Well attended hike, about 15 people for both the Boca Negra and Rinconada Canyon portions. Roy Moody was there for both and finished Rinconada in record time so he could get to his beloved LOBOS game.
Those who joined us for the Rinconada Canyon hike were treated to a walking descriptive tour of these petroglyphs by US Park Ranger Larry Gore, a retired history teacher. Larry was well versed in the particulars of many of the petroglyphs including the fact that the Park Service is working with the Spanish government to compare certain petroglyphs to the brands of Spanish ranches. He also mentioned there may be at least one petroglyph, photographed by Richard Brown and Neil MacDonald, that has “out of this world” origins. Though there were many interesting markings, I thought the most interesting is at the turn around deep inside the canyon, a perfectly symmetrical drum face which was also photographed and shared by Richard Brown.
Before leaving, Ranger Gore recommended a hike through the Piedras Marcadas Canyon, near Golf Course and Ellison Roads, where another 400+ petroglyphs can be found.
Sorry Judy and I had to leave the hike early for the unexpected arrival of a family member. Thanks to all who attended. Glad everyone enjoyed the coffee. Cheers, Ed Fallon and Judy Bentley (hike leaders)
Pictures contributed by Richard Brown, Neal MacDonald and Scott Lake.
- Boca Negra – Group photo with balloons over the Sandias (by Neal)
- Boca Negra – Balloons and the Sandias from crest of canyon (by Neal)
- Boca Negra – Human figure? (by Neal)
- Boca Negra – Mysterious symbols (by Neal)
- Boca Negra – Macaw (parrot) (by Neal)
- Boca Negra – Human and animal forms (by Neal)
- Rinconada – Ranger Larry Gore (by Neal)
- Rinconada – Human bird figure (by Neal)
- Rinconada – Ranger guide explains how Spanish shepards branded rocks not sheep (by Neal)
- Rinconada – 1919 inscription (by Neal)
- Rinconada – Design ( by Richard)
- Rinconada – Cougar (by Richard)
- Rinconada – Cougar (by Scott)
- Rinconada – Spanish sheep and other images (by Richard)
- Rinconada – “Space man” (by Richard)
- Rinconada – Snake with head? (by Richard)
- Rinconada – Snake? (by Richard)
- Rinconada – Face with feet (by Scott)
- Rinconada – ? (by Scott)
- Rinconada – Smiley face (by Scott)
- Rinconada – Hummingbird with breath (by Scott)
- Rinconada – Spanish sheep brands with sheep symbols (by Neal)