Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Hiking Around Marble Canyon


We went on several short hikes from our perfect camping spot 2 miles south of Marble Canyon, AZ. We first walked down Badger Canyon towards the Colorado River.


But we only went about a half mile before we ran into a big dropoff.


They must have some nice flash floods here - this looked like a headlight from an old car.


So we turned around and went back to the road and went up canyon a ways.


Prince's Plumes were blooming everywhere. They're one of my favorite flowers.


This looks like snow, but it's not. Anybody know what it is? Calcium?


They we went up three canyons near where we were parked.


They didn't go very far, but had some really interesting geological features.


The white layers in this rock can be cracked off.


Check out this unusually carved rock.


And then the next day, we walked up Cathedral Wash, located between Marble Canyon and Lees Ferry. Once again, the Prince's Plumes were outstanding.


We had a wonderful view of the Vermillion Cliffs, with its unique rock formations.


And remember the California Condor I saw without a number or radio transmitter? Well, I sent this picture to the condor gurus, and they were very excited. Basically, they think this is the baby from a polygamous condor group that they had been watching. Highly unusual - only the second time it's been known to happen. This "little" guy has 2 mothers and 1 father. The trio shared parental duties, and got along fine.

8 comments:

  1. That really does look like an interesting area. Good for you for following us on the condor question.They should name the baby after you!

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  2. Gaelyn (Geogypsy) would be excited about this condor discovery.

    My life is just one big plan-change! It works!

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  3. You're a hero, finding that baby Condor. :c)

    It's just amazing, how wind and rain form those rock shapes. Mother Nature is quite an artist!

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  4. Nice outing = and soo much nice weather.

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  5. Nice hiking spots!! I think the white is chalk? Maybe..
    WOW you discovered a rare bird for sure!!

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  6. Nice time on the trails. Cute condor! Maybe the white stuff is borax, like in Death Valley?

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  7. Beautiful photography..... My friend just bought an RV, so I thought I'd noodle around and see what it's all about. Nice blog.

    Lou

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  8. I think the white coating is gypsum.

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