We had so much fun the other day rockhounding and exploring that we are going out again. This time into a different section of the Gila Mountains. The section we are accessing is from a little town called Chloride. As we’re coming into town we see a tree growing in the middle of the road. We’re like, why would you leave that one tree and route the road around it? As we get closer we are able to read the sign and everything becomes clear. It is the Chloride National Forest. I’ll bet the town folk are a hoot.
This road we are on is less mountainous than the one we were on the other day. We are in more of a canyon with high cliffs on either side of us. We’ve traded the view from the top, to one of the rocks. Impressive none the less.
We just can’t seem to get away from this snow.
We did come across some petroglyphs. There is a National Park marker that we almost missed it is so small. There are tick marks and other drawings. We are wondering what they could mean.
There is plenty of water and rock overhangs that this was probably a great place for the natives to make their home. We found a lot of nooks where the rock was heavily blackened from fire soot. This second set of petroglyphs we found are more weather worn, but you can still make them out.
I’m amazed at how life manages to thrive in the desert. This prickly pear cactus is growing on top of a rock. There is plenty of soil around the rock, but it is growing on the rock instead. I can’t keep a plant alive under the best of circumstances.
We found some cool rocks and a few nice crystal cluster pieces. John is happy with his haul.
As we make our way lazily across the county, our next stop is Deming, New Mexico for a couple of days and then to Silver City. I’m anxious to go to Silver City and see all the Billy the Kid stuff.
