Ice in the desert
For seven years, in the winter I have been hiking in the high desert near Elephant Butte and Caballo. I knew, intellectually, that the Gila National Forest was to the west, but I knew little about it. That changed when Jim and I went exploring for something new.
We found a wonderful area. The streams cut passages through the rock walls. With care, one can make their way along the stream bed. Sometimes it is all but impassable.
Sometimes, it is easy.
What we found there were treasures. Some were tiny falls dropping into pools.
Some were more substantial falls.
The REAL surprise, though were the ever-varying ice formations created along the stream. The varicolored rocks in the stream bed are joined by reflections on the frozen crystal forms from the canyon walls.
It seemed like there were new attractions every few feet.
The topper, for me, was this sculpture of a boot in ice. It’s all there – the sole, heel, laces and pants leg.
So, finishing out the year, here is one more unusual image for this area – snow in the mountains.
Happy New Year to all.
Recent Comments