Road Trip ~ Desert Lessons continuedOne of the most interesting features of the high desert area of Joshua Tree are the rock formations. Other worldly looking, they were created 100 million years ago from magma cooling underground which were later exposed and eroded by ground water. Composed of a very rough type of granite known as quartz monzonite, they are popular with experienced climbers and neophyte scramblers alike. I used to enjoy the more technical climbs but these days I'm content to do the more modest stuff.
I love the old wild west stories about Joshua Tree including cattle rustlers who were rumored to hide their stolen cattle among the boulders of Hidden Valley. Or the gravestone of one settler who killed another over some sort of dispute. There are even petroglyphs (sp?) left by Indians but, unfortunately, they have been painted over by modern man.
I must admit, I'm more fascinated by the rocks than by the stories. It's a toss-up which I like better ~ looking at these formations or sitting on them. If you get high enough, the views are spectacular. If you get intimate enough you will be rewarded by a plant growing in the cracks or a lizard scurrying over the surface.
Yes, I like this natural architecture. It pleases me, inspires me, and calms my soul
.
No comments:
Post a Comment