Bisti Badlands Creatures

"Double Headed Hoodoo" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

A double headed creature of sorts that lives in the Bisti Badlands in the mid upper region of New Mexico. For photographers, we don't see it as a badland, but more of a photographer's paradise-full of eye candy waiting to be 'shot'. The terrain is spectacular and as you climb over each ridge, the color scheme can change to vibrant red and ochre earth tones to a monochromatic black, gray and white scene. Just like that. For miles and miles. The hoodoo formations are amazing as are some of the shapes of rocks-one area contains a 'garden' of what looks like egg-shaped rocks. Another area has rocks that look like cracked eggs. 

But, hey, if you want to know why badlands are called badlands, Wikipedia has a great explanation:

"Badlands are a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water.[1] They are characterized by steep slopes, minimal vegetation, lack of a substantial regolith, and high drainage density.[2] They can resemble malpaís, a terrain of volcanic rock. Canyons, ravines, gullies, hoodoos and other such geological forms are common in badlands. They are often difficult to navigate by foot. Badlands often have a spectacular color display that alternates from dark black/blue coal stria to bright clays to red scoria."

"Hoodoo Bart Simpson" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

This one looks like a huge curtain of rock with Bart Simpson up on the left waving at everyone below. Yep. All those shapes and contours give this seemingly 'lifeless' land to be full of strange creatures standing as sentries for each other. I imagine they come to life at night and wander around visiting with each other and as soon as the sun's light starts to peek out over the horizon, they all scurry back to their respective stations. 

That's my story and I'm sticking with it!

Come join us every week, as a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!