I had tried to find this Alien Egg Factory over 30 years ago but failed miserably. With the knowledge that I had an excellent outdoor guide with me, Shane Davila,  Shane’s Great Photography Site , I was confident this time would be a success and it was.  Despite my bad back, likely broken rib and constant pain, Shane had me visit this site in an afternoon, evening and the following morning.  He had no sympathy for my aching ribs and continued to take off in a new direction even as I was ready to return  to camp.  (see last week’s tumble)

 An Afternoon at the Alien Egg Factory

The last major excursion for Shane and me was the Alien Egg Factory.  It is interesting how one can envision what a place is like, then when the site is finally visited, it is quite different.  The Alien Egg Factory was a pleasant experience…. until Shane insisted that we continue to hike past the main event area.

Our first visit to the Alien Egg Factory was in the late afternoon.  We explored the area and continued to photograph into the evening hours.  In photography, these shots may be described as having good color harmony. Or others may say simply boring and monotone.  I prefer the former.  To me, the light gave the photos a very ancient look.  Indeed the scene I was viewing has not changed much in many tens of thousands of years.

 

 

 

Why these egg shaped rocks formed or were left behind, not eroded, is a mystery.  In-depth articles will tell you these rocks are of a harder substance so they have not eroded like the rest of the landscape.  This is the obvious part.  No article I could find would explain the why.  Why the obvious layers, why the rounded egg shapes?  Can we detect a variance in composition?  None of the details actually matter to the photographer.

 

 

 

 

 

Evening Among the Alien Eggs

Yet another sunset silhouette photo.  They make for a good transition to the evening set of photographs.

 

When the sun goes down, the harsh shadows disappear.  Also, the shadow of the photographer and his tripod are no longer a factor.  The result is much more even light, much easier to work in. But it does not last long.

 

 

Alien Egg Factory in the Morning Light

 

It is interesting to think the sun is at a great angle to the earth in the evening as it is in the morning.  So why the very different light for the photographer?  In the evening the light keeps getting better and better until it is too dark and colors cannot be pulled out of the photo.  In the morning, the light keeps getting worse and worse until the sun is casting harsh shadows.  That did not keep Shane from exploring further and further into the remote badlands, even as I suffered from terrible rib pain that would make a lesser man weep.  Shane simply did not care.  Onward we hiked.

A footprint in this cracked mud soil may last for years to come.  No signs and no control over the visitors. Anyone who gets this far either really loves nature and the outdoors, or they are just trying to keep up with their younger, more adventurous leader.

 

Hike to the Eagles Nest

After the morning shoot the sun generally makes the scene full of hot spots and not at all suitable for good photography.  That is when weary photographers with bad backs and broken ribs generally head home.  Not this time.  Shane had read somewhere there was an eagle nest we should explore.  Keep in mind there are no mice out here.  No chipmunks or squirrels.  No birds or rabbits and best of all, no insects.  What would an eagle nest be doing out here?  I thought it would likely be some worthless rock formation that might vaguely resemble an eagles nest.  It did not matter, Shane carried on far enough in front that my complaining did not register.

 

Well, it is now well past noon and Shane has finally turned around and is walking in the direction I wanted to go two hours ago, toward the Jeep.  More average daytime photos, more great memories along the way.

 

Good Night and Goodbye to Bisti Badlands

 

 

I am forever grateful to have been able to go on this adventure with Shane.  He helped guide me and got me to areas I would not have otherwise been able to see.  As a native New Mexican, it meant a lot to finally get to explore this remote area.  It also helps to see a place through the eyes of someone who is brand new to the area.  Everything Shane saw on this trip was an eyeopener for him. His excitement was often contagious.  However, I did sleep in one morning, missing what Shane says was the best morning of the trip.  Oh well, glad he got to experience it.

 

 

 

 

Next up, Athen, Greece