Thursday, December 2, 2021

Slide Rock (Part 2)

 A couple people commented on my Part 1 post that this area looks like a geologist's dream, and I agree! Much of Joshua Tree National Park is geologically interesting, but this area particularly so.

After discovering what we are calling "Slide Rock", we are starting our hike back to the trailhead. The light is getting really good, and the sky is clouding up. My favorite time of day!

It looks like there's a little valley down there, but it's getting late and will need to save this for another trip. We can also see a little alcove. Let's see if I can crop it so you can see it better.
 
Do you see the alcove? Mitch and I agree this is on our "top 3" hikes to do in the near future. Not sure we can navigate through the boulders and trees, but very much worth a try!
 


Fantastic rock formations, and one of my favorite photos from the hike.


Travis, finding a high point for a panoramic view.

About half way back to the trailhead, we're getting light rain and lightning strikes off on the horizon.
 
An excellent example of soil erosion in this wash. The manzanita roots are up on the side wall. At one point, perhaps many years ago, the roots would have been underground. Flash floods can push large amounts of water down these washes and cause significant erosion.
 

Mitch, Roger and Travis heading down a wash on the hike back. I always seem to be lagging behind because I can't help taking pictures!
 
Mitch, following a wash.



Our cars are down there somewhere, about a mile or two from this spot. A little light drizzle and lightning on the horizon. Beautiful!
 



A hint of a rainbow!

The weary hikers... Mitch, Roger and I. Photo by Travis.
 
That wraps up our Slide Rock hike. I can guarantee that we will be returning to check out that valley and alcove on a future hike.
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Thanks for stopping by!

30 comments:

  1. ...I wouldn't be able to stop taking pictures either!

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  2. Wow, some incredibly wonderful shots. The rock formations look a lot like those at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Preserve that my wife and I visited last spring.

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  3. fascinating desert, with an amazing light and a wonderful changing sky

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  4. What always strikes me about these landscapes is one thought: not the sort of place you want to twist your ankle in.

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    1. So true, William. Walking back to the car with a bad twist would be difficult at best. I'm always careful, and my hiking boots help with ankle support, along with my hiking poles.

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  5. Dearest Travis,
    Even your photos make you a little 'addicted' to these rock formations and wanting to see more and in more detail.
    Nature has such gems out there!
    The ending couldn't be more dramatic with those clouds and onset of rain and thunder...
    Thanks for capturing your story the way you do; it is contagious.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  6. Those rock formations are very interesting looking. Kinda creepy, in my opinion. I hope you made it back to the alcove sooner rather than later.

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  7. Looks amazing. Great post and pics.

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  8. Dramatic photos and what strong trees there, being exposed to the sun and still thriving.
    :-) Same here, I always have to run cause I stop for pictures (certainly not such beautiful ones).
    Aw, and a rainbow!
    May I come back to your offer, we switch places for a couple of months?

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  9. you've given us even more blow me away pictures. Gadzooks!

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  10. In between the beautiful skies and the amazing rocks your photos grab me. Such amazing landscapes.

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  11. That manzanita roots on the rock. Really fantastic and nature on its best.

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  12. Wow, these are amazing fotos of an amazing countryside.
    All the best, have a good time
    Gerda

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  13. There are certainly some really nice rock formation going on there so it would be a geologists dream. The formations look really high to be climbing easy

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  14. An awesome place and fantastic photography ~ definitely a 'return to place' ~ Xo

    Happy Days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  15. sSon fascinantes, los preciosos paisajes de tus fotografías.

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  16. I would be miles behind the other hikers, still taking pictures all the while. After your last post, you had me thinking food and I saw both "Biscotti Ridge" and "Delicata Squash Valley". Probably I'm the only one seeing that, too. Don't mind me!

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  17. ha. I"m like you, I'm always the one stopping to take photos of things that others wouldn't bother with.

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  18. Gorgeous captures. The rock formations remind me of walnuts 😊

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  19. The rock formations are beautiful. Thank you for showing us the beauties of the desert without us going there in person. Happy weekend.

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  20. The rock formations in this area are simply breathtaking. It's a spot well worth exploring. Don't you love the smell of the desert when it rains?

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  21. I'm glad you find taking photos irresistible :) I'm looking forward to your return to climb to that alcove.

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  22. My thought echo William Kendall's - the terrain looks pretty treacherous for twisted ankles! Lovely to be back looking at your hikes as dull wet winter is here in Blighty. What a show-stopping header!

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  23. YOU'RE STILL blogging! I've been off for a long time. Looking to see who is still around...I'm deleting 90% of 'my list' ... very few active there.

    Did you stop posting in flickr? I don't recall seeing you there recently.

    Anyway...nice to drop in, see all these wonderful shots.

    Cheers from Tampa
    -Mac

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    1. Hi Mac. Yup, still here. GREAT to hear from you!! I have pretty much stopped posting of Flickr. Just every once in a while. Mainly just my blog and a couple desert photography groups on Facebook. Keeps me busy enough. Hope you are well!

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  24. Incredibly beautiful landscape and pictures
    I would really like to visit

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