Pompeys Pillar - A Montana Discovery

Heading east on the I 90 at 75 miles an hour it is easy to miss this National Monument. About thirty minutes east of Billings, Montana a nondescript sign appears announcing Pompeys Pillar. All we knew about Pompeys Pillar was that it is a sandstone rock formation near the Yellowstone River and is some how connected with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

However, it turns out that Pompeys Pillar is much more than a mere sandstone sculpture. It brings alive the history of the region. It is all too easy to forget about those who came before us, paving the way for the conveniences of the modern lifestyle we all enjoy.

One signature carved into this sandstone sculpture reminds us of an epic journey that occurred a few hundred years ago. Captain William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed this way on his return trip from the Pacific coast in 1806. At that time this area was wild, unexplored and uncharted. Clark was following the Yellowstone River with his entourage and on July 25, 1806 he discovered this rock formation standing by itself and rising 150 feet above the surrounding landscape. Clark was impressed by this feature and documented it in his journals. He named the formation Pompy’s Tower. When the Lewis and Clark journals were published a few years later it was renamed Pompeys Pillar.

Today, the National Monument is an oasis in this otherwise dry landscape. The sandstone formation is located near the Yellowstone River and is close to Interstate 90. An abundance of Cottonwood trees provide welcome shade and greenery. The native plants, shrubs and flowers offered needed resources and sustenance to the settlers of this area. It is easy to see why this place was attractive and important to the explorers and aboriginal people of the day.

Pompeys Pillar rises abruptly above the flat plains and its presence is immediately felt in its sheer sandstone cliffs. A wooden staircase leads to the top of the formation. On the way to the top there is a viewing platform where Clark signed his name in the stone and dated it July 25, 1806. Other signatures from the 1800s appear as well as some evidence of aboriginal drawings. One cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and connection to this explorer who left his mark. Even more remarkable is that Clark’s signature in this spot is the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the entire Lewis and Clark Trail.

The view from the top of Pompeys Pillar provides a 360 degree panoramic view of the plains, Yellowstone River and the mountains and hills in the distance. It is easy to see why Clark described the view as remarkable. Although modern society and “progress” has changed the area, it is remarkable that the view remains much the same as what Clark would have seen in 1806.

Viewing Clark’s signature was a moving experience not so much for the sake of the signature but as a reflection from an explorer who found something remarkable and beautiful about this place. Climbing to the top of the Pillar, the view remains beautiful and that sense of wonder and remarkableness comes alive. Here on Pompey’s Pillar we felt a connection to the past and we were able to take in the spectacular scenery that Clark discovered. We were grateful for having the oportunity to stop at Pompeys Pillar and we are reminded that each day holds its own discoveries.

Namaskar





Captain William Clark's Signature, evidence of his visit to Pompeys Pillar

Havasupai Waterfalls

It is a sight to behold. The blue-green water cascading over stark red rock and an azure sky beaming over head. The heat can be relentless here, but the water is refreshing and cool in this Arizona desert oasis.

The vividly coloured waterfalls of the Havasupai Reservation provide a stunning surreal backdrop amongst the sheer red rock walls and lush greenery of the Havasu Canyon. A special place located in a remote part of the Grand Canyon it is truly an oasis in the parched Arizona landscape. The only access in is either by foot, mule or helicopter. The Village of Supai is located about eight miles into the Canyon and is the tribal centre for the Havasupai Tribe. The Havasupai people are known as “the people of the blue-green waters”. They live simply and peacefully and also abstain from alcohol and firearms.

Arizona is noted for its beautiful desert landscape a sea of red rock and beautiful canyon formations. The Grand Canyon usually comes to mind as the focal point of Arizona scenery. Havasu Canyon is a tributary to the Grand Canyon, a stunning chasm of sculpted red rock and immense beauty.

