Trip to the Mountain
A prominent part of my experience revolved around the Zapata Falls. I wanted so to photograph it. I tried to reach the falls each day of my camping trip. I was hoping the deep, rushing, ice cold, roaring water would ease up enough so I could safely walk through it, into the slot canyon, and back into the deep crevice to shoot a photograph of the falls. They are said to drop 30 ft. I sat, I watched as others tried. Only a few, less than 6, actually made it and they weren’t carrying any gear. I would’ve had gear.
Just sitting there nearby, watching the water, gallons and gallons of water, rushing by, and listening to the constant roar, a roar so loud you could not hear the voices of others nearby. It put me in a different place. A special place. A place where the thin veil dissolves and I am transported. I sat there in awe and respect for the unending power of the water.
That first evening I finally left the area near the falls and walked down the mountain road a bit to a place where I could look out over San Luis Basin. I could see the three Wildlife Refuges and the Great Sand Dunes. The sunset reflected off the water and sand and made them gem-like. I was at about 9400 ft. on the side of the mountain and the Basin down below was at about 7300 ft. I sat there, breathing in the life giving beauty and watching the sunset. I could see for at least 100 miles the air was so clear. There was no sound. I was feeling gratitude for having made it to this place. It was an adventure. I felt gratitude also for my friend’s pep talk. I wouldn’t have had the courage to try without his talk!
During my stay at the campground I learned that this water is the headwaters of the Rio Grande. This made the experience even more powerful. Sitting on the side of the “creek” or overlooking the Basin where I could see wetlands, I could feel a powerful connection to the Holy Spirit. It felt as if the water was flowing through me and becoming a part of me. I felt like I was a part of the headwaters. A life force.
The last day I was at the campground, I discovered a trail that leads to a high elevation mountain lake. The trail was quite beautiful, with many outstanding views. Always ahead of me was the White Mountain, Blanca Peak, of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I made good progress though not all the way to the lake. There was a thriving grove of aspen, their leaves quaking in a gentle breeze. The creek water was near, and it was loud even though I was several hundred feet above it. Before I turned back I discovered a place with what appeared to be an unusual rock arrangement. The area was neat and well tended. I had never seen an arrangement like it ever before. It felt special and important. Later I learned it might indeed be a ceremonial place. I can see why it would’ve been chosen. There was a special energy there.
I hope very much to go back someday and experience more! I am grateful for having come to this place.
One more thought—-When I arrived at the base of the mountain and began my drive up to where I planned to camp, and continuing after I parked and began to walk around, I was struck with a strong sense of the mountain being in good health. I remember thinking just that to myself, this mountain is in good health. The wildflowers were abundant in variety, sizes of colonies and richness of color. The soil was rich looking, not muddy, just moist enough and full of loam. The trees were very healthy with no signs of fungus or rot. The bark was strong looking. The leaves deep green and fully formed. The birds were singing many different songs. I wondered at the time why I was having such a strong reaction to the healthy look and feel. I still wonder, but I am sure the answer will come, in time.
