May 17, 2007.
We are camped in the free Cottonwood Campground at Canyon
de Chelly National Monument, in northeastern Arizona.
Russian Olive
trees Canyon de Chelly
We
are approaching another vehicle that is coming out of the canyon. Note that this
vehicle is also using the streambed as the highway out of the canyon.
The
silvery colored trees on the left are Russian olive trees the invasive plant introduced
into the canyon by the SCC. Efforts are now being made to eradicate both the Russian
olive tree and tamarisk tree from the canyon.
Canyon
de Chelly highway & Russian olive trees
This
is another look at our highway through the canyon. The silver plants are Russian
Olive trees.
Russian Olive
tress Canyon de Chelly
Note
the road, such as it is, passing next to the cliff. The silvery looking trees
are Russian Olive trees, the invasive plant introduced by the SCC.
Russina
olive trees Canyon de Chelly
Again
the tree with silver leaves is Russian olive.
Russian
olive trees
More
of those Russian Olives trees with the silver leaves.
Cottonwood
trees Canyon de Chelly
The
taller dark green trees are small cottonwoods.
Cottonwood
trees Canyon de Chelly
These
large vehicles belong to a local work crew that were doing work on "roads"
deeper in the canyon or so said our guide. It did not appear to me that any work
had been done on any "road" road that I saw.
The trees are cottonwood.
Russian
Olive Trees Canyon de Chelly
More
Russian olive trees and the canyon walls are smaller yet.
The
federal government introduced Russian Olive trees to Canyon de Chelly, now they
are trying to rid the canyon of Russian olive trees.
I can't think of a
better ending to a wonderful day.
Until next time remember
how good life is.
Mike & Joyce Hendrix
