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Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Ode To Tripod Rocks, Hanging Tough Against Time and Tourists


Three freakishly improbable rocks, all in a side-by-side alignment and supported by a tripod of three fragile, highly eroded columns...way out in the middle of nowhere.


Anxiety rises with each downward step as we plunge into a remote canyon in the far reaches of upper Zion. We are on a mission to revisit an old favorite feature we stumbled across well over 10 years ago...something I can only describe as a rare, almost supernatural find. 

Will they still be there, I wonder, still hovering off camber on their slope, defying laws of physics and ignorant tourists?

Plunging into wonderland
I fully expect something or someone to destroy the feature. It's happened before some 6 years ago. We arrived in anticipation, only to find one of the trio collapsed, laying prostrate on the ground like a favorite old pet who's time had come. 

It was the most delicate of the three features, its mud support system eroded to toothpicks. Perhaps the natural wear and tear of time and weather had finally come to bear...not all that different from the tireless passing of grains of sand through our own "hourglass." If time fells mighty mountains, what does that say about mere mortals and their pets? 

So I oft wonder what caused this once supernatural superstar boulder to fall to the ground, only to become just another pedestrian rock? Did it die because some fool tourist stood on it, all for the sake of a selfish Instagram selfie? There are parallels to be drawn between us and inanimate objects, and who better to ponder them but yours truly...



I've had a peculiar fascination with pretty or unusual rocks since childhood. Over the years, I've grown more and more attached to Tripod Rocks...thus my anxiety on this hike, that we might find another or both have met the same fate as their neighbor. However that happened, the felled rock deserves a mention, a proper epitaph, if you will. One day, hopefully not in my lifetime, the other two rocks will meet the same fate. It will be a shame, minor, but a shame nonetheless. As long as I'm alive, I will continue to make this hike for its swirling red sandstone trail and contrasting white promontories.  







Even with highly eroded support systems, the two remaining Tripod Rocks float in defiance of Time and Tourists...just like us.









Peace out,
mark and bobbie...on the road in Utah.

10 comments:

  1. Finally great pictures! Lol actually 10 years of great pictures and blog posts. Now about that book!?!?! Your business manager. Steve

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  2. HOLLY COW.....MOTHER OF GOD.......can't thank you two enough for that exploit and tale! God you bring that Zion back country to Life Mark & Bobbie....how lucky your readers are to lay their eyes and these Wonders of Nature that are out there for everyone to discover.

    Our first winter storm is just about to hit.....even calling for flash flooding, thunder & lightning (that's rare here) but we have a roaring fire going and the smells from the kitchen, well I could spend the rest of Winter right here.:)

    Can't wait to see some Snow Scenes in Red Rock Country...

    Stay Warm my Friends

    D. & A

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    1. Agree! yes, lucky to have Mark and Bobbie as our conduits to earthly beauty, and wow, what amazing photos for your memory book when you guys are in your 90s.

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    2. Heading out to get some snow shots today!!!

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  3. I don't remember how I found your blog, but I am so grateful I did. Every time I come here to find more beautiful pictures, I so appreciate the time and effort you put into it. I am retiring soon and hope to see at least some of this for myself. Thank you for your pictures, your hiking, and your ruminations.

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    1. How nice...I'm "grateful for your comment, Mary Jo :)
      mark

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  4. So beautiful and thos rocks are amazing. It looks warm too..I'm a bit envious.

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    1. Yes, but it started raining and snowing recently...currently 37 with rain and snow if that makes you feel better :(
      mark

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