Jen and I were going to the Indian God Rock. A 6 foot limestone rock with native American petroglyphs carved on the large nearly flat surface facing the river. No one really knows what the petroglyphs signify, some believe it was used for shamanic purposes, because of similar markings found elsewhere. The name Indian God rock is somewhat arbitrary since no one really knows for sure what it was for. The rock is located along the Allegheny river in Pennsylvania.
We drove twice as far as intended, because we missed some turns. We found the trail that should lead to the Indian God Rock. We didn't know for sure when we started how far we were from our desired destination, only that we had to be further than intended. Perhaps we wouldn't have time to get there from this distance, or perhaps we misunderstood the directions all together, and it was on the other side of the Allegheny river. We asked others, and no one knew anything about it. This wasn't encouraging, as far as achieving the goal. It did make it more interesting, to not be sure of what we might achieve. There was a sign with a map, the rock wasn't listed, Jen intuited we should walk in a particular direction, I then recognized a name on the map, as a town near the rock. This town was in the direction Jen wanted to go. So we began.
Jen had never done this much walking, or hiking. I was questioning whether we would be able to finish our trip before dark, but I was determined. I had also warned Jen ahead of time, that if she came we might be doing a very long walk, and short of pouring rain, it would take a lot for me to give up. I also warned her I might venture out into the woods from time to time, to meditate. With us arriving later than intended, and likely far off course, I only stopped to meditate a couple of times for short periods. With her coming along I figured it would be a good opportunity to see what she's made of.
About half way to the town we recognized on the map, I ask another person, and he said yes, he had heard of it. He confirmed it was near that town. I meditated in the woods as I found a very pleasing spot. Then we continued on with renewed vigor.
At 7 miles Jen was reaching her physical limitations, but she agreed to push forward. We took a small break, and continued. We reached the rock shortly after. She didn't complain at all the whole way, to the rock. Though it was really long, and she only moderately enjoyed the physical activity, she did enjoy the realization that she had achieve something difficult she had never done before. Perhaps didn't even know she could do.
Shortly after the 8 mile marker we arrived. The entire back and sides of the rock had carvings of people who had come over the years. Earliest was 1880's, latest was 2010's. This didn't matter to me, it wasn't what I came for, and I expected there to be some of this kind of thing. Yet there was a lot. It's quite sad. Sure we don't know for sure what this spot was for, but for all you know you've defaced something that was sacred ground. It would be one thing to allow it to be weathered away, nothing is permanent. In ignorance they arrogantly overshadow with ego what could have been sacred.
On many of the pictures of this rock, I saw stones in the front that could be walked on to get to front, and see the petroglyphs. Unfortunately on this day the river was too high. I tried standing on a rock next to it, and peering over the side, this didn't work. I emptied my pockets of wallet, keys, and phone. I decided I might try to hand on to the rocks, and pull my self around to the front, perhaps from there I could see something. Jen thought I was crazy, but was half inspired to go in, and get wet too. I went out on a stone that was under the water. One foot on it, when I went to place my other, I slipped. In the water I went, completely submerged. Heart pounding, I grab hold of a rock, and pull myself up. I sit on the rock I had tried standing on, and I gaze out at the water regaining my composure. Now very alert, and also very comfortable with the feeling of the water all around me. Suddenly I realize, I can't see clearly, crap I forgot to take my glasses off! Jen and I look around, but can not see them in the water.
Oh, well, these things happen, next time, will try harder to not forget anything.
I climb out, and sit on top of a rock that had a little grove that was just right for a seat, and I meditated there.
Well, it's time to head back. I would have stayed longer, but this was Jen's first time fully participating in one of my crazy adventures, and she had already pushed her limits quite a bit. It was getting late, and now there was a good chance part of our walk back was going to be in darkness. Something I wasn't apposed to, and even looked forward to despite now being a bit cold, the cold was invigorating. I wasn't sure how Jen would handle the walk back. So off we went.
About half way back the sore muscles Jen already had we're getting to be to much for her emotionally. She was in quite a bit of pain in just about every major part of her body. The sun was also setting, which did seem to bother her a bit. I said some reassuring things, and we took a break. I messaged her legs a bit, just a gentle message. She stretched a bit more, and we began again.
2 thirds of the way she was crying off and on, but also swearing, and often that swearing was in a tone of voice that reminded me of a muppet. Combined with the some of the things she was saying, I couldn't help but crack up laughing. I looked over to see if my laughter bothered her, and to my surprise it didn't, I think it even helped a bit. Occasionally she laughed to, but not much.
