32 replies to this topic

[ski3pin]

Julie and I discovered we had an opportunity to travel, so we did. We wanted to celebrate the Winter Solstice and we felt up to the task. This will, again, be a multi part story. All parts are now completed and posted to our blog.

 

The Winter Solstice Trip, Southern Nevada - December 2023 - Part One

 

The Winter Solstice Trip, Southern Nevada - December 2023 - Part Two

 

The Winter Solstice Trip, Southern Nevada - December 2023 - Part Three

 

The Winter Solstice Trip, Southern Nevada - December 2023 - Part Four

 

We hope you enjoy coming along on the adventure with us!

Edited by ski3pin, 06 January 2024 - 07:35 PM.
updated

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Very interesting start to another great trip.

The Aztec sandstone sure is nicely eroded.

 

And some nice rock art.The "new" illegal art added

sure was made to look like old style.

Why do people do that ?

Thanks.

Frank

[AWG_Pics]

Great report about a very fun exploration. Death Valley at this time of year is lovely and, as you found, quiet. I am a huge fan of Myron Cook geology videos. Easy to follow and very clear in a non-patronizing style.

 

No fan of driving through Vegas, even just to get to the other side.

 

A fun and possibly true explanation for the round balls you found are that small grains are rolled back and forth in the waves of ancient shorelines as the grains slowly accumulate a cemented rind of calcite. They end up as drifts of roundish sandstone balls. The same thing may occur in limestones as well (we found some in DV's Cottonwood Canyon several years ago.)

 

Thanks for sharing your adventures. Looking forward to episode 2.

 

(I am not going to respond to the modern graffiti of fake petroglyphs because a red haze blocks my vision when I think about it.)

[camper rich]

I can't wait for Part Two

[ski3pin]

I can't wait for Part Two

That is very kind, thank you! I'm just finishing it up and it will be posted this afternoon. It has a couple of surprises.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I’m having a difficult time getting all the photos to load, so didn’t get to be jealous towards all of them, but rest assured the jealousy is there for those I could see.  Superb TR (the part that loaded), and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to tag along.  BTW, I believe the load issue is on my end.

 

Thanks for the vicarious journey, and hurry up with part two

[rubberlegs]

Neato part one report! We wonder if the "interesting shapes in the sandstone that I’m curious as to how they form" are tufa like the caves near Grimes Point, Nevada. But I ain't no geologist and can't even play rock music.

 

I can think of only one excuse for new petroglyphs. If Native Americans are experiencing their culture, it can make sense.

 

That video on the old rocks on top of new rocks is fascinating. 

Edited by rubberlegs, 04 January 2024 - 10:08 PM.

[ski3pin]

I'm up to the task. Part Two is completed -

 

The Winter Solstice Trip, Southern Nevada - December 2023 - Part Two

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Boy lots of great Geology. All the fossil tracks what a bonus.

 

Thanks.

Frank 

[AWG_Pics]

Geology hint for part 2: You two were wandering around on the extreme western edge of the Colorado Plateau (think layer cake geology like in Grand Canyon) at or very near where the Basin and Range geologic province begins. Imagine the west end of the 3 day old lovely layer cake falling off the edge of its' serving platter and spilling onto someone's plate filled with fresh from the oven sliced turkey and mashed potatoes covered in hot gravy.