I might have to put this post into a context of riverbanks, or you’ll think I’ve lost my mind. My sense is that I’ve just opened it a bit. This blog IS called a waterblog, and there is water in this post, but there’s also–like negative space in photos–“negative water” here, i.e., geological structure and bones resulting from water now gone. But given the “water cycle” idea, is the water ever gone. But enough talk . . . to the photos.
Heading south from Alpine, then Marathon, sand in some flats show that water has flowed here.
In a place like Big Bend, the fossil record is rich, and
[hat tip to the truckster series] scientists have been coming here for some time.
The fossil discovery exhibit was the first place I stopped inside the NP.
That’s my brown hat on the tip of that plaster replica of the deinosuchus skull.
Other small craft appear in this post, but this one was used as a fossil sled.
That rift is the Santa Elena canyon. That’s Mexico to the left and the US to the right, and
yes, those are folks on the Rio Grande for recreation.
Here Mexico is to the right.
Nope, I saw no desert beaver, but the frogs croaking in this canyon were loud!
Lots of canoeing opportunities exist.
OK . . . here’s a gratuitous photo of the reporter.
All photos [except the last one] and any errors, WVD. If ever there’s been a gallivant post, this is it.
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March 14, 2023 at 12:33 am
Phil Little
I may have missed your planned itinerary, but if you were to continue north, through El paso, Albuquerque and Taos, then NW on hwy 64 to the bridge over the Rio Grande, you will look down, far below, on the white water rafters in the swift narrows! This part of the country, the Sangre De Christos, from Taos over through the Raton Pass up into Colorado, if you are “in the neighborhood” so to speak, should not be missed. The Taos Ski area is such a climb that half my party claimed altitude sickness! That phenomenon evidently did not deter the summertime downhill mountain bikers going further up to the peaks from there on the ski lifts! Crazy!
Driving up to Taos from Albuquerque, at one point, suddenly, you see the Rio Grande across the plain in front of you, I think the only spot in the US where this panorama is so visible.
Also, if you’re “in the neighborhood” you can visit the Taos Pueblo, the Native American village.
Sure and it’s not the 6th Boro, but since you’re down there, oh I love those lands!
March 14, 2023 at 11:22 am
Les Sonnenmark
Will, there is definitely beauty and history where there used to be water flowing. I see where you’re going with this post: having impressed Elon Musk so he’ll take you to Mars, you would document the negative water space of the canals, which have fascinated Earthlings for centuries.