Foto

This is a close-up of a very colorful log found in the Petrified Forest in the Painted Desert of Arizona. You can see the contrast between the desert sand on the right and the beautiful crushed petrified logs on the left. I gave a description of the area in a previous photo but I will add here that an estimated 12 tons of petrified wood is stolen from the park each year. There is a stiff fine of $325 for anyone caught removing anything from the park. I have to admit it is tempting to pick up these beautiful stones and put a few in your pocket. We were overwhelmed by the vast expanse of these crushed stones but realized they would quickly disappear if everyone who visited took even one piece. We actually bought some from the Indian reservation just outside the park boundary. The natives collect many samples from their own land and have carved beautiful furniture and animals from the stone.