The sun-chasing began on June 18 this year. Feeling a bit early, but worth the dice roll? I walked up to solstice snake, wondering how many fellow sun worshipers would be present. I was here last year and had to the place to myself, but that was probably due to the flood warning in place (for an early monsoonal storm that would turn out to be a Big One both at home and at work on the San Juan). Not a surprise that no one else would want to walk for miles in hopes of an unlikely sun break. Well, the sun break did occur, but it was a few minutes “late.”

Anyway, this year I also had the place to myself, but in IDEAL CONDITIONS. Hot, yes, but not a cloud in sight. I have wished for a solo experience of this special moment in a special place. Well, wish granted. Hands down one of the most delightful times I’ve had.

June 19 was devoted to following the lead of the 1997 writings of an amateur archaeologist (an activity that promises both thrill and frustration). This spot was great, because I could ride my bicycle to it (very large bonus - I feel like an asshole burning fossil fuels looking for a supposed bit of sunlight on a wall).

The report I was following called the time of one of the events “late morning.” Well, I arrived at 10am, just in case, for an event that occurred at 1pm. It was hot as shit.