Thomas Tortez Jr. leads a group across a gravelly wash in Painted Canyon, at the spot where his Cahuilla tribal ancestors once lived in a village. The solar eclipse is underway. Suddenly, a strange yelp echoes from a ridge of craggy outcroppings. Perhaps the yelp comes from a hiker who's been struck with awe while climbing ladders into terraced slot canyons that seem to funnel echoes to the heavens. Maybe it’s a coyote crying out as the moon passes partway in front of the sun, briefly cooling... Read this story