We decided to try the hike into Supai from the Hualapai Hilltop, located about 60 miles off the famous Route 66. We started early in the morning and descended into the dry and barren canyon. The strong Arizona sun heats things up quite rapidly and with little shade the heat is something to contend with. It is hard to believe that this bone dry canyon was going to turn into an oasis of water and greenery. After about six miles almost miraculously the canyon takes an abrupt turn and follows a route through lush green trees. The Havasu Creek emerging from a spring farther up the canyon has altered the landscape in this part of the canyon creating coolness and shade among this otherwise hot dry gorge. The Creek flows through the Village of Supai and beyond to the Grand Canyon where it joins the Colorado River.

The Village of Supai is basic and miles away from the hectic pace of large congested cities. The Pony Express still operates here daily bringing the mail in and out by donkey. There are no cars and few modern conveniences. There is a simple lodge, a couple of stores and a restaurant.

Two miles beyond the village, the Havasu Creek on its way to the Grand Canyon flows over a series of waterfalls. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls are the highest and most spectacular. Havasu Falls tumbles over the red rock in a twin plume of water landing into a beautiful pool. Swimming in the cool water is invigorating near the roaring waterfalls. Further afoot, Mooney Falls is a spectacular 190 ft waterfall cascading into a beautiful pool. The water is refreshing and the whole experience rejuvenates the soul and being one with it provides a strong connection with this environment.

Namaskar

Although there are limited services if you are interested in going you need to book in advance. The lodge in Supai is the only accommodation and there is a campground. Since this area is located on the Havasupai Reservation there is an entrance fee.

The closest large centre to Havasupai is Kingman, Arizona. From Kingman it is about a 2 hour drive to the Hualapai Hilltop.


Havasu Canyon






Havasu Falls

Gros Morne Splendor

I love the surreal diverse landscape and awesome beauty of Gros Morne National Park in Canada. It is a wonderful place to explore and also I found to discover my relation to this natural wonder. Gros Morne National Park is located in the Province of Newfoundland in beautiful Atlantic Canada. Newfoundland is a Canadian jewel located along Canada’s amazing Atlantic coast. Gros Morne National Park is a special place in this remarkable province.

Gros Morne is best described as the Atlantic coast meeting the Long Range mountains. It is dramatic scenery to say the least. Stunning fjords with cascading waterfalls and green forests give way to windswept plateaus reminiscent of arctic environments. The mountains are not high, rising to just over 800m for Gros Morne Mountain (the highest point in the park). However, since these mountains rise straight above the sea they give a sense of loftiness.

Gros Morne National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly enough it received this designation not so much for its magnificent scenery but because of a unique geological site – the Tablelands. The Tablelands comprise some of the mountains of Gros Morne but not all of them. The Tablelands are mountains of barren wind swept red rock reminiscent of the Arizona desert landscape. It is as if a piece of Arizona was relocated here. What is so unique about the Tablelands is that these rocks are millions of years old and are evidence of plate tectonics and continental drift. These rocks were actually part of the earth’s crust and mantle eons ago. Eventually, slowly over time, this mass of rock was pushed up above sea level to about 600-800m where it sits today.

Hiking high above on these mountain plateaus is an interesting experience. The vastness of the plateau is overwhelming, the barren rocky red landscape gives way to an outstanding view of the blue sea. Looking at the broken rocks at my feet and looking out to the sea and into glacier carved fjords I sense a connection. These rocks were once located far under the sea near the earth’s mantle. We all come from the earth and it is easy to feel a sense of connection with this landscape. I also feel a connection with my inner self. Like the rocks on this mountain top that come from the inner core of the earth I feel my inner presence bubbling to the surface. I understand who I am and that my inner self is something that does not need to be hidden but can be explored.

There is a strong peaceful sense in these mountains and Gros Morne is a wonderful place to explore. From a spiritual perspective it is a great place to discover who you are.





Amazing Tablelands


Namaskar

Plain of Six Glaciers

There are certain places that we have all experienced which provide us with a glimpse of a deeper connection to a greater whole. Some places by their nature can have this effect on us. It might be the energy of the place that gives us a sense of connection to the environment and to our inner self.

