Bisti Badlands - Gray Green Black

by Debra Martz

Title

Bisti Badlands - Gray Green Black

Artist

Debra Martz

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Bisti Badlands - Gray Green Black by Debra Martz. There is something to be said for freeform hiking...you have no clue what will be around the next corner. There are no written guides, no arrows nor signs marking the way. I love the surprise element and boy was I surprised when I saw this sight! My jaw dropped and I stood in place just taking it all in and wondering "What Next?" This place, this wilderness, these badlands would be ruined if they were ever marked or maintained trails were to ever be put into place. Don't go alone and keep looking all around you to keep your bearings.

I ran across the Bisti Badlands/De-Na-Zin Wilderness a few years ago while searching for new places to see in New Mexico. Finally the time came that we would make the trip there. The closest lodging and RV parks are in Farmington and we arrived just before the visitors center closed. Oddly enough they only had one printed letter size paper with some latitude/longitude directions with a few very small pictures. The lady I spoke with knew the badlands existed but having lived there 14 years had never gone to see this unearthly type of beauty.....because, she said, "there are no restrooms." What? Oh well.... I picked up the Farmington Vacation Guide and found a little more info in it. And I quote, "If you want high-priced, slickly manufactured entertainment, go to Disneyland; if you want a cinematic prism through which to have a multi-dimentional experience, consider the Badlands of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. That fact there are no marked trails in Bisti leads to a freeform style of wandering, where the paths you choose are entirely up to you and your instincts. These are badlands, meaning you will be exposed to the elements and there are no water sources, so it is important to prepare accordingly." And also, as the lady said, no facilities!

As for the freeform style of wandering, it is important to find the taller landforms as markers....they even disappear as you wander so make some cairns when possible. Just when you think you know where you are, you start second guessing yourself.

...........................
©Debra Martz

Uploaded

October 21st, 2017

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