Newberry Crater Ramblings

Yesterday I went up to Newberry Crater National Volcanic Monument and did a little hiking and exploring. I found this tree that seemed to be questioning everything!

This is kind of an abstract shot. Bayond the forest, the jumble of rocks is an obsidian flow, about 1300 years old. The obsidian is volcanic rock that has a 73 percent silica content, about the same as window glass. It has cooled rapidly and retains its glassy form as a result. It has long been prized by the local Native Americans, who made first rate tools from it, especially arrowheads and spear points.

Here's a picture from within the obsidian field. The black, shiny rock assumes many jagged forms, with each facet reflecting light differently. It's quite surreal. Obsidian is rare; it's only found in a few spots throughout the world.