“When once the itch of literature comes over a man, nothing can cure it but the scratching of a pen. But if you have not a pen, I suppose you must scratch any way you can.” Samuel Lover, “Handy Andy,” 1842
Marker depicting some of the petroglyphs that can be seen below the cliff from the viewing platform. — Photo by Pat Bean
Newspaper Rock
The newspaper I found as I continued my travels on old Route 66 through the Petrified Forest National Park was 650 to 2000 years old. And it wasn’t written on paper pages.
Newspaper Rock, a National Historic Landmark. — Photo by Pat Bean
It was scratched in desert varnish on large boulders. And I couldn’t understand it. Neither can the experts.
Actually, in today’s age we would probably call it graffiti.
Were the petroglyphs carved into the rock by wise men among the Puerco River Valley Indian farmers who lived in the area?
Or were they done by bored Indian teenagers wanting to leave their mark on something?
Up close details — Photo by Pat Bean
As usual, the landscape I’m wandering through has me wondering again.
I love it.
“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.: – Albert Einstein
Bean’s Pat: Everyday Sunshine: Get Close http://tinyurl.com/73enmyg I dare you to look into these birds’ eyes – even if you’re not an avid birdwatcher like me, I think you will be amazed.
*This recognition is merely this wandering/wondering old broad’s way of bringing attention to a blog I enjoyed – and thought perhaps my readers might, too. The Pat on the back is presented with no strings attached. May 25, patbean.wordpress.com
Pat Bean's blog 
Fascinating….
I thought so.
Wow! They are not dissimilar to other images carved into stone in Europe, symbols often associated with the goddess. Interesting…though I am especially tickled with your suggestion that it was bored teenagers….I know a lot about them!! :-0
I told my kids when they were teenagers, and now my grandkids, that they’re responsible for solving their own boredom. Perhaps they just need a few boulders in their backyard covered with desert varnish. Thanks for commenting Edith.
Absolutely fascinating Pat!
Thanks Barb
The “newspaper rock” is fascinating, Pat! In my book The Dividing Season the a ranchwoman has discovered pictographs (paintings) on some of the rock outcroppings on her ranch. The subject can sure stir my imagination. Nice post.
Karen Casey Fitzjerrell
Street art & good graffiti are my favourite art, aren’t restricted to modern society & times. I love rock art & these examples – a newspaper rock! & photos are great.
There’s a newspaper rock in Utah as well. With Hopi graffiti. Thanks for commenting EllaDee