Rebecca L. Bennett

Posts Tagged ‘mountain’

Casa Grande on Fire

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Sunsets really do set the Chisos Mountains ablaze at Big Bend National Park. This particular peak is named Casa Grande; due to its majestic prominence in the Chisos Basin valley, Casa Grande has become something of a poster child for the park. Dream on, hikers and rock climbers – park rangers adamantly deny access to the peak, since human presence tears up the fragile rock that gives Casa its character. Taken on January 10, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens. Click image to enlarge.

The Land of the Shadow

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“Then shouldering their burdens, they set off, seeking a path that would bring them over the grey hills of the Emyn Muil, and down into the Land of the Shadow.” – J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. In some places, Big Bend National Park does look like Mordor; as a land birthed in volcanic activity, the result is a valley of stunning, jagged mountains, striped ruddy, white, and black. Taken January 11, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens.

Gray Skies over Cerro Castellan

Gray Skies over Cerro Castellan

Gray skies blanket the Chihuahuan Desert in Big Bend National Park, near Castolon Village and Visitor Center. The prominent peak is called Cerro Castellan, which means “castle-warden’s hill.” Stretching 3,293 feet above sea level, TSHA calls it “a high stack of volcanic rocks.” Read more from TSHA here. Taken on January 11, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Nikkor lens. Click photo to enlarge.

Desert Free Climb

A free climber begins her winter ascent of Big Bend National Park's Burro Mesa Pour-Off, a desert waterfall that is only active after substantial rains. She made it into the cave, but the slick, volcanic rhyolite at the higher levels of the pour-off made it impossible to continue. Photo taken January 14, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G Nikkor lens. Entered in the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Contest. Click photo to enlarge.

A free climber begins her winter ascent of Big Bend National Park’s Burro Mesa Pour-Off, a desert waterfall that is only active after substantial rains. She made it into the cave, but the slick, volcanic rhyolite at the higher levels of the pour-off made it impossible to continue. Photo taken January 14, 2013 with a Nikon D7000 and 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G Nikkor lens. Entered in the 2013 National Geographic Traveler Contest. Click photo to enlarge.


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