The symposium was held at the Curley School which was built in 1919 when Ajo was beginning to boom as an important mining town. The entire town was laid out as a planned community with the Curley School built to house 500 students. When the mines closed, the school fell into disrepair. Much of the school has been renovated to house local artists and their works. Here is a view of the front of the school and Sherri in front of a bougainvillea.
On Wednesday the group came down to Organ Pipe for different activities. Sherri and I led a hike up into Arch Canyon, there were 16 on our hike. That night Organ Pipe hosted a BBQ. On Thursday the symposium wrapped up with a dinner and entertainment by the Ajo Ballet Folklorico.
Friday was field trip day. Sherri and I chose a trip to Lago Seco, a dry lake on the Barry Goldwater Bombing Range. Civilians are allowed to visit this archaeological site twice a year and must be escorted by the staff archaeologist. The dry lake was a hub for trading from 1100 to 1450 A.D. and is littered with pot sherds, sea shells and tools. Much of the site has not been mapped and all pieces must be left in place. It really was an amazing place, with the Air Force practicing bombing just over the ridge from our location. The woman with the blue head scarf is Adrian, the head Archaeologist for the Goldwater Range. Below Sherri is examining a pot sherd.It was a very busy and educational week. Sherri and I learned a lot about the struggles to save the Sonaran Desert and the politics involved.
I'll leave this blog with a photo of Ryder getting comfortable on the couch....he does know how to relax.
Very interesting post. I would love to be able to attend something so informative like that. And to see the pot sherds in place. Very exciting.
ReplyDeleteSherry
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