Saturday, April 23, 2011

Rock formations and a dangerous cooler...

On one of the last days of our trip to Arizona, we hiked down from the top of Chiricahua National Monument with our friend Roger. It was something like nine miles, mostly downhill owing to the shuttlebus we took to the top early that morning!

Roger kindly brought lunch and beer, although his cooler was just a little alarming...


No rattlesnakes on this day, though! Just tasty sandwiches.



It was windy and cool at the top, but the panoramic views of the rock formations were stunning. These are rhyolite tuffs, rock formed from the ash of a long-ago volcano. What a gorgeous national park.





The columns of rock were very impressive, whether you were up close or far away!




A pretty cactus blossom juts out from the rock.



Roger and Gordon, two intrepid hikers.



 I was really impressed with the hiking path.



 There were lots of astounding balancing rocks. How does that thing stay up there?!




 I wanted to give this one just a little push!



 I think it's obvious why this tree is called Alligator Juniper! Note the bark.



More stupdendous scenery.







More tomorrow!

8 comments:

  1. I enjoyed these photos WHILST taking a break from cleaning this hairy house. That must have been a fascinating hike you took. It looks amazing. I posted about your blog this morning.
    Have a Happy Easter.
    Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5

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  2. Anonymous4:07 pm

    It's amazing how wind and water leave such carvings behind. There is something like a spiritual quality (??) in such breathtaking landscapes. Beautiful.

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  3. Deb, it was one of my favourite parts of the trip. Truly a spectacular place. And thanks for the great blog write-up about me and Katie. Happy Easter to you too!

    CogDis, spiritual is exactly what I thought when I was there. I keep wishing I were back there on that trail, NOW.

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  4. Absolutely great pictures of some stunning rock formations.

    (hope Roger cleaned the cooler before putting your lunch in it LOL)

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  5. What fantastic rock formations!

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  6. Paula, I didn't ask! :) I stayed well away from the cooler.

    LBM, it was a beautiful place.

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  7. I love the balancing rock pics. Amazing. Breathtaking photos. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. My pleasure, Lynn. I want to go back.

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!