We would like to share some places which are special to us. We plan to regularly post some special places that we have found. We hope that you would share some of your stories about places that are special to you.

The Plain of Six Glaciers located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is a beautiful place in the incredible Canadian rocky mountains. To access the Plain of Six Glaciers a hiking trail rises from the tranquil sapphire waters of Lake Louise up towards a teahouse with a stunning rocky mountain view. We have always loved this area; the combination of alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and sub-alpine forests provide a symphony for the senses.

The high mountains of the continental divide provide an astounding backdrop. A stark contrast of craggy rock, glacier ice and blue skies provide stunning beauty. There is a particular sense of permanence and a peaceful serene silence in these mountains. The mountains are overpowering in their presence and loom overhead reminding of their everlasting nature. There is something about this area that is rejuvenating giving a feeling of strong positive energy.

Venturing beyond the teahouse, Mount Lefroy, Victoria and the Mitre dominate the skyline. You instantly get the feeling that these glacier-clad mountains in their looming silence are communicating their permanence. Although we know that landscapes are ever changing these silent beauties provide peace, which invites contemplation. There is a feeling that by enjoying this alpine panorama that we too are part of this peaceful beauty.

“The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.”
Li Po


Beautiful Lake Louise looking towards Mt Victoria



Looking towards the Plain of Six Glaciers from the top of St Piran

Namaskar

Stunning Santorini Sunset

I am a very particular traveler. When I travel to distant places I look for and expect a different experience than what I am used to at home - such as encountering an exotic culture, soaking up a lush landscape, or tasting fantastic food. I would never think to travel to another locale just to witness a sunset. Everyone likes to view a beautiful sunset now and then, but I rationalized that sunsets are just a daily occurrence which happens everywhere throughout the world. They are really nothing very special, I thought.

While traveling in Greece recently, I kept hearing persistent rumours of the incredible sunsets which could be viewed on a particular Greek island. If you’re anything like me, you have heard about all the ‘must-see’ things to take in while traveling. I wanted to find out if viewing a Greek island sunset would provide me with a unique experience while traveling, or if this was just a sunset 'gimmick' to encourage more tourism on the island.

Faster than a tourist buying up souvenirs, I was off to the Greek Island of Santorini, also known as Thira. The well-known white cube dwellings, which appear to be stacked upon one another like shook up sugar cubes, were amazing to experience. This is a culture to which I was not familiar. I was also taken with the sense of energy given off by the island and its peoples. There was indeed a tranquility which took hold of me while I explored the buildings and looked out into the deepness of the ocean of this crescent-shaped island.

I heard talk everywhere of the sunsets being one-of-a kind on Santorini. There was a buzz on the island of people gathering before 8 p.m. to view this mystical phenomena. Not wanting to feel left out, I kept a close eye on my watch and carefully monitored the sky, trying to anticipate what was to come shortly. I planted myself firmly along an ocean-view lookout, among the scrambling stairs and cubed homes. I was not alone, as hundreds of other people also put down temporary roots along the winding paths and viewpoints which hugged the cliffs overlooking the ocean. We must have looked like a large ant colony tunnelling along the cliff-dwelling pathways of this beautiful island.

It was now 8 o’clock. The sky started to turn a brilliant bright orange. The unobstructed views of this gradual, yet overpowering sunset filled the sky. There was perfection here – in the color and shape of the sunset, which lingered in the sky, hanging for what seemed like forever. Everyone around me felt this perfection, as we all stopped in our tracks to appreciate what nature displayed before us. Suddenly, I felt a strange, but wonderful feeling. I was connected with every person watching the same spiritual event. We were all one, sharing in this experience. I felt a sense of gratitude that I was able to experience this sunset, as this has become one of the most enduring memories I have of my trip. It taught me about how we are all interconnected in this world, even if we just experience this feeling for a brief moment in time, for something common which exists everyday, like a sunset.

Incredible 'sugar cube' buildings hugging the cliffs of Fira, a town on the island of Santorini

Namaskar