Shelter

By Andrea Luella Gohl

White Sands

October 22, 2015

N 32°48.73’

W 106°15.57’

Elevation: 3934 feet

(158 miles from Albuquerque)

We had an unexpected hailstorm greet us on our first day at White Sands National Monument but our second day was blue skies and white sands.  The sun was blazing and the sand warmed cold feet.

Picnic shelters near our campsite. 

Paula’s sculpture: bright and reflective shinning on a dune. 

Enter if you wish- take shelter- find relief from the sun and take a moment to rest.

Salix exigua

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Turkey Creek/Gila

October 14, 2015

N 33°03.80’

W 108°29.10’

Elevation: 4639 feet

(175 miles from Albuquerque)

After spending the last few days weaving our little Land Arts hearts out, I have enhanced my appreciation for basket weavers everywhere.  Did you know that all baskets are made by hand?  There are so many things in our lives, which are manufactured by machines, but baskets are not one of these. 

Our primary weaving material while at the Gila River was (Salix exigua) Coyote Willow, also known as Narrow Leaf Willow or Sandbar Willow.

After a bit of research, here is what I learned about this plant:

The small branches and young shoots of the plant are flexible and are ideal for basket weaving (first hand observation).  Larger branches are also quite bendy and can be used for an assortment of building needs.  The bark of the plant can be stripped off and used to make cord.  Along with all the building materials this plant provides, the bark and leaves can be used for medicinal purposes.

It is in the Salicaceae family, which also includes willows, poplar, aspen, and cottonwoods.  Salix exigua can be found throughout most of North America including as far north as Alaska and as far south as northern Mexico. 

It is Rhizomatous, which means that it propagates by sending out roots horizontally and plant stems shoot up from that.  It has a rapid growth rate and can grow to a maximum of 10 feet in height.  It is often found along creeks and rivers.  Coyote Willow is a perennial.

Center: Salix exigua being prepared for basket weaving. 

Bottom right: My boots.  Right: Legs of camp chair.

Waking up to Mexico and Water

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Big Bend

October 18, 2015

N 29°20.80’

W 104°04.78’

Elevation: 2419 feet

(423 miles from Albuquerque) 

The view from my tent at Big Bend.  Mexico was just a stones throw away. 

The setup at Big Bend. 

*****The following is a Video!  Thanks!******

Rio Grande Water Diversion

Visitors

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Four Corners

September 23, 2015

Navajo Nation

We spent several nights as visitors in Navajo Nation.  During this time we reflected on some of the affects of mineral extraction.  I say ‘some’ because I don't think I can fully grasp what the affects are on people living in such close proximity to fracking and coal mining sites.  I don’t want to post at length about the controversy around mineral extraction in Navajo Nation, but I would like to encourage you to do a bit of research, if you are not familiar with this topic.  I had only a little understanding of some of these issues before the trip.  I was shocked at what we witnessed. 

One of the fracking sites we visited.

Our hosts in Navajo Nation were some of the most sharing and compassionate people I have met.  We experienced aspects of Navajo tradition I could have never imagined having the opportunity to partake in.  I am fortunate to have been invited as a visitor.

This is the view from where we camped.  If you glimpse into the doorway you can see Shiprock jetting up in the distance.  

Total Eclipse of the Supermoon

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Valle Vidal

September 27, 2015

N 36°46.77’

W 105°06.90’

Elevation: 8091 feet

We were fortunate to be able to view the lunar eclipse during our time at Valle Vidal, The Valley of Life, in Northern New Mexico.  This was not just any moon eclipse- it was a supermoon. Super because the Moon was at its closest point near the Earth.  The eclipse of the supermoon is rather rare - the next one will not occur until 2033.  I hope we were not the only ones sprawled out in a meadow, watching the bright moon disappear, bit by bit, as it transformed into a suspended red glow.  

Silence on the Mesa

By Erin Fussell
Valle Vidal
September 30, 2015

The Rules:
Don't leave until 8:45 pm
Follow the path down from camp to the creek.
Cross the creek by Paula's tent.
Find the red string in the valley.
Follow the string up the hill and onto the mesa.
Once on the mesa, we request silence and to turn off your headlamps.
Continue following the string that has turned from red to tan.
You will know the space when you get there.
The performance will begin at 9 pm.
We request no documentation and silence.
You will know when it's over when only one figure is left on "stage" in child's pose.
Please leave following the string in darkness, in silence.
Thank you.


