OK, so the top picture maybe shouldn’t have been chosen as the ‘dailypic’ I went back and forth on this. We toured parts of Joshua Tree National Park today – until it got too hot, heading back in a few minutes for cooler temps and a sunset and start photos. But before the temp crept up to 110 degrees, we hiked out to Arch Rock, or “The Arch.” It was gorgeous. I did my part to capture it, but it was the random sign I enjoyed most.
It reads:
“Geological processes have created this beautiful arch over time. But we must realize that in a geological framework, its existence is only for a moment, and it is not a final product. Erosion or wearing away will continue. Water will dissolve minerals on the surface and will seep into tiny cracks, causing them to expand and contract with temperature extremes. Bits and pieces of the rock will fall away, exposing new pieces to the elements. Wind will help wear it away, as will other agents in this environment. Then, one day, this arch will tumble only to be replaced with other unique shapes and forms.”
It took me back to the early 2000s when the Old Man on the Mountian ‘rock formation’ crumbled in New Hampshire. People went crazy, mourned, cried, and said we needed to rebuild. I remember thinking it was comical and sad – they seemed more concerned with the economics of their mascot’s demise. I am not trying to be mean, but the rocks were partially glued up on a mountain, held by wires, rebar, and hope, so their precious tourist attraction and face on the license plate would not disappear, then it did, quietly during the night when no one was looking. But today, I see this incredible feat of nature, and it has a sign that reminds those who see it that we are all temporary, so enjoy it while you can. Because once you’re gone, someone else will take your… sorry slip up… I mean, because once it is gone, we will find something else to enjoy that fills the space. I did my part to enjoy it and capture its beauty while it was still with us. Live Free or Die.
tr/trp
Fabulous shots as always!! Love the pic of you and your wife.
Thanks for the reminder of making the world a better place while we are here. You certainly live up to that expectation!!!
Perfect reminder of the ephemeral nature of all things…and smiling, once again, about the human connection to all of this!
Thanks for both the photos and the observations!
Beautiful!
Wow, great pics, thought you were gonna toss in an old man pic too! Going all philo on us too!!! Last pic is the best, enjoy each other and the vacay!