Part 2: Wednesday afternoon
Kevin had scoped a website that listed fossil-hunting places, and one suggestion was right off the Interstate just east of Flagstaff. It was a natural destination. We pulled off the highway toward Walnut Canyon National Monument. We saw big piñon trees
little piñon trees,
and tiny piñon trees,
but no fossils. We walked down the road. No fossils. We searched a wash. Still no fossils. So, we decided that the National Monument would be a nice diversion, so we drove the few miles and visited the cliff dwellings there.
The ancients were smart to pick these naturally-occurring overhangs to build their homes on the edge of a beautiful canyon!
After a nice hike (well, stair climbing and walk), we decided we'd try just one more stop outside the park to search the limestone again. This time, pay dirt! Or should that be, pay rock! We found a few embedded sea critters, and possibly a shark tooth. I don't have a picture. They are still embedded in the substrate, and they are very small.
We hit the road again and didn't have enough daylight for any more stops. Dang Winter sun!
I thought this coal-burning power plant was kinda pretty in its own way.
And the landscape was stunning in the setting sun.
Do not worry, there was no driving and shooting this leg (and only a few on the last leg!)
(Continue on to Part 3 here)
1 comment:
That canyon kinda looks like Bandelier.
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