Grimes Point Archaeological Site (https://www.blm.gov/visit/grimes-pointhidden-cave-archaeological-site)
We will be home on Thursday. I was hoping for another week, but I am tired and need to get back. I had trouble using manual focusing lenses while shooting film on the trip, and many of the shots were taken at f/8 using zone focusing. My last visit to the Optometrist revealed a cataract, but the doctor was not concerned that it would be a problem. I will contact him when I return.
These petroglyphs have been dated to be almost 4000 years old. Petroglyphs are formed by carving on the desert varnish that develops on rocks over time.
DESERT VARNISH
Desert varnish is a thin coating (patina) of manganese, iron and clays on the surface of sun-baked boulders. It is formed by colonies of microscopic bacteria living on the rock surface for thousands of years.
These bacteria absorb trace amounts of manganese and iron from the atmosphere resulting in a black layer of manganese oxide or reddish oxide on the rock surfaces.
For thousands of years native Indians have used desert varnish for their rock carvings (petroglyphs) by etching into the dark coating to reveal the light colored granite below. Various forms such as spirals, wavy lines, footprints, men, deer and desert bighorn sheep have been identified. https://fhdbg.org/contact/newsletter/
Pit and Groove Petroglyphs were created to grind the food supply. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3rC0np5ksI
These images were shot with the Nikon Z5, with both the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 and the Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 lens. The weather has been great on the trip, with only a day of rain. The sun will be missed when I return to the rainy northwest.
Steven Lawrence Pictures 
I do love this historical explanation to include with your work photographic Steven. Yesterday I was reading a blogging team I follow, Monkeys Tale, who travel the world extensively. The Cave City of Vardzia is their latest blog and was fascinating too. Regarding ancient carvings of a different nature. But still a wonderful thought of how nature and the natural inherents are used for daily purpose.
Sorry about your eyesight problems. The slow process of cataracts are troublesome. My optician said the same for my eyes. But probably years away before needing intervention. Having been in day theatre as a student nurse at the end of my final year and watched the procedure a few times, it is good to know, after a fairly quick procedure, there is a fantastic outcome for clarity in sight again.
And…..If you would have liked to stay another week on these travels, you must have had some wonderful experiences.
All the best Steven.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a cave up the mountain at the site but it requires a hike that we were not able to do. Pottery and other artifacts were found there. I am looking forward to the procedure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Caves that are turned into unique homes are always very fascinating. As are other natural sources that the Earth offers. Underground homes for example.
As a photographer, the eyes are obviously so important. Well, important in all walks of life. I was asked to deliver the pre procedure eye drops as a third year nurse student. It was wonderful to witness the quality to life benefits this intervention achieved. Thank you for your reply Steven.
All the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m starting to deal with cataracts, too, as well as some corneal inflammation due to dry eye. It’s not fun. Hope you can get the cataracts corrected soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Driving has also been impacted. Signs are not clear. I usually have two phones working, one with off-road maps and the other general navigation. I have stopped using them to pay full attention to the road. Gratefully the solution is simple.
LikeLike
I empathize. I’m fortunate that my right eye is affected more than my left, and so I can still see signs and lights if I use the left.
LikeLiked by 1 person