 |
| Alien Arch |
Let's go check out that alcove.
The lower alcove is shallow, but the upper alcove is quite large.
 |
| View from inside the alcove, looking out. |
Interestingly, there's a shallow wall of rocks lining part of the opening to the alcove. The rocks have weathered over the years, but it's obvious they have been placed in this location and they have been here a long time. Hikers from years ago? Miners? Native Americans? Another desert mystery.
 |
| Heart rock! |
 |
| Wave rock! |
It's been a great hike, but as the sun sets, it's time to start heading back. We need to hike directly toward that center mountain peak. Somewhere over there is my car!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the holidays!!
Oh wow, I love your adventures. And your bravery in clambering inside those alcoves that I know are just loaded with snakes, That rock wall is very intriguing. It appears to be built with thought and skill. Frustrating that they can’t tell us who put them there. I bet an archeologist would find all sorts of stuff there to help date the structure.
ReplyDeleteIf I don’t “talk” to you beforehand. Have a great Christmas!!
Superb,the landscape looks so alien it's beautiful. I can see why you love the area so much
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenes.
ReplyDeleteThose skies, the landscape. A hiker’s dream! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the rock formation on pic#4, makes me wonder how it came to be.
ReplyDeleteIs that a giant turtle in pic#7? If so what´s up with the white paint on it´s back?
Rock heart rocks, it´s very rare to find heart shape in nature.
Yes, a tortoise shell. The white stripe is where pieces of the shell have broken off/weathered away over time. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteAmazing landscapes.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos as always, but that B/W sky is amazing
ReplyDeleteWow excellent shots and what an adventure. The landscape there is so different than the forests here. Love that 4th shot---the broken hole I call it. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteMB
Another glorious set of well-composed and beautifully executed images from the desert. Can't choose a favourite; I like 'em all!
ReplyDeleteWhat John, immediately above, said. I couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteStunning views, Brilliant clicks.
ReplyDeleteAs always beautiful especially the last one.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your pictures are amazing. My favorites? Heart rock, tortoise rock (or two tortoises? Inquiring minds want to know!) And the sunset at last. No, really, they are all my favorites.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alana. That is a tortoise shell, and one of the shell pieces has broken off and is sitting on the ground. Looks like a small tortoise, but it's not.
DeleteWhat a great visual journey through the land you and I love!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWOW all over again. Sherry & I do so enjoy the beauty you find and save for others. SOME are almost unbelieveable.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS
Sherry & jack in Florida
I find the rock in your shot number #4 simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a nice and peaceful Christmas time!
A tortoise?!
ReplyDeleteYes. Well, the shell anyway. Not a live tortoise.
DeleteAnother great series of wonderful desert pics !
ReplyDeleteI have such a fascination and love for desert landscape, probably because I grew up in the pine forests of Wisconsin and this is so different. Love your photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic trip! I love your photos! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe wave rock is amazing, but so are the plant-looking clouds in the sky, and the detail in your 3rd capture - very interesting - Yes, December is a time to get behind, that's why I took 3 days off, to catch up on my own things:) Have a great weeken!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tour of the rocks along your hike. I am s disappointed we aren't stopping at Joshua Tree on the second leg of our RV Adventure. I really enjoy having a nice place to sleep and stay, but I miss the days of pitching a tent in places like Joshua Tree. Maybe when the newness of hookups wears off we can do some boondocking. - Margy
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Is the tortoise alive?
ReplyDeleteNo, unfortunately, just the shell. I've never seen a live tortoise in this area in all my hikes
DeleteBeautiful sky and rock formation from your hike. I think I see 1 big and 1 small tortoise. Are they alive?
ReplyDeleteJust a tortoise shell, Nancy. The one that looks like a small tortoise is actually a piece of the shell that has fallen on the ground. There are 4-5 pieces missing, which is what makes that white stripe on the top.
DeleteThe alcove with the rock wall seems like a great place to live. I like the view out of it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful desert photos as always.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the holidays.
That was a great hike with lots of wonderful things to see. I enjoyed it very much! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos. Felix Navidad.
ReplyDeleteWow! You have some great images here.
ReplyDeleteYou really walked a good distance. That perfect circular opening is amazing. Love the monochrome sky images. That looks like an enormous turtle shell!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable - These Are Terrific Photos - Gorgeous In Every Way - The Heart Rock Is A Game Winner - Absolute Solitude With No Evidence Of Man - Righteous Brother
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hello, beautiful scenes and photos. The rock formations are cool and the sky is lovely. I wish you and your family all the best in 2020, Happy New Year! Have a happy day and new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years Eve Brother - All The Best To You And Your Family In 2020
ReplyDeleteCheers
Glad several people asked you about the tortoise shell - at first I thought it was a test to see if any of us are paying attention! Lovely shots. Happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDelete