I explored a volcanic fissure located amid the arid terrain of Central Oregon. Named "Crack In The Ground," it is about 2 miles long, averages 10 feet wide, and is up to 70 feet deep.
 |
| A Short Walk from the Trailhead to the Fissure |
Because it is made up of multiple sections, I had to climb down into the fissure, make my way along its bottom, climb back out to the surface, and then repeat the process for each subsequent section.
 |
| Inside the Fissure |
 |
| Deepest Section of the Fissure |
There were countless places where I had to scramble over or squeeze my way between the rocks.
 |
| About to Climb these Rocks to Exit a Fissure Section |
 |
| Narrow Squeeze |
A couple of times the passage became impassable, or I couldn't find a safe way to proceed.
 |
| Passage Blocked by Rocks |
 |
| I Couldn't Find a Way Down Into this Section |
When this happened, I backtracked to where I had entered that particular section. I then continued along the top edge of the fissure until I reached the far end of the blocked section and could climb down into the next one.
 |
| Above Ground Next to the Fissure |
 |
| Another Section of the Fissure |
 |
| Looking Down into the Fissure |
Rocks of many interesting shapes and sizes formed the walls and clogged the passages.
 |
| Rocks Stand Tall and Litter the Passageway |
 |
| Oddly Shaped Portion of the Fissure's Wall |
 |
Rock Covered in Bright Lichen
(Mother Nature is an abstract artist) |
 |
Rock Sculpture in Progress
(what will it look like in a thousand years?)
|
Hardy trees and plants made a home within and bordering the fissure.
 |
| Western Juniper |
 |
| Wild Buckwheat |
 |
| Wyoming Paintbrush |
A few desert creatures kept me company during my out-and-back journey.
 |
Brewer's Sparrow
(the many small birds made beautiful music) |
 |
Western Fence Lizard
(countless lizards darted over the rocks) |
 |
Juniper Hairstreak Busy Collecting Pollen
|
Comments
Post a Comment