As we mentioned, during our visit to Grants, the pawrents got a chance to hike along the El Morro National Monument.
El Morro National Monument is a natural rock formation that rises about 200 feet above the surrounding landscape.
The geology of the large bluff alone is amazing.
As snow melts and rain falls, it creates rivulets that lead to a naturally formed basin.
It is the only water hole for miles around and way back when, the water hole was also along a popular trail in the area and was a welcomed place to camp.
From Native American petroglyphs....
and the inscriptions of conquistadors of the 1600s
to soldiers passing through the area in the 1800s. There are literally hundreds of different petroglyphs and names carved into the rock.
This water hole was a major source of water for both local Native Americans and passing Spaniards traveling through the area, not to mention it was(and is) a popular place for wildlife to drink.
As the travelers came through, they left their marks on the mountain...literally!
From Native American petroglyphs....
The park does there best to preserve the current carvings and prevent the current generation from leaving any graffiti.
The pawrents still talk about how amazing it was to see so much Southwestern and Native American history in one place!
The pawrents still talk about how amazing it was to see so much Southwestern and Native American history in one place!
Needless to say, this hike made the pawrents very happy
(as you can probably tell by the smiles on their faces).
Most importantly, Rosy and I were happy to get a nice nap in before our next Lava walk!!
Grants was a nice, relaxing place to spend the weekend and we had a great time both with friends, and with just the family. There is so much nature to explore and fun to be had. The Ice Caves, El Morro National Monument, the collections of ancient volcanos and lava flows. This, along with watching trains and looking at the old parts of Route 66 are just some of the things to do in the area.
We are so very happy to be able to have all of these attractions within two hours of home and know we will be back to visit.
ooh that was intereting... imagine that... so many moons ago people wrote a message in the stone.... and its still there... wow
ReplyDeleteGorgeous portrait of you Sunny. Those rock formations and the history of all the cultures to whom they have been important are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderfurs!!! It reminded me of my walk aroud Uluru (once called Ayers Rock), particularily the extra precious waterhole. And wherever Mankind spends any time, it leaves its mark... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
What cool stuff to find. We would turn it into day trips if it is that close to home. It's fun to think about who all those people were that passed by so many years ago.
ReplyDeleteSo much beauty and history and the water hole is amazing!
ReplyDeleteyou are living my dream of seeing the wild wild west and all points west. what a stunning place this is... that water hole is amazing... we need your CAM at that hole to see what visits after dark
ReplyDeleteDearest Sunny what a wonderful x 87 pose you are sharing this morning. AC loves your long lady legs doing a hangover. Beth and Ed OMDs what glorious photos of the beautiful park and landscape. Hugs HiC
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful adventure. Hubby and I would love to do this very thing. Beautiful shots too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches to the pups and my best to the peeps. ♥
That is such an amazing place! You look so adorable sweet Sunny!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a lovely place to go more than once! I appreciate the tour.
ReplyDeleteI love it. It is beautiful there.
ReplyDeleteWow...what a fabulous hike in a truly special area. Loved seeing the water basin and the petroglyphs. And very cool seeing the historical signatures!
ReplyDeleteLulu: "Wow, that's a big rock all right! I bet everyone was always so relieved to get there and know there would be water to drink!"
ReplyDeleteJava Bean: "Humans sign their names on things a lot more permanently than we dogs do ..."