Saturday, October 6, 2012

Tonto (Crazy Indian) Bridge

While we were up in the piney coolness of the Arizona mountains, we stopped by the Tonto Natural Bridge. Did you know that Tonto means Crazy Indian? I didn't either.

Here's a view of the bridge from the top:
There's a trail to the bottom, you say? Just try to keep Bruce away! Even if there are fire ants.
It was just a short hike, but well worth it. The cavern under the bridge was impressively big, and there was a waterfall coming right over the lip of the arch.
 Ferns and mossy water plants were growing in the damp cave places.
 The mineral content in the water was forming Tavertine inside the arch opening. It was like seeing open-air stalagmites.
Here's more Tavertine forming as we speak!
 Being behind the waterfall reminded me of  The Last of the Mohicans, " I WILL find you!" Thank you, Daniel Day Lewis, for that mental image.
 Climbing around in there was slippery where the stone had been worn down.
 Crazy Indian- I mean, Tonto Bridge was a great place to visit.












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