Southern Utah is one of my favorite places on Planet Earth..so many options for adventure! I love it!! Nature just “sings” in this area. I’m so grateful to be able explore the local canyons in search of springs and plants…it’s an ADVENTURELAND…for the senses…on every level!!
Here’s a few clips from one of our recent runs up to get wet, in one of the local spring fed canyons!! Barefoot running and being barefoot, really is a joy, and has amazing health benefits. If you haven’t read Christopher Mcdougall’s book, “Born to Run” yet…pick up a copy ASAP, gripping…from beginning to end!! Also, YouTube…David Wolfe and Barefoot Technology. Great info..coming out of the barefoot world. My shoes hardly come on anymore..I LOVE IT. Gardening barefoot is a..MUST!!
In this first video..check out the size and growth of these berries. They grow right up the side of the cliff, slurping up cold spring water under neath them. Gotta love that spring water!!
Hard for me to believe, this is the desert. The Native American people and other early immigrants to this area grew strong in these parts, thanks to the water, volcanic soils and climate. In these last two videos you can see and hear the power of a true spring. Smiles just leap onto your face when standing in places like these.
So grateful to be able to play in this area of the world!! This is in one of the canyons not far from Zion National Park.
Thanks for coming a long on the adventure.
More updates coming from the garden and growing dome…next week, lots of changes!!
I’m fascinated with ancient cultures…and the messages they left us. One of the cultures that wandered the land in these parts were called the Virgin River Anasazi..or Ancestral Puebloans. They actually thrived living in this climate zone..and their history dates back through different periods, ranging from around 1100 AD… to before 6500 BC..!! This seems to be debatable, as with all ancient cultures, but either way… all seem to agree they are at least as old as..1200 BC. People appear to have been inhabiting these parts for eons of time!!
The Anazsazi left many petroglyphs on the rocks and cliffs in SW Utah.
Here’s a video from a trail run we took recently to the Santa Clara River Reserve. Wanted to look upon and feel these glyphs in person..and WOW..they are impressive! Very nourishing for body, mind and spirit!!
The more I learn about the local plants and perennial springs…I can see how the native peoples must have loved it here. The winters are fairly mild and short..and the growing season is fairly long..lasting from April – December. Not to mention the once wandering herds of game…which can still be found in these parts.
Between the waters, canyons, mild temps and the food sources..this place was perfect for year round living. OUTSIDE.
The Anasazi used the 3 Sisters Guild, which is Corn..grown with Squash as an under-story plant… and Beans to climb up the corn..sort of a natural vertical grow system…all the plants benefiting from each other. Still a very effective method…today!!
They left messages on the boulders and cliffs all around SW Utah. These petroglyphshave many theories surrounding them.
One book I’m enjoying immensely.. that delves into these ideas.. is by local writer Ray Urbaniak. He connects these glyphs, to the solstices and equinoxes.. and even shows how light and shadows affect these petroglyphs at different times of the year..and over longer periods of time. Really fascinating ideas!!! Thanks Ray..love it!!
Here’s a link to a preview of the book
“Anasazi of SW Utah: The Dance of Light and Shadow”
by: Ray Urbaniak
I also want to send gratitude and love to the native people that.. still live.. near the far end of Santa Clara Canyon..the Shivwits band of the Paiute tribe. Whom appear to have come on the scene right when about when the Anasazi left..around 1100A.D. They also grew corn, squash and beans…
Hope everyone is having fun in their gardens this summer..!
One of my biggest inspirations…Anthony Anderson…is creating three…young food forests. One… in Arizona…. and another project in Minnesota. Both food forests are coming a long nicely. If you tune into Anthony’s website and videos…you’ll learn more than you could in a few years at most brick and mortar.. places of learning. There’s more informational content on that website..and in his videos than most libraries.
I absolutely love the guy..and am so grateful for everything he shares!!
Just in case…here’s the link to Anthony’s site… Raw Model
You… just might find yourself creating your own food forest…from the stuff you learn….that’s what happened to me!!!
His third project…is here in Hurricane, Utah. His ideas and contributions are all over the garden here. We’re working closely on methods…sharing seeds…supplies and creating/being an awareness of sustainable living. Thanks for all the support brother…we wouldn’t be doing this without you!!!
Here’s the food forest in Arizona, that he Alexandra and Andrea from Blackbird Naturals … are creating together…as well as a very very tasty chocolate truffle business….mmmmmm…I can still taste them!! Thanks… Blackbird Naturals…love em!! Huge gratitude.. for the inspiration from Arizona you “three”…and for sharing these “spaces of love” with us!!
I love watching them …GROW!
You can check out the growing web…of Blackbird Natural’s…Food Forests…right here.
“I send the energy of love and gratitude to the waters and all living creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and its surroundings. To the whales, dolphins, pelicans, fish, shellfish, planktons, corals, algae … humankind … to ALL living creatures …
I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I Love You.
