John & Anne Wiley

2010/12/08

Rocky Returns

No, I haven’t gotten over it. I’m the rockhound that never quits. Here’s a sequel to the rocks from above theme. It’s not just the sculptural shapes of rock formations that I enjoy. Sometimes the pure texture of a rock will capture my attention.

3860 Texture Stories

3860 Texture Stories

What created the texture on these stones? Was it only mountain rainfall erosion of sandstone laid down when this was a slumbering sea bed, or might there once have been a hillside creek or pool involved? Did humans participate at any point? Who visits this spot since the ancient peoples stopped coming? How long before this is all but buried in thick, tall brush? As you can see in this next shot, large areas are relatively clear still from the recent series of wildfires on these slopes.

3858 Rocks Revealed

3858 Rocks Revealed

An even wider view brings in Tripp’s sturdy strut, easing me from rock reveries back to flying dreams.

3861 Ridge Roaming

3861 Ridge Roaming

The brighter area top-middle is where our shadow would be if closer to the distant ridge. I like the radiant effect when looking exactly opposite the sun’s direction, and you never see that from the ground unless on a mountain top. Any time of day aloft you can spot this, and if low enough you’ll also see the shadow of your aircraft painting an impression of the outline someone on the ground will see. If they ever look up.

Well, Anne got some interesting snaps on this flight. Will she share any?

Advertisement

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

%d bloggers like this: