Thursday, November 18, 2021

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!


42 comments:

  1. ...each is spectacular! I'm not sure if I could use my walker there!!!

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  2. If you're the weak link, it's a very strong chain.

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  3. Dearest Peter,
    Wow, you really hiked with two great companions!!
    That was so worthwhile for getting there for the views and beautiful slide rock images.
    Looking forward to the second part.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  4. I've known many older people who are much more fit than their younger friends. Great examples all!

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  5. Wow fantastic pics. Clouds, rocks amazing.

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  6. I really like the 9th one. Nice arch and great sunburst.

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  7. You sure are a fun bunch in a wonderful place!
    Wonderful pics again, impressive clouds!

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  8. The one you labeled, "One of my favorites" is MY favorite. What a great picture. I can't get around nearly as well as I could even a year ago-- Age suddenly catches up with you... Oh well. A great hike, a great post.

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  9. Beautiful photos of the rocks. So different from our counry. Have a nice weekend ! Greetings Caroline

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  10. Amazing captures and so adventurous!

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  11. The desert is full of mysteries and that rock chute is certainly one of them. Wonderful photos throughout your hike.

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  12. Amazing area. A geologist I bet would have a field day explaining all the different rock formations.

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  13. A great hike again. Those guys seem to be real daredevils. Hights are not my cup of tea.
    I like alle the strangly formed rocks and the impressive clouds over the rocky peaks.

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  14. As always very beautiful photos, and the clouds are very special.
    Greetings, Marit

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  15. WOW love the water catches and the boulder lifting, but the most amazing is what I would call the Ballet leg and foot stretching to touch the rock, what a formation. Loved them all..
    sherry & jack

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  16. Amazing, as always. My favorite was "More Water". I'm glad you had some company this time.

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  17. Awesome hike, Love the photos showing the rock formations, natures art. I might have tried the chute, but then I may have just admired it

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  18. You are in amazing company ~ the people and the places ` awesome photography ~ Xo

    Living in the moment,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  19. Wow! It really looks like a volcanic landscape there with hardened lava flows galore! It's so nice you have good hiking buddies to share your adventures.
    I'm always surprised to see water in a desert. Colorado has been unusually warm and dry this autumn and that may lead to a serious water situation in many Western states unless our snowpack begins to pick up.

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  20. So interesting - and I really love Superman Roger and his boulder :))

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  21. This is a geologist's amusement park!

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  22. That "slide" is a fascinating rock formation. I like your "uh-oh" picture and how the clouds are seemingly billowing out of the rocks!

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  23. It's always so exciting to accompany you, and let me say on a personal note I'm thrilled you are not out there by yourself or with a child. It's none of my business but I've come to care about you. Thanks for these wonderful shots. And your comment over at my blog. Appreciate it

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  24. This is another wonderful post. Nice to be able to hike together and you all are so fit to hike such height. Beautiful photos.

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  25. A wonderful spot you visited. The rocks are realy special to see. I have the impression that more water is comming from heaven soon :-)

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  26. Endless groovy formations. I'd be the weak link in any group, except maybe a party of sloths.

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  27. What a wonderful opportunity to do this hike with such congenial company. Looks like great fun :)

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  28. I've been away from blogging for quite some time but was excited to see you are still hiking in the desert. We are enjoying the Tucson Mountains right now, but are down on the flat looking up at the rocks from here. - Margy

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  29. Greetings and Salutations! Oh my goodness. Those slide rocks do look slippery. You three are really having a good time together. Nice to have good friends to hike with. Your photographs are top notch. Have a nice week.

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  30. I like how you always discover different formations and I think anyone younger than 40 is a young whippersnapper LOL

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  31. Slide Rock is amazing. What an interesting hike!

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  32. Don’t care how fit those other two are, it is you who is taking those amazing pictures. Stunning. Thank you! I am in awe of the beauty and your talent, and, I confess, also in awe of the climbing ability of all three of you, especially the one closest to my advanced age! No wonder you call Roger “Superman.”

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  33. Another wonderful set of photos and gorgeous scenery. I'm a bit jealous of Roger.

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