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Canyon Journal 1 A Land of Extremes
In the early Nineteen-nineties, Michael and I redirected our expense of leisure-time energy, from following bands coast to coast, to exploring mountains, seasons, mysteries and cultures in the Southwest. Through a series of trips to southern Arizona, we became fascinated by the Chiricahua Apache and their beautiful homeland. We learned that they defended their way of life against Mexican and American intrusion for many decades. The Chiricahua often fled south into the rugged mountains of Mexico, to remain free after the death of Cochise. In succession their leaders died, until finally, Victorio made his last stand on Mexican soil and Geronimo boarded a prison train bound for Florida. A Navajo man told me the legendary Apache spilled tears all over the desert. During the long struggle, they changed their name for themselves from "The People" to "The Dead."
We heard of a place in the desolate western lands of Mexico called Copper Canyon, where the Chiricahua defied all. It was bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. So, we decided to go there to see the land where Indians have sought refuge from invaders for centuries -- Las Barrancas.CONTINUE
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