A transcription of the photographed journal pages can be found at the bottom of the post!
(journal photos will be followed by a text transcription, in case the photos are difficult to read)
Monday, April 19, 2021
PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
When we set out on this adventure, the only thing I knew I wanted to do was to visit the National Parks the right way. None of this “See all 61 [63] parks” in a year” stunt business. I want to see the parks because I want to see the parks, to roll around in all their beauty and soak them up.
So what is the first thing we do in the first park we visit on this trip? Right. High-tailed it down the scenic drive at top speed with barely a pause to collect a couple mandatory scenic photos.
We swear, of course, that well come back and do it right – maybe we’ll even camp! But the fact is, I’m afraid that we might not. There are just so many things to see. If we don’t see them when we’re right there, will we really come back, or will we move on to a different place where every thing is new?
I really don’t know the answer, so the best solution seems to be “see what you can when you can.” Do it “right” when and if you can, but don’t skip it completely just because the visit won’t be perfect. Like so much of life.
So Petrified Forest! Being Black Hills locals, the immediate thought that comes to mind while looking out over the Painted Desert is, “it’s Badlands National Park, but in pink!” The formations here are, indeed, caused by the same geological processes that Carved our Badlands: eons of sedimentary deposits being slowly carved away by rain and wind. Fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient critters from as long ago as the Triassic can be found among the layers. The petrified trees turn up in the southern part of the park. I’ve never seen petrified trees in such a rainbow of colors.
We scuttled our way around one little walking trail, pausing for only the smallest (but most heartfelt) of Oohs and Aahs before taking off to meet our dinner date.
Oh! Beautiful quartzite trees, I will come back to admire you better another day!
❤ Laura
Thither & Yon 