Mystery Canyon and the Red Bud
Tree
While
there are great sights to behold and interesting discoveries to make on the
main canyons, the small side canyons always have the most powerful pull on me. A few years ago on the Coyote Gulch hike, I
accidentally walked into a side canyon and stumbled upon an idyllic lagoon
filled with blue dragonflies. It was a
magical place. 
Many
of the side canyons Richard takes us are beautiful as well. One particular side canyon is no more than a
mile in length, snakes back only two or three turns before ending abruptly in a
rounded open hall. Standing in the
middle of the barren sand is this imposing, arrogant and noble red bud
tree. Her branches are ornamented by thousands
of infinitesimal red buds. Young green
leaves begin to unfold and dot between flowers.
Scattered around her base are myriad petals forming chaotic yet interesting
patterns. There are no other trees or
plants inside the canyon. I am immensely
enticed by her gracefulness and solitary beauty. 
Subsistng
on a seasonal waterhole a few yards away from its stem, the red bud tree
epitomizes the strength of desert plant.
In some years when rain fails to reach the canyon; this tree may not
even have a chance to flower. Fortunately,
this year, rain arrives early and fills the pool to the rim.
Perhaps
it is true that wind carries voices, trees speak a language, and canyon does
have a heart.
