Tribal guide Abraham Chee measures a fresh track on a
mountain 20 miles way from where larger tracks had been
found hours before by the Montana team. It indicated different
individuals on different parts of the reservation simulataneously.
There was apparently other track sign of this individual
crossing the road leading up to the summit of Mount Pajarita.
The impression shown in the photograph above was the most
photogenic. Footprints in most soil conditions do not
photograph well.
Pajarita is the most prominent peak in the empty eastern
expanse of the reservation. The top of Parajita has a
breathtaking 360 degree view of deer and elk grazing areas,
but is only 1000 feet or so above the plain. There are
steep, rocky, mossy, canyons on the north face.
In the hilly plain around Pajarita there are Anasazi sites.
We found few without even looking for them. The guides
said there were many more scattered throughout the plain.
Some spots appear to be ancient hunting camps or sentry
positions. Others are ceremonial.
The Pajarita area is a very, very, quiet place. No one
lives out there. It's so silent that the hum and clatter
of approaching vehicles can be heard from miles away,
and seen even further away from Mount Pajarita.
Footprints like the one pictured have been found near
here before.
Click the image to see the largest version.
