Ron-D-View Pack Mule Trip into
Surrey wagon available for folks that don't want to ride. Limited to 12 people so make your reservations now! Excerpts below from a story by Lenice Basham, Pair-A-Dice Mule Farm, Belle, MO |
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Our guide's family met us at the entrance. There were six guest and six pack trip wranglers (including cooks), and our guides. On the first day we packed into the canyon 12 miles to make camp. Along the way we were entertained by Navajo stories about the canyons and their history. Our guides were very knowledgeable about the canyon. We saw Indian dwellings and pictures painted on the canyon walls hundreds of years ago. The canyon is awe-inspiring and extremely spiritual. There is a quiet sense of harmony there.
When we got to camp we set up our teepees and got our stuff situated for the weekend. The teepees were big enough for me to stand up in and big enough for two air mattresses and all of our bags (room to put the saddles, too). Our campground area was right along the canyon wall, a truly amazing sight to wake up to, with the sunrise coloring the canyon wall.
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Each day we packed a lunch and had a wonderful day on the trail. We visited Mummy Cave and saw handprints left in blood on the cave walls from when the Indians were rounded up for the "long walk." The stories were heartbreaking; to read about these things in history textbooks is not anything like being there. Riding through the canyons and listening to the events that took place many, many years ago brought me right back to those times. |
One of the highlights of the trip, for many of the campers, was a visit from a Navajo who entertained us with songs and dancing. He gave an informative talk about the tribes and their backgrounds.
I can't explain the sense of serenity and harmony I experienced on the trip out. The problems I had on the way in no longer felt like they mattered. The only way I could ever imagine touring this magnificent canyon is from the back of a mule. To ride through the canyon, to look back and see the covered wagon and mules, to have the only sounds you hear be the wind and the mules is the most amazing adventure I have ever had the opportunity to experience.