08/30/2024
I relate to Roger Naylor's being called by places in the natural world. For me, I too have always been gifted by these times of communion with the natural world.
Sometimes places call to me. I hear them with my heart. It’s not the general yearning to see certain spots again, like thinking I miss Chiricahua National Monument and want to go back. It is always very specific, often a place I don't know well or that doesn’t leap out as one of my favorites. But I hear their voice. Almost 15 years ago, Skeleton Point helped heal me after we had to say goodbye to a few elderly pets one right after another. I once drove six hours to hike to Chesler Park in the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park. It was that same call that led me to Kanab last week. I was happy to relax in the picturesque town and enjoyed my time immensely. But the reason I went was because a strip of sand along the Colorado River needed me. I visited Lees Ferry in late spring while working on a book and had a wonderful time like always. But I was also very rushed. As soon as I finished the book, I knew I had to go back. No grand adventure was required, no big plan. But all I could think about was returning to find a quiet place and sit beside the Colorado River for as long as I wanted. That became the basis for my entire vacation. I got an early start, made the beautiful drive to Lees Ferry, hiked out on the River Trail and found this slender beach—a little piece of sand all my own. I planted my hiker butt in the sand and didn’t budge for the better part of an hour. I just breathed and watched the sun and the cliffs, and the water flowing past. That’s all I needed. When I was ready, I got up, drove to Cliff Dwellers Lodge, ate a great burger and pushed on to Kanab to have a terrific vacation. The last part was a bonus. What was most important—for reasons I don’t even understand—was to sit beside that river in that spot on a late summer morning. So many of my most vivid memories are because the earth called me to a specific location and I went. I don’t know why but I think I’ll keep heeding those calls. I haven’t yet been led astray.
