November 6, 2010

Tabby Mountain's Natural Bridge

We officially dub this natural rock formation Peek-a-Boo Bridge -- because it hides its beauty from all but the most determined seeker.  USGS maps often indicate smaller, unnamed arches or bridges, but this one is not noted on any map we have seen.    Although the bottom opening is arched shape, the top resembles a natural bridge. 
This bridge is completely unsupported for about 60 feet across, and we guess it is at least 30 feet tall.  The tree skeleton below the structure is about 10 feet tall, so that gives some idea of scale:
It is 30 feet in breadth on top, wide enough and probably strong enough for a vehicle to drive over it. (However, the ascent and descent might be a little gnarly!) The bridge does support a well-used game trail, since it is the easiest way to cross a deep canyon. In this view from above, you can see the grasses and a tree growing in the soil on top of the sandstone:
Underneath, the pack rats find a convenient place to nest: 
Many swallows have built their homes here:
And tired folk can find a cool place to rest:
Here's a view through the bridge's span, looking down the canyon:
Fortunately, Steve was in charge of navigation (I was lost, as usual).
With his usual panache, he was able to find our way back to the horses and on to the nearest "ghost road" (old forgotten two track that has almost disappeared) with no difficulty.

18 comments:

  1. What an amazing natural bridge, Janie. I also love Daisy who already staked her claim in the resting place. This was a great post. Have a wonderful day. Blessings Jo

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  2. My oh my what beauty. You do have the adventure of discovery eh?

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  3. Janie....it is breath taking...your husband is quite the explorer...

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  4. Another wonderful visit, Janie, of your beautiful countryside. Poochie is just precious the way her head is cocked ... you must truly have a fabulous time in your journeys. We sure enjoy 'travelling' with you. TY

    Have a lovely weekend ~
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  5. Hi Janie, What a find - I enlarged all the pics. The second to last with Steve in the distance is great for showing its magnitude. Of course, I love all the photos of Daisy - the consummate explorer!

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  6. Gorgeous arch, Janie... Looks like some of the natural rock arches in the Big South Fork north of us.... SO interesting. Love all of the pictures and love your name (Peek-a-Boo Bridge) for it.... I'm shocked that the USGS doesn't have that one marked. Will Steve write and tell them?????

    Glad you found your way back to the horses.. Thanks for taking us along.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  7. I like the name you have given this rock formation. The pictures from and through the bridge are beautiful. It was nice to see that Daisy made herself at home here.
    Thanks for sharing your discovery with us.

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  8. I like Peek-a-boo-bridge. It really is Huge. The pic with Steve & Daisy puts it in perspective.

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  9. Great find. I bet the horses were glad that you made it back to them.

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  10. Very cool, plus the fact its so hard to find. It's a "natural" wildlife crossing. So many of the other arches I've seen (all in Arches Nat'l Monument, go figure) didn't have such an ecological tie in (as far as I could tell). :^)

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  11. It is so cool that you found it hidden away there!

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  12. Amazing! I love that you see (and take us vicariously with you) all the treasures the rest of us would never know. Thanks for sharing this!

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  13. Peek a boo bridge was a fantastic find, smack dab in the middle of 'who knows where'.
    You and Steve have the most marvelous adventures.
    Thanks for sharing your wonderful trail tales and discovery, Janie.

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  14. I love these photos! What a great secluded place.

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  15. How beautiful. I love the out-of-the-way places that you guys explore... like you, I would probably get lost. So cool you have a class one navigator! :)

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  16. What an amazing view from under the natural bridge.
    Love seeing all the pack rats; and I am so happy that Steve can always get you back home too!

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  17. What a great spot--well worth the hunt to find it. That's one serious packrat nest. Here they often "armor" their nest with prickly pear cactus lobes.

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