We take it for granted that as daylight decreases in the fall it will eventually start to increase again.
But what if it didn't?
What if the days turned into a perpetual night?
Forever.
That was a concern for the native people a long time ago. They understood about the summer solstice and the winter solstice and so far so good. The days always came back. But just to be sure they held a ceremony called Turning Back The Sun.
Every year around the time of the winter solstice, Leasburg Dam State Park continues this tradition.
There is adobe oven bread baking, social dances, exhibits and presentations, and campfire stories.
I will take you through the day in chronological order.
Ranger Alex talked about the Sun's effect and relationship with animals in the Visitor Center.
Outside was a solar telescope and a lost soldier from Fort Selden.
Nearby there was a crafts display and buffalo stew and hot chocolate. Which was good as it was a tad chilly and windy.
Freddy enjoyed the head scratches.
Back inside the Visitor Center, NM Raptors showed off some birds of prey.
The owl stayed properly posed. The humans would never look at the camera at the same time.
Then it was back outside to the amphitheater.
There was a ceremony honoring the park staff, the volunteers, and the Friends of Leasburg Dam. They received beautiful necklaces.
Next up was a set of Pueblo Dances. They were simply amazing. Beyond words, actually, so I will not write any. Just enjoy the pictures.
Spectators were invited to join in for the last dance.
All the dancing made everyone hungry so it was time to take the bread out of the oven.
Make sure to get in line early as the bread is snapped up fast.
The sun was starting to set and it was time to light a campfire and tell some coyote stories.
It became too dark for photos and a flash would have spoiled the mood.
Back in the day I taught 6th grade at Outdoor Science School in Big Bear, California. At night I would read tales from a wonderful book called Coyote Stories by Mourning Dove.
Coyote is the trickster, and the kids enjoyed all the ways he tried to fool the other animals. Try it if you have some youngsters.
Also try getting out to some of the events the State puts on at their parks. The few I attended this year were great. Freddy and I plan to attend many more next year.
Regards,
Greg and Freddy.
