HEADWATERS 14" X 18" Pastel
February 2, 2010. SEARCH FOR THE SOURCE. Footprints -- too many to count, but no trace of them, except animal tracks made since the last rain. The land where the Colorado River begins its 900 mile journey to the Gulf, the Paleo-Indians called home, dating back some 11,000 years ago. Clovis points found in the area are the only mark that remains from their time here. Followed by the Comanches and Lipan Apaches, they were mostly hunters and gathers, using only what they needed from the land. They were "leavers" as described by author Daniel Quinn in his book Ishmael. And so the River and its path, at least here, look much like back then, cutting its way through the rough landscape of red clay cliffs and arroyas, and providing the life sustaining gift so many have sought from its waters.
