Nature's Pure Abstract Art

The John Day Fossil Beds in Central Oregon are world famous as one of the best areas on earth for the collection of evidence of prehistoric life. The fossils, found by the thousands, are mainly 7

to 45 million years old and chronicle the majority of the Cenozoic era. The climate during most of that time was warmer and wetter than today. Many areas of those prehistoric soils have turned from dirt to hard clay, and are rich in fossils. But, equally amazing, the clay is almost impervious to plant life; it's too hard and dense for roots to take hold, and most water that falls on it runs off. Thus, the fossil lands are badlands, with all sorts of intriguing shapes. They are multicolored, depending on the chemical composition of the clay. Erosion patterns are stark and precisely defined. Being barren, the clay assumes an elemental, abstract form. Ma Nature can be really cool!

Somehow, a single rock became situated in the middle of this clay hillside. By the way, I learned that the red clay in these formations is called Bentonite. It has several commercial uses. Among other things, it's made into kitty litter!