We beached our boats on the Mexican bank at around 11:00, across the river from the distinctive rock formation that gives this post its title. The Mexican side featured a broad, flat area, perfect for a lunch stop. But before eating, we had some exploring to do.
Since it would be impolite, we won't mention how the group left me behind while I retrieved my camera from the canoe, or how Eddie (who decided to stay with the boats) pointed me in the wrong direction as I hurried after them. Suffice it to say that my scramble up a steep hill, and then back down when I finally spotted the correct path, featured some close encounters with cacti and other sharply pointed flora which didn't seem to share my difficulties with the loose footing and dislodged rocks. Once safely down, I snapped this photo of the river and, in the background, Zoltan's canoe tethered to our trusty Dagger Dimension.
At least Joline waited for me at the entrance to the narrow side canyon into which the others had disappeared. She helped boost me up the narrow funnel-like opening in the rocks which led up into the canyon proper. The rock surface had been made smooth and slick over the ages by water racing through the canyon to join the Rio Grande. Joline had hiked up this canyon on a previous trip, and decided to head back down to the boats so that she and Eddie could trade tall tales about river trips and dance steps.
The view looking out of the canyon entrance back towards the Rio Grande and the sunlit cliffs on the U. S. side of the river.
I finally caught up with the rest of the group as they were working their way up some boulders blocking the stream bed. Mike was able to negotiate the obstruction thanks to much "helpful" advice from Susan. Sandra posed for a shot in one of the more open areas of the narrow canyon.
Cynthia tries unsuccessfully to keep her distance from Zoltan and Mike.
The paddlers climb another obstruction.
A female Monarch butterfly was kind enough to pose for a picture.
The walls of the canyon rose up steeply on each side.
Deep shadows alternated with intense sunlight.
After about 45 minutes of hiking into the canyon, Prester signaled that it was time to turn around and head back down to the river for lunch. It would have been nice to continue up the narrow, dry stream bed to see if and how it climbs up to the mesas it drains. Maybe next time.
Mike showing off his battle scars from the rocky climb and descent.
The setting really lent itself to vertical shots.
Cynthia and Mike cautiously descended the rocks where I had caught up with the group on the way up into the canyon.
Sandra made a leap of faith. Then Mike got to instruct Susan - a real role reversal - as Yvette kept a careful eye on her charges.
Susan seemed to enjoy the spectacle. Mike held the way open for the group, but Sandra apparently was not overly impressed.
It took us about thirty minutes from our turnaround point back to the canyon entrance (or exit).
One last look back into the canyon, and a shot of me at the entrance.
Looking back towards the canyon entrance.
The view back upstream from our lunch spot.
Yvette and Prester clean up the "kitchen" after another great meal, while others take photos or wander around aimlessly.
Joline and Sandra led the way as we got back onto the river.
Rabbit Ears towered silently over us as we paddled past. How many visitors had these rocks watched glide by in the past?
Note: For an additional 49 photos of our stop at Rabbit Ears, click on this link to my Flickr page.
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