Hogan Tree Planting

Above, Wichita Blue Juniper trees in position for planting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Instead of heading down to Denny's at the Flying J this morning, I headed a mile up the hill to Greg Lucier's home to see the planting of 15 Wichita Blue Juniper trees at his wife's ceremonial hogan.

Above, the Wichita Blue Juniper trees and the hogan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The trees, once bigger and fuller, will be a noise block (including drums) for the neighbors when the ceremonies at the hogan take place.

Greg is married to a Navajo lady and the hogan was built for her.

Above, the entrance of the hogan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The view of the valley below from the hogan is a nice one. There is a 6-acre lot for sale across the street. I don't know what the asking price is.

Above, the workers and the equipment. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The hogan itself is not yet completed. It needs to have insulation, drywall and electrical outlets installed. Then, once all that is completed, a Navajo medicine man will bless the hogan so that it can be used.

Above, inside the hogan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the auger drilling holes for the trees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view towards the mesas from the hogan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the lot across the street that is for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view down Birch Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the hogan from Birch Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.