Saturday, July 30, 2016

Shiprock For A Saturday...!

Let's take a little trip today to a place I've never been to.

Lot's of old stories about this place and a few myths as well. I can understand why when I look at it.

Shiprock

Legends surround this jagged rock formation in the New Mexico desert



Rising high above the surrounding desert, the rock formation known as Shiprock has long been a point of fascination.

This striking volcanic plume was formed around 30 million years ago, developing as a plug within the vent of an active volcano. Over time, the rest of the volcano eroded away, leaving the jagged outcrop all alone in a vast expanse of plain. At over 1500 feet, it’s the tallest structure for miles and miles.

The structure is an epicenter of legend within the Navajo culture. Called Tsé Bitʼaʼí or “the rock with wings,” myth says that the Shiprock was a piece of land that became a bird, carrying the ancestral people of the Navajo on its back. At sundown, the enormous creature settled in its current desert location and promptly turned back to stone. The newly-arrived people settled on the rock’s peak, leaving only to collect food and water. However, one day the outcrop was unexpectedly struck by lightning, stranding members of the tribe among its shards. Since then, the rock has been forbidden to people, who may disturb the ghostly spirits of those left behind.

Although the steep, perilous sides of the Shiprock were once considered a great prize among rock climbers, human ascents have been expressly off-limits since 1970, in accordance with Navajo custom.

Interesting to look at, but I don't think I want to go camping there, know what I mean?

Coffee out on the patio this morning!

9 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

No, you might get struck by lightning, like the other folks!

HermitJim said...

Hey Gorges...
I don't think I'd get a "charge" out of that, so believe I'll pass!
Thanks for coming over this morning!

JO said...

That is quite an impressive rock smack in the middle of nothing. I'm glad they put an end to people climbing all over it. Next would be graffiti.

We had a great storm here last night so your patio sounds good to me.

Dizzy-Dick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dizzy-Dick said...

Thanks for telling us about the old legends, I love hearing them. That sure is an impressive hunk of rock!! Just sitting out there in the middle of flat prairie.

Sixbears said...

Better a shiprock than a shipwreck.

Nice pot of French roast this morning, before it gets too hot.

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
Yeah, we even got a little rain yesterday. Helped to cool things off!
Thanks for dropping in, sweetie!


Hey Dizzy...
Really impressive, isn't it? I'd like to see it someday!
As far as telling the legends...I do what I can. Some are pretty interesting, to say the least!
Thanks for the visit this morning!

HermitJim said...

Hey Sixbears...
Boy, you got that right!
Thanks for stopping by this morning!

Kyddryn said...

Curiosity might get me killed, but I'd go camping there. It looks so beautiful and lonely. Poor old bird, left behind by all its people. Bet it'd like the company for a night.

I hope you're doing well, Mr. Hermit, sir.

I'm drinking iced coffee, because it's to hot for hot!

Shade and Sweetwater,
K