b"of the mythical Spider-Woman, who has chosen its pinnacle as her home. Spider-Woman is old, wise and sometimes cryptic. It is said she gave the Navajo the gift of weaving and some weavers will rub their hands in spider webs to absorb the wisdom and skill of Spider-Woman before they sit down at the loom. Spider-Woman is considered an important deity in the Navajo culture. According to their creation story, when the Navajo people found their way here from the underworld, she gave power to those who destroyed evil that roamed this land. In addition, she's been responsible for protecting peaceful men who have found themselves in danger from others. In one story, a young Navajo was hunting in the canyon when an enemy warrior began pursuing him. He was chased deeper and deeper into the canyon and the hunter had run out of options until he saw a silk-like cord drop down the side of Spider Rock. He tied it around his waist, and with the help of Spider-Woman, the young man escaped to the top, where he was allowed to stay until it was safe.The legend of Spider-Woman also does have a darker side. Aided by a spirit who resides on the lower, adjacentone of the outlooks, we spottedCanyon de Chelly National peak known as Speaking Rock, Spider-Woman seeksthis young Navajo girl paintingMonument is an unusual out those who have been mischievous and disobedient.on canyon sandstone thatpartnership between the federal Whenever she hears of a child who has been badlyshe would sell to folks if theygovernment and the Navajo behaved, she crawls down from her perch, snatcheswere interested. Turns out weNation. The tribe is responsible him up and carries him back to the top to meet his fate.were. The art piece (right) isfor the natural resources and The chalky color that caps Spider Rock is said to be thesomething that you just don'tthe National Park Service bones of the Navajo children she has devoured. get to see every day. On theprotects the thousands of We stopped at all the overlooks and then retraced ourback were explanations forarchaeological sites.steps on R7 back to the intersection to continue our tripthe symbols depicted on the north on R64. This too is a beautiful drive. front. She signed the piece for us: Rosina Begay (Din).There is a lot to see in this wonderful Arizona of ours. Sharyn gave her the requested dole and thanked her.Lots of out of the way places with our history and heritage There was one more added though unexpected highlightThis wonderful hand-painted, one of a kind piece nowwrapped around them and people willing to share their that happened to my wife and me before leaving. Atoccupies a special place along with our many otherpride talking about it.We've learned over the years that, prized memorabilia. more often than not, all you have to do is listen. Susan Abare928-713-7472SAbare@AwardRealty.com CUSTOM HOMESSECOND HOMES PREMIUM HORSE PROPERTIES INVESTMENT & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES HOME LOTS AMAZING NIGHT SKY NATURE WALKS ACREAGE HORSING AROUNDCongressGROUP THERAPY OUTDOOR FUNis a lifestyle.ArizonaRealCountry.com September 2019 11"