Wandering through Time and Place

Exploring the world with Curtis and Peggy Mekemson
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    • Where the Colorado and Green Rivers Meet… Canyonlands National Park

      Posted at 9:41 am by Curt Mekemson
      Jul 25th

      A gargoyle-type rock perches above the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park.

      I have a weakness for gargoyles. Their grotesque features appeal to my sense of humor. Or is that warped sense of humor? Whether I am touring a medieval cathedral or visiting Gotham City, they leap out and capture my imagination. Thus I was delighted when I came across a gargoyle-type rock hanging out above Canyonlands National Park.

      Canyonlands is where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet. The down-cutting erosive power of these two rivers combined with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau and six million years of time are responsible for the breathtaking multitude of canyons and rock formations found in the Park.

      A trip out the park road to Island in the Sky provides views of both basins and other prominent park features. A detour to Dead Horse Point State Park off of the main road shows the Colorado River doubling back and almost meeting itself in a major meander known as the Gooseneck.

      The Colorado River winds around and almost meets itself at Gooseneck. This photo is taken from Dead Horse State Park and is looking down into Canyonlands.

      Flowers, twisted juniper trees, wildlife and distant mountains add to the scenery.

      Both Canyonlands and Arches National Park are easy day trips out of Moab in southeastern Utah. Sego Canyon with its fascinating examples of Indian rock art that I blogged about recently is also within easy driving distance.

      One of the Southwest’s best known Indian rock art sites, Newspaper Rock, is located on the southern road into Canyonlands National Park. I will feature the site in my next blog.

      Finger like canyons working downward to the Colorado River gradually cut away at the harder rock of White Mesa. This picture is taken from Grand View Point at the end of Island in the Sky Mesa. The maze-like canyons that disappear into the distance provide multiple reasons for the Parks name.

      Flowers, like this Indian Paintbrush, add a dash of color to Canyonlands.

      Junipers, even young ones, tend to look old, but this guy has obviously been around for a while.

      Raven has a special place in Native American lore. His tricky ways, croaky voice, and ability to survive in extreme conditions give him a special position in the bird kingdom.

      Spring is sprung but this young buck is still wearing his winter coat. While it may not be the height of fashion, it’s warm.

      Distant snow-covered mountains, multi-colored rock cliffs, deep canyons and picturesque trees are all part of the Canyonlands National Park scenery.

      Stark tree.

      It is easy to lose yourself in the vast open spaces of the Southwest. My wife Peggy and Cloud prove the point.

      The semi-arid climate, erosive forces of nature, and geology of Canyonlands National Park and the Southwest combine to create unique natural sculptures.

      If my memory serves me correctly, these two sculptures are called the Beehives.

      This massive monument of sandstone greets visitors at the north entrance to Canyonlands National Park.

      Posted in National Parks | Tagged Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Canyonlands National Park, Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park Utah, gargoyle, Gooseneck at Canyonlands, Green and Colorado River meet, Green River, Island in the Sky at Canyonlands, Moab Utah, Sego Canyon
    • Arches National Park… The National Park Series

      Posted at 6:28 pm by Curt Mekemson
      May 14th

      The soaring arches of Arches National Park create magnificent scenery.

      I added Arches National Park to my must see list when I read Edward Abbey’s book “Desert Solitaire.” I highly recommend both. The Park is located just north of Moab in the scenic state of Utah. You can pick up Abbey’s book by following my link, or better yet, visiting your local bookstore.

      The eroded sandstone of Arches National Park forms some of the best stone sculptures in the world. Its claim to fame, of course, is arches, some 2000 of them, but I was equally impressed with its soaring pinnacles, massive balanced rocks, groupings of sculptures and long, thin ridges.

      There are also Desert Bighorn Sheep in the area, often seen near the Visitors’ Center. Check out my blog on these magnificent animals.

      Desert Big Horn Sheep are frequently seen near the Visitors’ Center at Arches National Park. The Peripatetic Bone decided to join a sculpture of the Big Horn Sheep at the Center.

      Ancient Native American Petroglyphs are found throughout the West and often feature Big Horn Sheep. This petroglyph is found in Arches National Park. Note the Indians on horses.

      Utah has several other National Parks that I will feature in future blogs including Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion. You can visit these parks in a week but spending more time is definitely better. Each is worth a week itself!

      I’ve been back to Arches National Park twice and have every intention of going again. Enjoy the photos.

      Rock sculptures come in all shapes and sizes at Arches National Park. At one time arches would have connected these sculptures.

      I took this photo on my first visit to Arches National park. The two arches are the same as I featured in my photo at the beginning of the blog.

      The stone sculptures at Arches National Park often form interesting groupings as demonstrated by the picture above and next three below.

      I thought teepees when I saw these sculptures.

      The dark sky above these sun-lit rocks added drama to this view.

      Parent with lots of kids?

      Erosion often leaves rocks precariously balanced at Arches. I wonder how long this rock will remain on its perch. it could fall tomorrow, or in a thousand years.

      This impressive structure at Arches National Park is called the Courthouse. I call it V.

      A final arch…

      Distant snow-covered mountains add to the beauty of Arches National Park.

      Posted in National Parks | Tagged Arches National Park, Desert Big Horn Sheep, Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey, Moab Utah, National Park Series, Utah
    • Bush Devil Ate Sam

      The Bush Devil Ate Sam is an important record and a serious story, yet told easily, and with delightful humor. This is one of the most satisfying books I have ever read, because it entertained me thoroughly AND made me feel better informed. —Hilary Custance Green: British Author... Click on the image to learn more about my book, the Bush Devil Ate Sam, and find out where it can be ordered.

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