Sound, choreography, concept, set and performers: Andrea Luella Gohl and Erin Fussell
Audio from the performance will be part of the forthcoming Songs for New Mexico recording.

Just a taste:

Unexpected Resident

By Andrea Luella Gohl

El Vado

September 22, 2015

N 36°37.75’

W 106°46.31’

Elevation: 6862 feet

We all need a place to rest 

Even in someone’s footstep

on the road again...

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Travel 

August 30, 2015

N    38°34.3’

W 110°42.8’

Elevation: 4959 feet

(but not for long)

On a travel day, camp is torn down and all of our supplies need to be repacked into the van.  The configuration of items in the vans is important to make sure everything fits just right.  On our first travel day, (traveling from San Rafael Swell to Goblin Valley State Park) we had breakfast, torn down camp, and packed the van, with a departure time of 8:13 am. On our second travel day, (traveling from Goblin Valley to Page, Arizona) we managed to be packed and back on the road at 8:11 am.  Little by little we will improve our system to get off and running earlier and earlier.

The packing masters hard at work.  It is an acquired skill to get all of the backpacks in the back of the van.  A real master leaves no space.  It looks great to me!

Travel by van and travel by foot- these are both necessary modes of transportation. A short walk may result in tens of goat heads at the bottom of your shoes as the desert creeps in to catch a ride when you’re not looking. 

Snakes and the Snake Bin

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Cebolla Canyon

September 6, 2015

  

N  34°43.36’

W 107°54.10’

Elevation: 7231 feet

The snack bin has become affectionately known as the “snake bin.”  This title is especially relevant here in Cebolla Canyon where a number of snakes have made their appearance. 

The Snake Bin

Gummy worms, chips (or crisps depending on who you ask), and crunchy cheese snacks are popular items. 

Our first day at camp we saw a cozy rattlesnake, one of the residence of this area. 

A beautiful 6 foot long bull snake was spotted slithering around in the grass.  

Melon Slicers

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Horseshoe Canyon

August 29, 2015

N   38°28.4’

W  110°12.0’

Elevation: 5299 feet

The Melon Slicers performed for us at the top of Horseshoe Canyon after our hike to see the Great Gallery.  The actions were an eloquent combination of smooth symmetrical slicing, interrupted by the sounds of crunching melon being split apart.  Thank you for the performance and the incredibly juicy ending.

A Dam Tour

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Glen Canyon Dam

August 31, 2015

N 36°59.73’

W 111°29.99’

Elevation: 3998 feet

We spent a couple days at Wahweap Campground in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in order to visit Glen Canyon Dam.  Before going to the dam, I knew it was huge, but I didn’t understand just how massive it is.  We had the opportunity to tour the dam- both outside and inside.  Did you know you could go inside the dam?  The concrete dam is so large, it took 3 years of continuously pouring concrete to complete the structure.  The top of the dam is 1,560 feet long.  Amazing right?!  If you have not had the chance to visit this area, I would recommend it.  The short amount of time we spent here really helped to illustrate and generate conversation about some of the water issues, particularly in the west, but also on a larger global perspective. 

 We packed our tents in tight at Wahweap Campground.  It was a beautiful site full of colorful tents.

This is the view of Glen Canyon Dam from on top of the bridge.  It is hard to invoke scale through a photo but hopefully this gives a little sense of how large the structure is. 

Goblins and Horseshoe Canyon

By Andrea Luella Gohl

Goblin Valley State Park

August 27, 2015

N   38°33.7’

W 110°42.1’

Elevation: 4867 feet

We spent 2 nights at Goblin Valley State Park, which acted as a jumping point to access Horseshoe Canyon.  During our time here we experienced the (near) full moon rising over the Goblins.  The name seemed appropriate as the moon casted shadows on the structures and gave them each their own animate personality. 

Paintings in Horseshoe Canyon inspired a variety of poses; a modern performance in front of the ancient.