Earlier this year, we were searching the
Cottonwood Basin Tuffs for
hobbits. Nada, not even Harry Potter !!!
However,
Teepee Rocks (as the locals call them) are a favorite spot for birds and other wildlife. Small tracks can be seen etched into the
indentations in the fumaroles.
Many are pocked with holes or circular indentations. Others have a wavy look, signs of years of wind and water erosion.
A large amount of calcite deposited within the fumaroles give them their
cemented look and sandpapery feel.
They also hold the distinction of being among the few remnants of fossilized fumaroles found anywhere in the United States.
Our party tired quickly from the heat. We did have
DREAMS of seeing Harry Potter, but our dreams faded suddenly into reality.
Somebody thought they heard Yoda speaking to Luke Skywalker, but it was just the desert wind whistling through the cheesy walls of towering tuff.
Excuse me? That wasn't Skywalker, it was RICHARDS!
February 4, 2009