the trick, please share!

I listened to my heart, and it was absolutely the right decision.

Some special family events the same weekend in June meant traveling to the East Coast instead of Chaco Canyon.

Was missing Chaco worth it? Yes! Here's why:

• Time with family. Family health issues and parents in their 80s make me want to spend whatever precious time I can with them, especially since I am 3000 miles away. Plus I love them and they're pretty cool.

• Connection with Norwegian family. Yay! One of my cousins and her family have been planning to come for quite a while now. I don't get to see the Norway family much, especially with me being on the West coast. And Boston is a lot closer than Norway.

• Fun. Wow, what a fun group. Six cool people visited, four of them young adults in their 20s. And they laugh all the time. How great is that?

• Fresh perspective. I got to see America (at least New York City and Boston) through the eyes of foreigners. And they love us and how we treat strangers (with welcoming arms). One cousin was on crutches and nursing a broken leg - everyone helped her!

• More family history. I've been recording history from both parents. And the keen interest my cousins had in my Dad's WWII resistance experience in occupied Norway encouraged him to tell more great stories. Doesn't get much better then to hear your nation's important history from someone who lived it, especially family. Plus it made him happy.

Listening to my heart always steers me to where I need to be. I wouldn't have missed this for the world!

To my Chaco friends: I missed you, but promise I'll be back soon! You know I can't stay away very long....

Don't Pave the Chaco Road: July Update

Anson Wright of Chaco Alliance talks about the status of the efforts to prevent the paving of the north road into Chaco Canyon. Our goal is to improve the road (which increases safety), rather than pave it.

Please note that the old "dont-pave-chaco.com" web site is no longer valid. Please bookmark "Chaco Alliance" and check back periodically for updates. Much is happening (more on that in future posts). Thanks for all your support - keep it coming!

Summer Solstice 2009, Chaco Canyon - Pueblo Dancers

Summer solstice is a magical time at Chaco Canyon. I have attended for the past few years, because it is such a joy. I have even found ways to endure the summer desert heat.

I love participating with other Chaco-lovers, and connecting with the Pueblo groups who come to dance in the canyon during this sacred time.

Because I was unable to attend this year, I cannot bring you my own photos or video. Instead, see John Sefick's video (above) showing the Pueblo Dancers in the great plaza at Pueblo Bonito. 

This year an Acoma Pueblo group danced, as did a Laguna Pueblo group. Both also danced in 2008, though I believe they were different groups and/or participants.

Do check out John Sefick on YouTube, as he has many Chaco videos. I will be sharing them with you on this blog from time to time.

See my related posts on Solstice 2008, including the Acoma and Laguna dancers:

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Sunrise at Casa Rinconada, Part 1

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Sunrise at Casa Rinconada, Part 2

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Acoma Dancers, Pueblo Bonito, Part 1

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Acoma Dancers, Pueblo Bonito, Part 2

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Acoma Dancers, Pueblo Bonito, Part 3

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Acoma Dancers, Pueblo Bonito, Part 4

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Laguna Dancers at Pueblo Bonito

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Laguna Dancers at Casa Rinconada, Part 1

Chaco Canyon Solstice 2008: Laguna Dancers at Casa Rinconada, Part 2