Searcher: Surrounded by gentle giants!

In reality it is almost Christmas, 2011 but driving into The City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico has been like riding a time warp which has taken us back to a whole different era. We are in the midst of mountains, open plains and huge huge boulders piled one upon the other as if in some long ago giants used these rocks for marbles and building blocks. This park is unique in that there is a section that is "developed" with electric and water hookups. Further into the park is the "undeveloped" section. Each site is set far from the next and no two are alike. We are nestled in among huge boulders that feel sentient. It is so peaceful. The sun finally decided to pull away from the clouds this afternoon and I took that moment to grab my camera and head to the top of these boulders to view the vista all around me. I took off without my walking stick which doubles for a snake finder. I tiptoed through the grass and rocks and turned up no snakes. It was much too cold for them to stick their noses out into the air today.

In these final, often hectic days before Christmas it is a gift to be out of the city, the hustle and bustle of holiday preparing and into the land and just breathe..... The Winter Solstice is just around the corner too and what better place to be for that long winter night then here for reflection and preparation of the New Year....surrounded by these gentle giants from 33 million years ago.