Dripping rock ravine
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0059.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Turban Lichen (Cladonia peziziformis) was still hanging on. It was there when we were there back in the summer.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0061.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Purple Cliff-brake (Pellaea atropurpurea), mosses, and Turban lichens.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0076.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Hanging roots and a hole in the side of the ditch.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0078.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
This nostoc was laying on the ground. It was partial dry and wet. The black part is dry. Looks alien to me.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0071.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
The sandstone had such cool patterns.
Close up.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0090.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Love the layers and the mud drips down creating these pictograph like images.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0091.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Looks just like wet paint spilled.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0092.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Close up.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0093.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Here the drips get more 3 dimensional.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0094.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Close up.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0096.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
More.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0108.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
That red rock was just that red. The afternoon sun illuminated it perfectly.
Pebble Pixie-cup lichens (Cladonia pyxidata). They are cups for the fairies. 🙂
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0103.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
What do you make of this one?
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0104.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Luckily there is a path along the creek for the humans, but Gracie appreciates the water.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0130.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Pottery wasp’s casing. Looks like something opened it up or that is where the larva emerged. Do you see the spider’s exuviae?
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_0106.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
A dead end to the dripping rock ravine and that’s all from Monday’s grasslands adventure.
Keep looking!
A good day! Looks like Gracie agrees!
What a great set of photos! And, since you asked, that root mass towards the end looks like the Balrog from The Lord of the Rings to me.
Suzanne, Since I am not very familiar with the Lord of the Rings, I looked up Balrog and I agree it does resemble it. And thanks, it is a wonderful place!
Those drips are really beautiful. And the closer you get the prettier they get.