Dec 11: San Lorenzo Canyon
Sandcastles and yellow cottonwoods
I went down to San Lorenzo Canyon — a bit northwest of Socorro — a few weeks ago. Over the years, I’ve learned that its cottonwoods are often at their peak just before Thanksgiving. I wasn’t disappointed.
Many of the rock formations at San Lorenzo look as if they must surely be the remnants of God’s long-ago sandcastles. As if the sea washed in and out, over and over, for centuries — until one day it never came back, and what remained of the sandcastles hardened in place.
Here’s another view of the same cottonwood as in the first photo, which is where the canyon more or less becomes a box.1
Some of the cottonwood’s leaves had fallen into a small rock bowl beneath the tree.
And here’s a view of the canyon itself. It’s quite wide, so wide that you (and all your buddies too) could easily drive through it — which is exactly what most folks do.
I have a clear favorite between the two photos but I’m wondering if any of you like one more than the other. If yes, which? And why, if you know?
The first photo of the cottonwood more at a distance is the best visually, especially because of the peek of sunlight just at the rock summit...I am sure this is the one you prefer as well.
Mike Fisher
I particularly like the intimacy of the cottonwood leaves in the rock bowl. Close-ups of nature in its living and dying moments always attract my attention. I prefer that one even more than the others, which are also beautiful, Lisa. thanks for sharing this lovely place.