More Swell Stuff

OK, that is a ridiculous play on words, but, whatever.

Saturday we gathered our trusty map of the area, and set out to see some sights we had missed the last time we were in the swell. When we last camped there it was April, and snow covered the ground. I really wanted to see a particular pictograph that is in the area, but we couldn’t get to it.

Not to be outdone this time, we drove the big ass truck through this small opening that goes under I-70, and were able to hike to where we needed to go.

The day started out very sunny, with blue blue skies. We hiked towards these tall sandstone bluffs. The dogs were feeling their oats that day too. Roxy refused to go in her backpack and had a blast running along. Torrey was ALL OVER. To say she had a fun day would be an understatement.

When we reached the bluff, we found the pictograph easily. I don’t know why, but they call this pictograph the head of sinbad. Makes no sense really. Because of where this one is located, it is in perfect condition. Thankfully the idiot vandals have left it alone too.

Again there is the snake motif, and who knows what going down either side of the figure.

It is probably 3 to 4 feet tall. And eerie, but so awesome. Notice the four legged animal has hands.

A few feet away was this pictograph. It was under a part of the bluff where rain water ran down, so it wasn’t in the best of shape. Well, after 3000 years it’s pretty good actually. This figure looked like ET to us.

I have seen so many of these barrier canyon style figures that look alien like. Do you suppose the ancient people had contact with life from other places?

Because these bluffs are sandstone, they weather in the most unusual ways. Sharp eyed hubby saw this way up high. Sadly, it was a heart rock I couldn’t take with me.

We decided to hike all along the bluff and see if there was more to see. We found one other partial panel, but it was pretty eroded. We went around to the other side and enjoyed the view.

We got very lucky and a big rain storm just skirted us as we hiked back to the truck. After almost 6 miles, we were glad it didn’t drench us too bad.

As we were headed back to the house I had to have a picture of this…unusual…outcropping. I’m certain this giant boob has had it’s photo taken many times.

We were also lucky to find some wild burros. There are wild burros, and wild horses both on the swell. This was a first for me though so they must hide pretty good.

The perfect ending, to the perfect day was this beautiful sunset.

The next day we were going to leave, but that didn’t quite happen. We had a lovely wander in the desert instead, and I found some rocks to add to my collection. I love the big one!

We rarely hike on a trail, and we rarely go the same way twice.

We forge our own path in our life, and in the wilderness.