Once I was reasonably confident that I wouldn't be shot as a trespasser, I parked the van. The dogs jumped out and took off running with a special sprightliness--O Happy Feet!--that is reserved for sandy washes or decomposed granite trails.
What a pleasant surprise it was to find a geology of decomposed granite, like a miniature version of Prescott's Point of Rocks. Notice the crumbly texture of granite.
Many granite knobs looked like heads from a sci-fi B movie.
This granite gargoyle has a double head.
It was an enchanted land of elfin rock forms. It was a topography that grinned.
Naturally there were yellow and orange poppies all over the place, but on one steep hill side they were so resplendent that I finally had to gasp--though not for the color alone. When flowers are packed thick they seem to drape over and accentuate the three-dimensional shape of the land. It is a joy that comes primarily from the foot.
Walking up to this spot we apparently intruded on the territory of this raptor. I fumbled nervously and frantically with the camera and zoom. It is remarkable that this photo turned out as well as it did.
It's a clear image, but it's lacking something. This isn't Olan Mills, bird! Show us what you're made of:
...Ahh, that's better.
It landed on the highest rock and scowled at us. I tried to frighten it into flight, but it remained unflappable.
