A Little Adventure

I hadn’t seen another soul since the afternoon of the previous day. It was a bit refreshing to be out on my own and alone for the first few days, but the lack of company was starting to get to me. I was also starting to miss my family a bit. Based on those feelings I decided to cut my trip short by one day and make this my last morning in the Bisti. I had scouted an area for some sunrise shots, so I was up before the sun again hiking across the empty expanse of the Bisti. I passed through the Bisti Gateway before dawn and took a quick photo.

The Bisti Gateway before dawn.

The area I selected for my morning photo shoot is an area referred to by some as the Henry Moore section of the Bisti. I has a lot of small to medium sized stones scattered about in some interesting formations. Turns out it isn’t the most fantastic morning location (maybe late afternoon would be better…not sure), but it was nice.

Early a.m. light on the rocks.

A close-up of my favorite pair of rocks in the area. There were a number of obstacles between these rocks and the lowest light creating some annoying shadows.

Tall stone and friends.

My favorite rocks a bit later in the morning.

Looking down the Henry Moore valley.

A different angle on my favorite pair of rocks with their hoodoo friend.

I left the Henry Moore area with the idea I would return to my car and get an early start home. As I left the pull of one more look at the nearby petrified forest overcame my desire to get home early. I grabbed another shot of the Bisti Gateway to contrast with my earlier shot and headed off toward the petrified forest.

The Bisti Gateway later in the morning.

The broken petrified log in mid-morning light.

I titled this image, “Hoodoo City”, although I think it is a bit too small for everyone to get a sense of the grandeur of the city. It is a great little section of hoodoos.

The large, petrified log from a different angle.

End view of the large, petrified log.

With that image I put an end to my trip. It was very enjoyable. I saw a lot of beautiful country and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also came to understand that the beauty of the landscape is enhanced when you have someone around to share the excitement and beauty. Soloing has its advantages and disadvantages…