The rest of Sunday was boring as I just wandered around downtown Flagstaff. Had a crepe for lunch and popped into a bunch of different shops, but took no photos. I got back to the rental early and planned to make an early night of it.
Did you know that Arizona eschews the observance of Daylight Savings Time? Kudos for them, but it's totally screwed with my inner clock. 7:30 at night local time and I'm wondering why I'm so tired. Oh, right! That's 9:30 at home. I thought this would work to my advantage as I plan to get to the Grand Canyon super early to get some good light for photos. However, I found myself tired, but restless. Around 11pm I decided to save the Canyon for another day and planned to get up later and go to the Petrified Forest National Park.
Let me just start this by saying this post will be photo heavy. I know that some of the phenomena here are fascinating, but instead of going on long diatribes on how petrified wood is formed, I'll link to Wikipedia articles so you can read all about it at your leisure.
I hit the road a little after 9am and it took me an hour and a half to get there. Let me start by saying that Park Rangers are cool. I don't think I met one in my entire life that wasn't awesome.
I entered the park from the North Entrance and, to my eternal regret, skipped the gift shops before the entrance. I didn't do my homework and didn't realize that you don't exit where you come in...duh.
Ranger at the gate spoke fluent sarcasm. I was jokingly greeted with a "What do you want?" to which I quickly replied, "I want an auto pass please." I was asked the obligatory questions about firearms, explosives, and rocks (because they will check if you are taking any rocks out at the exit). Apparently, petrified wood smuggling is a real problem. Got my map and my pass and was cheerfully sent on my way with a "the next 4 miles of road are under construction, so have fun!"
First stop was Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor's Center. I glanced quickly over the dinosaur exhibit, books, and t-shirts. Through the back door was the area referred to as Giant Logs.
Yes, all the tree trunks littering the ground are solid rock and they are *everywhere.*I
They're made of quartz and this is a detail.
This is the largest tree at the park discovered so far. They've named it "Old Faithful."
When I was done wandering the trail, I headed back into the museum where I met another Ranger, who I believe was named Dusty. Dusty was telling people the best stops along the Petrified Forrest Highway for the best views and sights. He highlighted my map and off I went. I deviated from Dusty's suggestions once...and learned that Dusty knew what he was talking about.
Next stop was another petrified forest called "The Crystal Forest." I wasn't going to walk the 1-mile trail...but I started wandering and couldn't stop.
See! I was there.
This is a Collared Lizard, which was right in the middle of the trail near the end. He stayed still long enough for me to take a few photos of him.
Next stop was the Blue Mesa. Actually, it was several stops as it was a loop off of the main road. There was also another 1-mile hiking trail which I started out on, but there were some steep drop offs, which freaked me out a bit (as did the drop offs from the road I was driving...still gorgeous!)
Then back out to the main road where you drive past a formation called The Tepees (luckily, there is a pull-over for photos).
Awesome, yes?
Then there was my unscheduled stop at Magazine Rock. There were petroglyphs! Gotta see them right?
You stand on a cliff *way* over them. They were in the shade and I'm very very zoomed in here. I should have listened to Dusty.
Next was an archaeological site of the Pueblo Period called Puerto Pueblo.
Ancient ruins and much more awesome petroglyphs. Dusty was right.
Next, there were several pull overs looking down over the Badlands that were amazing and awesome.
At the end of the line, saw a Ranger riding a horse out into the desert. Unfortunately, my camera was packed. Got a T-shirt at the South Entrance and took the 1.5 hour drive home. I was beat and a little burned. Yes, I was wearing sunscreen...
Today, I'm going to run some errands and do some in-town stuff. I'll find the visitors center and hit a museum or two I think.
Tomorrow is shot #2 at The Grand Canyon.
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