Slide Rock (Part 1)

 Today I'll be taking you along on a hike into the unknown. To a galaxy far far away. Well, perhaps not, but it seems like it when you get out there. The destination is based on viewing some interesting rock formations on Google Earth. As I've said many times, the boots-on-the-ground reality often looks totally different from the comfort-of-your-home satellite view. Not even sure we can get to the location we want to see, as the rocks look steep and challenging. But I can guarantee you it will be fun, regardless of where we end up!

Mitch, picking his way carefully across the boulders.

Travis (L) and Roger taking a break. I really didn't take any photos on the first half of the hike. As you can see, we picked a perfect day. A beautiful, partly cloudy sky, with a lot of blue. Warm but not hot. 

Travis is a professional guide and a young whipper-snapper (I think he's in his late 30's). Roger, on the other hand, will turn 75 on his next birthday and is just an amazing human being. A marathon runner, a daily hiker, and a gym rat, he's the most fit (by far) 75 year old that I've ever seen. Mitch and I call him our hero, and he can hike circles around me. I feel privileged and grateful to be able to hike with these guys. Trust me when I tell you I am the weak link!

 

The first big surprise of the day was the discovery of water! That's always a big deal in the desert. Not sure how long it had been since the last rain, but it appears to have been fairly recent. This area seems to be nearly solid rock, with lots of nooks and crannies for trapping water.
 

The second big surprise was finding this huge rocky chute, which we called "Slide Rock". How it was formed is a bit of a geologic mystery (at least to us). I figured there was likely a wash up on top that spilled over the top of this chute, and water flow over many, many, years formed it. But Travis, who climbed to the top of the chute, said there is no wash up there and no water source that he could see. Look really closely and you can see Travis nearly at the top of the chute. Just a stroll in the park for him!
 

The upper section of slide rock is nearly straight up and down. If you slipped and fell, your body would travel a long way before it came to a stop. No way was I going to attempt it, yet Travis and Roger made it look easy!
 

Travis, enjoying the view.

Uh-oh... Perhaps we're in for a change in weather??

More water!

Superman Roger, lifting a large boulder many times his own weight!

 

One of my favorites!

As you can see, things are really starting to cloud up. It should be an interesting hike back to the cars. Please join me next post for "Part 2" of Slide Rock hike. 

 

Linking with Skywatch Friday.

Stay safe and stay healthy!