The day began for me as I watched the sun peak over the rugged mountains and poured another cup of coffee. Today I plan to explore deeper into the canyons that surround this serine area that I now call home. Seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago that I left the congestion of the city and moved out west.

I had spent most of my adult life chasing the almighty dollar as I maneuvered through the  business world and corporate America. Years of dedication and sacrifice had finally paid off and I was able to retire at an early age and purchase this small piece of mother earth located in the backcountry of West Texas.  It could only be described as heaven to a minority of folks as most would consider it more of a desolate place where even the most vigorous of plant life and animals struggle to survive. Extreme heat in the summer, bone chilling winters and months of dry climate make survival a challenge for even the most experienced habitants in this area. The Bible says the meek will inherit the Earth. I doubt this land was included in the package.

I finished packing my water, some snacks and all the tools I needed into the jeep, and called for Bode to load up. He had been out since early this morning getting his daily exercise of chasing rabbits and other small animals that occupy this land of desert and mountains. I have had Bode as a partner since he was only 8 weeks old. He has matured to become a best friend and companion. He has come to my rescue more than once and I have returned the favor a few times myself. Seems we are always looking out for each other. I remember the time I walked up on the largest rattlesnake I have ever seen and Bode got his attention away from me so I could move back out of harm's way. We were so far back in the mountains that had I been bit, I might not have made it back to a town for help. I owed him one until the time; I was able to scare off the three coyote's that had circled him late one night. I think we are back to even, but heck, who is counting?

I pulled away from the cabin and began the slow drive up through the old creek beds and dry washes. There are no paved roads and most of the dirt roads were nearly impassable. Taking off across country utilizing whatever paths were wide enough for the jeep was the best way to travel. It was still early morning and the temperature was mild and comfortable. Bode had settled into his seat up front and was keeping a watchful eye out for anything that moved. He was not much of a conversationalist, but that did not matter to me. I actually enjoyed the silence. I could hear the sound of the wild hogs moving through the brush, the whistle of the dove that was bursting into flight and the movement of the wind through the sage.

We stopped for a break about three hours into our journey. I poured Bode some water and drank some myself. The temperature has risen and there were no clouds in the sky today. Nothing to block, or give relief from the sun. It was mid august and one hundred degree plus temperatures were normal. It would be easy to become dehydrated, or suffer heat exhaustion. As we sat and relaxed under a lone cedar tree, I heard a movement off to my right and looked up in time to see a large Mule Deer running up the side of the mountain. He was majestic in appearance with his large rack of horns and his thick neck. We watched as he disappeared over the ridge and from sight. Bode and I loaded back into the jeep to continue our drive up into the canyon described as the Canyon of the Chiefs. It is said that back before civilized man entered this country, the great chiefs of the apache nation ruled from here.

Bode has brought my mind back from daydreaming as he barked at the large bobcat that had appeared on the ledge in front of us. I stopped the jeep, and managed to keep Bode from jumping out while we sat and looked at the great cat staring down at us. He was quite large for his species and had a downed deer in front of him. It is not common to see a bobcat take down a mule deer, even a small one such as this. That is usually left to the larger lions that inhabit this country. I moved out slowly giving the cat as much room as I could as I drove away from his perch. We continued into the canyon and my thoughts drifted back to the bobcat. How at home he looked in this place and how out of place we must have seemed to him. I am certain he has probably never seen a human before. This country is so isolated and sparsely populated, that I am sure years pass without anyone ever coming this deep into the mountains.

It has taken us most of the day to reach the entrance to the canyon. Bode has left to hunt for rabbits as I begin setting our camp up for the night. I came with enough provisions to last 3 days provided we use the water sparingly and only have two meals a day. I only plan to walk in deep enough to be able to return before dark, each day. The evening is approaching quickly and I hurry to get the tent set up and the top raised up on the jeep. There is no concern for rain, but instead varmints. I did not want the many possum, skunks, or other critters to have a field day with my food and water.

Bode returned just before dark and now was content to just lie near the tent as I placed the coffee pot on the open campfire. It was a magnificent night. Every star in the heavens must be shinning down on this place. I have travelled to many parts of the country and I've seen star lit nights that would amaze and excite any astronomer, but none so bright, or a sky quite as large as the one I see tonight. There is a full moon, but the stars have drowned it out. I lean back against the large rock I have camped near, pour a cup of coffee, and just gaze up into the heavens. There is not another source of light anywhere. It is amazing to be where there is no sign of human presence. I see a shooting star and wonder where it will land? Will it make it to earth, or is it so far up in the heavens that it will travel forever?

Morning came and Bode and I began our trek into the canyon. It was cool this morning and I was glad I had packed my light jacket. I was taking pictures of Bode as he was exploring the many crevices when the deer jumped out in front of me. I am not sure which of us was the most startled. I laughed aloud and old Bode just looked at me curiously. I was surprised at how easily we were able to make our way up the canyon. I expected heavy brush and large boulders to block our way, but instead, the path was open and clear of obstacles. I have discovered a handful of arrowheads without even searching for them. The dry climate and lack of substantial rainfall has preserved the artifacts and the surrounding landscape. I stop to rest and my mind wanders off to how this place may have looked when it was bustling with warriors preparing for an attack against their enemies. This was a natural fortress, easy to defend and with only one way in, just a few warriors could protect the people.

We spent the next three days exploring the many caves and crevices that were scattered throughout this wondrous place. We have seen old campfire rocks that looked as if they were set in place yesterday. You could close your eyes and hear the many voices. I am certain I found where the great Chiefs gathered to rule their people. I felt as though I had only touched on the many mysteries this place had to offer, but it was time to go home. I called for Bode and we begin our walk back to the campsite.