At first, we thought it said Burro Mesa Pulloff. That seemed to make sense. Maybe this was an historic location where burros pulled off to rest, drink water, and chew on a desert bush or two. Then we saw it was Pouroff. So what’s a pouroff? A contest between bartenders? We read the National Park info board. Apparently water poured off of Burro Mesa and down into this gravel canyon during thunderstorms, flooding it. Given that the canyon was quite beautiful and that there were no thunderheads looming overhead, Peggy and I decided to go for a walk.
Today’s post was supposed to be about Big Bends Chisos Mountains. I even included a ‘teaser’ photo in my last blog. When I reviewed our photos, however, I quickly decided that a fourth blog was needed. This is it. There may even be a fifth. Most of today’s photos were taken along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive shown below.
Ross Maxwell Scenic DriveThe little green hiker might be in a heap of trouble if water came pouring down the two steep canyons off of Burro Mesa.Peggy at the beginning of the trail. The buff colored rock is volcanic tuft.A close up.We were particularly impressed with the colorful tuft formation above the trail.And took several photos of it. And now for a potpourri of other photos we mainly took along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Road and a few thoughts on why we took them.Layer upon layer seeming to tumble down the cliff.Erosion can create wildly wonderful rock sculptures and this is one. We thought it looked like a dog. Too bad it didn’t look a bit more like a chihuahua given its location in the Chihuahuan Desert. Chihuahuas, BTW, got their name from the town of Chihuahua located in the Mexico portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. Geologists love deserts. There is little to hide the rocks. Peggy and I love deserts for the same reason. We are particularly fond of the formations like shown in the previous photos and the color shown in this one.It was worthy of a closer look. Peggy sees a face!Reds also capture our attention. Note the two red outcrops on top of the hill…I had a fleeting thought: Garfield.I liked the balance here, but even more the wisps of cirrus clouds that seemed to be rushing toward the divide.These layers of rock speak of millions of years and conditions from ancient oceans to deserts.Layers of rock resistant to erosion form cliffs that go on and on…Stretching off to the left…And to the right.This peak’s erosion had created a unique look.A different perspective.We’ll conclude today’s post from a distant look back at the Chisos Mountains, where we will go in our next post. Maybe.
Really spectacular scenery. I’m glad the weather allowed you to make that hike. Funny Garfield ears, too. Isn’t it interesting how our pictures tell us what the blog topic should be. 🙂
What’s the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Are they illustrating what we are writing about or are we writing about what they illustrate? I guess it’s a bit of both. Either way, it is spectacular scenery.
What amazing rock formations! Just when you thought that rocks all look the same…no! My kids like to go to Republic, Wa. to hunt for fossils. Have you been in that area?
Today is 94 degrees here in Olympia. I am parked by my fan with a large orange juice and some good reading! Stay safe…I know you know about hydration!
The Southwest is chockfull of rock formations that dazzle. I haven’t been to Republic but came close this summer when making my way east from North Cascades. I ended up taking a route father south.
I’ve been watching that heat wave with high hopes it doesn’t make it to where we live outside of Washington DC. We’ve been having some lovely weather in the 70s and 80s! Stay cool.
Those are some majestic formations. I laughed at Garfield, and admired the peak with the ‘ring’ of rocks. I don’t remember seeing anything like that before. You’re sure right about weather caution on those trails. You no doubt read about the hikers in the Grand Canyon who got caught in a flash flood recently.
I’ve been working on the Chisos Mountain photos for Monday’s post (assuming I get it done by then), Linda. Not quite as colorful but lots of impressive peaks!
Yes I read about the flash flood. That’s the second one that side canyon has suffered over the past several years. Our son flew us into it when when he was working for the Grand Canyon helicopter tour company. Also, I walked up the canyon when I was on the Colorado river trip. Narrow, steep sides in places. You’d have to scurry to get out of the way in case of a flood. And kiss your boats goodbye!
Wandering through Time and Place 
You always show us something for me to admire!
A nice thought, G. Thanks. As we have often talked about, there is a great amount out there to admire.
Really spectacular scenery. I’m glad the weather allowed you to make that hike. Funny Garfield ears, too. Isn’t it interesting how our pictures tell us what the blog topic should be. 🙂
What’s the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Are they illustrating what we are writing about or are we writing about what they illustrate? I guess it’s a bit of both. Either way, it is spectacular scenery.
What amazing rock formations! Just when you thought that rocks all look the same…no! My kids like to go to Republic, Wa. to hunt for fossils. Have you been in that area?
Today is 94 degrees here in Olympia. I am parked by my fan with a large orange juice and some good reading! Stay safe…I know you know about hydration!
Wendy in Olyland
The Southwest is chockfull of rock formations that dazzle. I haven’t been to Republic but came close this summer when making my way east from North Cascades. I ended up taking a route father south.
I’ve been watching that heat wave with high hopes it doesn’t make it to where we live outside of Washington DC. We’ve been having some lovely weather in the 70s and 80s! Stay cool.
Those are some majestic formations. I laughed at Garfield, and admired the peak with the ‘ring’ of rocks. I don’t remember seeing anything like that before. You’re sure right about weather caution on those trails. You no doubt read about the hikers in the Grand Canyon who got caught in a flash flood recently.
I’ve been working on the Chisos Mountain photos for Monday’s post (assuming I get it done by then), Linda. Not quite as colorful but lots of impressive peaks!
Yes I read about the flash flood. That’s the second one that side canyon has suffered over the past several years. Our son flew us into it when when he was working for the Grand Canyon helicopter tour company. Also, I walked up the canyon when I was on the Colorado river trip. Narrow, steep sides in places. You’d have to scurry to get out of the way in case of a flood. And kiss your boats goodbye!
I’d still tune in for a “contest between bartenders”. hahaha
With drinks on the house!
I got a chuckle out of your “contest between bartenders” joke!
Cheers! Grin.
I wonder if desert regions spawn more geologists than forested regions. Less out of sight, out of mind…
Could very well be, Dave. Rocks are hard to ignore out in the desert, that’s for sure!