Humans are storytellers. We have always been, and if you’re not sure about this fact take a trip to the southwest and visit one of the many petroglyphs sites. In Arizona alone there are over a million petroglyphs. Many are from the Archaic style which date back to 5000 BC. There is also the Hohokam style and the Anazai (Ancient Ones) style. These carvings were made by chipping away at what is known as desert varnish using stone tools like a pointed rock and a hammer stone. Desert varnish is created by airborne particles of iron oxide and manganese oxide that land on the rocks and over centuries, in a complex chemical reaction, create a dark coating. Many of these pictures are of animals and maybe they told the story of the hunt, or maybe they were there to mark a good hunting spot. Others depict spirals, half human half animal creatures and some even look like space craft. If you’ve ever seen the show Ancient Aliens, you’d know that these types of drawings are found all over the world in many different cultures. I find that very curious and amazing. Most scientist that study petroglyphs agree that we really don’t know what their meanings are. Yet, in Native culture these drawings all have a spiritual context. However you wish to interpret them, going to see them in person really gives you a sense of belonging to something ancient. You realize how humans have lived and thrived for many thousands of years. In someways there’s a link that we all share.
My guide Cathy took me to the area called Signal Hill and it’s located on the far east side of Tucson in The Tucson Mountain Park or Saguaro National Park East the two parks intertwine. The surrounding area of the sites has a very calm feeling. Depending on when you go you may be the only person there for hours. Just sitting there and imagining being present as the artist is chipping away is an awesome feeling. There really isn’t much more than a metal handrail protecting these petroglyphs. There are signs asking you to stay off the rocks but I’m certain many have climbed over and around the area. I’m absolutely certain one person did because they carved their name under one of the drawings. If you believe in reincarnation maybe he came back to sign his art work, or he’s just a jerk that defaced a piece of ancient history.
Defaced upper left 
After a little hiking and being amongst the petroglyphs it’s time to get some breakfast. If you’re in Tucson Mountain Park one of the best places for food is Coyote Pause Cafe, located at 2740 S Kinney Rd, Suite 7. They serve an array of American , Southwestern food with a mixture of Native American/ Mexican food. One of my favorite things there is the Mesquite Pancakes! Most of you might know of Mesquite from the wood that imparts a delicious flavor on any meat it’s cooked with. The tree also produces a bean pod, these dried pods are ground up to make a flour with a slightly sweet nutty flavor. This flour also makes yummy pancakes that go great with prickly pear syrup. If you ever have a chance to try mesquite pancakes do yourself a favor and indulge. Another wonderful dish at Coyote Pause is their Avocado Taco topped with prickly pear slaw. They also have delicious burgers, sandwiches and salads. I’m partial to their breakfast menu because I love a good breakfast burrito or Chilaquiles , which is corn tortillas cooked with green chilis, onions, red or green sauce (I love green) eggs and rice and beans. All of these delectable treats go really well with a glass of their prickly pear lemonade. I didn’t see my other favorite dish the fry bread taco so maybe they’ll bring it back soon. If not I’ll have to go here to find one.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my little prehistoric adventure as much as I did. I bet there may be ancient sites in the places where you live, you have to seek them out. If you get out to the southwest you’ll have many ancient ruins to explore. I may try to go to some of the cliff dwellings at some point. If you’ve ever been to any of these places please let us know in the comments below and if you have any questions please send them my way and I’ll get right back in touch with you. Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by, until next time, Boone Appétit!
