The Ridge and Two Stick--A Family Tradition

Climbing to Two Stick: Family Tradition

To the east and north of our cabin there is a ridge that bursts up at quite a steep angle rising up over 600 feet from the base to total of a little over 7000 feet in elevation at it’s highest point.  I mention these elevations because I like to think a climb of each 100 feet is the equivalent of climbing the stairs of a 10 story building.  So, if we climb up the total 600 feet height of the ridge, I pat myself on the back and say I’ve climbed the equivalent of the stairs of a 60 story building.  This is a mental reward, which suits me well.

The ridge base begins it’s steep ascent about one or two hundred yards from our cabin’s front porch.  This ridge has provided Mary and me many a fine early morning workout.  We leave early to beat the late morning heat and direct sun. We quite often have a quick bite to eat and head up the ridge to varying heights and locations. There are several “canyons” protruding in and up to the ridge. Which ever route we choose, there is quite an effort into climbing up the initial surge.  It seems we take a different route each time, but often we see our footprints from earlier adventures. But coming from different directions makes it all seem new. The ridge is quite barren in many spots but has many sections of Pinyon Pines and some Junipers, particularly at the top and back down the back side.   One of the “canyons” is strewn with unusually huge boulders. One cannot help but think what force of nature has put them there and when. Some seem ready to slip down at the slightest shake. We often head out with the intent of being gone an hour or so, but quite often don’t make it back for two or even three hours. It is then we fix ourselves a hearty breakfast and with coffee in hand we enjoy view of the ridge from below sitting in the shade on our deck.

Much enjoyment comes from this special place as we observe the hearty plants and animals that survive here.  This spring on one of our treks we were pleasantly surprised to find many  flower patches growing out of soil and rocks where one would think nothing would grow.  These patches of yellow and red were great finds as if special treasure.  They seemed to defy all logic growing in terrible soil, where little or no rain has occurred, where the wind blows freely, the nights are cold and the noon sun brings the heat.  I found a new term in one of my readings which suits them well.  “Pioneer” plants!  Those plants which come before all others.  I suspect if, in the past, I found one of these in my lawn, I should consider them useless weeds and quickly remove them, lest the neighbors think badly of me.  But here, they are the  greatest of pioneers, paving the way for all future growth of many different kinds.

There is one section this ridge where there is a protruding out of a grand rock.  It stands out proudly as if a high podium pronouncing its presence.

This rock is about halfway up the ridge so probably about 300 feet above our cabin.  Brian was the first to find the rock and noticed a bare branch sticking out from it.  A previous owner of property told us the story of the ‘stick’.  One day a stick appeared with a rag attached to it, a flag if you will.  The next day the stick remained but the flag was gone.  Speculation was that perhaps a compass or GPS game of some sort was played.

It was with great pleasure the first time Brian took Mary and me to the rock and climbed up upon it. This rock provides a spot to take in a great view of the valley below and the not too distant mountains. When my son Brenden and his wife Allison visited this place, they too made the journey to this rock.  My son Matthew, the Marine, also, was to later visit us. Being an early riser he was out and up.  We received a call on the walkie talkie inquiring as to whether the rest of us were awake and to "Look out and up!".  Matthew was found to be standing on the rock, only now there were two sticks protruding from the rock.  From this point on, for me, this rock was deemed “Two Stick”.  Of course, not to be outdone by a son, Mary and I were later to revisit Two Stick and add a third stick, but the name “Two Stick” is how I prefer it to be called amongst us.

The trail behind 2 stick

Then our 12 year old grandson came to visit.  Uncle Brian took Luke on a special uncle/nephew hike. Up to the rock and to where there are now four sticks in “Two Stick”. 

Therefore I now declare a new family tradition to all who come: You must make the equivalent trek of up to the top of 30 story building to “Two Stick”. It will feel Grand!