Saturday, December 14, 2013

Malpais National Monument

Monday, July 22, 2013

We have dipped down south of Route 40 to see an area that John had seen on his way back from a Nebraska harvest a year or so ago.  This is the Malpais National Monument and it is spectacular, particularly with the storm in the background and the light on the rocks.  A perfect time for some picture taking.


This area is part of a large volcanic basalt flow, which you can see below the cliffs.  Of course, it was home to ancient indian tribes, and it was the Spanish who called it Malpais, meaning bad country.  The backcountry is full of caves, petroglyphs and sacred areas.

The Acoma Indians have a mesa near here, subject of the next story.


Homesteaders gave it a try here but didn't last long.  It's a pretty harsh climate!

Even as we move away, the rock formations continue to amaze!


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