Sunday 9 March 2014

Arizona Sand

As some of you may be aware I was away from my home base for much of the last two weeks - a work trip took me to Scottsdale in Arizona.  And as is my way, I managed to organise a couple of spare days to exploration while I was there.

As a result the next few posts will be based around these few spare days, rather than my normal Australian peregrinations.

At the end of a long day of travel - which took in my first views of the Grand Canyon - we stopped for yet more coffee at Cameron, which is a small settlement on the Navajo Indian Nation, near the Little Colorado River.

Just outside of Cameron we stopped to look at a rather good sky - but I was (temporarily) distracted by the sand under my feet. The low evening sun was picking up the hundreds of rounded crystals half buried, half exposed, by the sand.  They were rounded - as where most of the other larger stones - which means (I think) that while I was stood in the middle of a desert I was standing on a river made landscape.  Given that I had been looking at the Grand Canyon for much of the day, this was hardly a surprise I suppose - but it struck me as remarkable.

Where ever you look, if you look hard enough, you can find surprises.


Once I mentioned the stones and crystals to the other people on the bus, many were uprooted and collected.  I think this is a little sad.  I rather wished I had not said anything about them. The crystals and stones will probably end up, pushed to the back of cupboards in frayed plastic bags, dull and forgotten.  I just wish people could leave things alone - memories are as wonderful (if not more so) than possessions.

Strange thoughts from a patch of water worn stones.

You can find more close up shots at Macro Monday 2 and I Heart Macro.

24 comments:

  1. Glad you enjoyed your trip to the states and Arizona! That's quite remarkable sand...almost looks like the stones were placed purposely.

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  2. I'm glad you had a good trip while you were here and I too see small details and still wonder when others have too have it pointed out for them. I hope you enjoyed your first trip to the Grand Canyon I never get tired of any part of it.

    D

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  3. Stewart, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Arizona..enjoyed the pretty details like the Arizona sand and rocks. And isn't the Grand Canyon just Grand. Happy Sunday!

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  4. It is interesting how people feel they need to collect every beautiful thing they find. I am guilty of collecting stone shaped hearts when I see them, but not every single one. I think it is good for others to have a chance to notice them in passing too. I hope you had a wonderful trip. I've not been to the grand canyon since I was a teenager with my family, a very long time ago. Thanks for sharing the love up-close with I Heart Macro:-)

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  5. Glad you enjoyed your trip over here Stewart! I need to make it out west to Arizona someday. I love the amazing variety of stones here.

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  6. Very pretty. Lovely rounded shapes in these stones. I hope you had a great trip.

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  7. Yes. It was all ocean once.

    And yes to your sentiments. I collect shells and stones the same way as I collect waterfalls... and skies ... and flowers .... only on my digital camera.

    Looking forward to reading more of your adventure. Glad you didn't have to work 24/7!

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  8. Take only photos...leave only footprints...I wish more people practiced this method of sight-seeing.

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  9. Lovely pictures of rocks, one of my favorite things. I must admit to being one of the folks that pick up a rock. None in boxes, though, displayed as objects of beauty.

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  10. An interesting take on the Arizona countryside!!! It's amazing what people take as souvenirs...if it's a national park though...it's a felony!!!

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  11. Good thoughts, Stewart.. I tend to collect a small jar or bottle of sand or shells from most place I visit.. I'm not into "things", and those are my souvenirs. You give me food for thought though - I may rethink that in the future!

    These are the kinds of stones I'm used to seeing all my life. It's very interesting how the stones & sediment vary around our country. I look forward to more sharing about your trip!

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  12. Love your photo and I agree with you. I never pick up things...I take photos. It´s enough to carry the camera. I´m sure you loved your trip!

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  13. Thanks for your comment earlier on my blog -wow, snow falling in the Grand Canon while you're there, must have been fairytale like! That little Colorado river runs all the way to the North of California's Yosemite Nat. Park:)- my fave park (probably also snowed there).
    Hope you'll get to take some awesome pics on your trip!

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  14. Ok- I always take 1 (one) stone from wherever I go…I cherish them and I love to take them and look at them. Would never take shells or plants or what have you…nor would I buy any antiques , I think they belong to their countries.

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  15. Forgot to say that I hope you loved your trip.I was speechless when I first got sift of the Grand Canyon….just amazing.

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  16. I'm going to write down a version of your brilliance for future pondering...might even end up...surely WILL end up in one of my novels

    'memories are greater than possessions.'

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  17. And a photograph is a great way to capture a memory.

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  18. I am a rock and stone lover, so these treasures would fascinate me. Such a range of colours and patterns. Mother Nature is a rather clever designer.

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  19. I totally agree with you. These things mean much more in the context they were found in.

    The area you were in has been under the ocean at least a couple of times that we know of. It's not unusual to find shells and other ocean related fossils in that area.

    I really like that you notice the details!

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  20. I love rocks and display the interesting ones I find. YOur photo is also a good way to take a piece of the Arizona sand home with you.

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  21. Just catching up on your posts Stewart. Sounds like a great trip.

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  22. Just catching up on your posts Stewart. Sounds like a great trip.

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  23. I'm glad you looked closely at the Grand Canyon State!

    Poppy-Filled Sky

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