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A Hike from Elephant Rock to the Needles
in Canyonlands National Park
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In those places where the trail sketched through small meadows the red earth was frequently covered with a thin black blanket of cryptobiotic crust. In these places the earth is literally alive with minute organisms that contribute essential nutrients to the plant communities that exist nearby. If the crust is broken it ceases to provide those nutrients and the plants wither and expire. An amazing example of the interdependance and fragile nature of life forms. I was happy to see that those who passed this way before me had stayed on the path.
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During one of the brief showers I sought asylum inside an exotic rock refuge, munched on peanuts, drank water, and contemplated my surroundings. In such a place it is easy to have very profound thoughts that go to the core of existence. The simplicity and simultaneous complexity of life becomes crystal clear and one wonders why we do so many stupid things with our lives. When the squalls passed by my sanctuary, I launched out onto the trail again relishing the insights without dwelling on the stupid stuff.
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I made it to the Needles and wanted to go further, but daylight was fading and I had to head back.to the car. All in all, that afternoon I probably walked nine or ten miles over some of the most spectacular terrain in the world and I had it all to myself. I plan to return at some point in the future and explore some of the other trails in the area.
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Abecedarius, 4/07
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