Parkour at Midnight
Parkour at Midnight
“This place is so cool!” We shouted as we drove into City of Rocks in New Mexico. Our friends Amy and Tim told us about this place and we just had to see it for ourselves. The sheer coolness of this geological formation is beyond words! Picture a "city" sculpted by nature itself, composed of towering rock columns, or pinnacles, or what ever you call enormous rocks bursting out of the ground in the middle of nowhere!! Some of these columns reach up to 40 feet high. These rock structures stand tall and some are on the smallish side… and most are separated by pathways or lanes that mimic the streets of a bustling metropolis. First things first, on top of our list was to take a few leisurely strolls through these streets. We were dying to check this place out from the inside.
City of Rocks at Sunset. (click to purchase a print)
These incredible rocks actually look pretty smooth and slick. But alas, they are solid, hefty and very rough. Yet to me, they look like they could have been crafted by human hands. Like an art installation of some kind- from a mad wonderful artist. But - No, they were formed a staggering 34.9 million years ago! Yup, that long ago, when a colossal volcano erupted, shaping the landscape into the awe-inspiring freak of a spectacle we see today.
The City invites you to really explore and wander, it is beckoning you to roam its labyrinthine pathways and discover the secrets hidden within its ancient stones. ( I admit I was hoping to find treasure or at least one alien civilization.) As you stand amidst the towering pinnacles, or rock columns or geological formations—(what should they be called??) you can't help but marvel at the forces of nature that have sculpted such an extraordinary sight.
While walking through the rugged terrain, Scotty and I decided to climb up on top of one of these monsters with our camera and take photos of the sun setting. We were once again viewing a magical sunset. That lead us to the fateful discussion about how we should “totally stay up there for a while, have a snack, and wait to see if we could get some good night shots” as well. This was a dark park afterall and how cool would it be to get this landscape with some stars in a midnight sky?
So we stayed. And we took a few very cool photos. The moon was out and the sky was so bright within it and oh the stars, so many stars! The place was really, really beautiful. Have you ever seen a night sky in a dark park?? In a dark park, the night sky is incredible because it unveils celestial wonders, including countless stars, and depending on the time of year - planets, distant galaxies, and the dance of meteor showers. But I digress…
City of Rocks at Midnight with Stars in the Sky. It was very dark so this exposure was around 30 seconds or so. Any longer and you might see the star blur or leave trails. (click to purchase a print.)
It was light when we climbed up the rocks and now it was dark. Very dark in fact. It being a dark park and all….Did I mention this rock was tall?
Scotty standing on the rock before the parkour event.
The following dialog and events are purely how Donna remembers them and she can can not vouch for Scotty’s side of things…
Donna: “Why don’t I climb down and then you can hand me the camera gear and then you can climb down?”
Scotty: “Good idea, it’s pretty dark now….”
Donna starts to climb down and below she sees a rock she thinks she can jump to and get solid footing.
So, Donna jumps- and immediately realizes that the darkness has played with her vision and depth of field and that rock is much further away they she thinks.
Ut-oh.
The body is in the air and there is nothing to grab onto and nowhere to go but down.
Donna hears Scotty yell at her: “What the hell are you doing?”
The next few things happened in slow motion:
Donna hits the side of the rock hard and slips, jarring her leg and and maybe she twists a little bit. Her head narrowly misses another rock and she is still falling down until she is laid out on the ground. Stunned and just waiting for the pain. And yes… oh yes…. there is the pain. It’s a freight train rumbling down her leg and oh yea that butt hit hard. There it is in the hip. She realizes that her hip has somehow popped out of the socket.
She realizes that Scotty is yelling something. What is he saying??
Scotty: “Why did you do that? Why did you jump?? What were you thinking?? Jesus Christ Donna!!!!”
Donna: “Could you yell at me later and just get down here and help me, please?”
Scotty: “ You know we are 300 miles from any help - any kind of hospital!!!”
Donna: “Yes, thank you that is very comforting, Do you think you can just help pop my hip back in, please?”
Scotty climbing down the rock like a pro: “I cannot believe you just did that!!”
Donna: “Yup that was dumb. I agree, now could you grab my ankle and help bend my knee- yes thank you, now can you just pull really hard?”
Scotty: “You have never done anything that stupid, that insane, that dumb before- what where you thinking??”
Donna: “That didn’t work can we try again please?”
Scotty: “There is no-one around who can help us you know…”
Donna: “You can help me right now—pull please.”
POP!
Scotty: “Are you ok?”
So, if you ever find yourself in New Mexico, make sure to pay a visit to the City of Rocks. It's not just a geological marvel—it's a testament to the unparalleled beauty and majesty of our planet. However - I would not recommend parkour at midnight.
This is an image of Donna’s leg a few days after the event. She recovered nicely at her cousin Nick and Gail’s house… Thank Goodness for Family!!
A few tips for dealing with injuries on the road:
A sort of quick guide as we are not professional medical folks and you should speak with experts to get yourself some sort of training.
Exploring the great outdoors or embarking on a road trip can be exhilarating, but it's crucial to be prepared for unexpected situations like injuries. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness or cruising down the highway, having the right gear and knowing how to connect with help can make all the difference. Here's a breakdown of what you need in your backpack and van to handle injuries while on the road:
Backpack Essentials:
First Aid Kit: A compact first aid kit. Make sure to check and replenish supplies regularly. I find that the bandaids do not like being in heat or cold for long periods of time. They dry out and the packaging can break open making them not very sanitary - you do not want to use an unclean bandaid if you can help it. So changing these out every very months helps.
antiseptic wipes
bandages, for mini cuts and gauze pads and adhesive tape for the bigger ones
Tools like scissors and tweezers are great for pulling out thorns and cutting clothing if you need to get access to an injured site.
Pain relievers are essential
Water and Hydration: Staying hydrated is key, especially in emergency situations. Carry a refillable water bottle or a hydration bladder in your backpack to prevent dehydration. We have been caught more than once without the right amount of water and it made life miserable. We cannot stress this enough- bring more water than you think you need. Then add more…We also have these things called Life Straws. These will filter available water that may not be very clean. They can filter a maximum of 4,000 litres of water, enough for one person for three years. It removes almost all waterborne bacteria, microplastics and parasites. We uses these as a last resort and have them in our back packs.
Emergency Communication Device: A fully charged cell phone or a satellite communicator can be a lifeline in remote areas. Invest in a reliable communication device that allows you to call for help or send distress signals if needed.
Multi-Tool or Knife: A versatile tool like a multi-tool or a sturdy knife can be invaluable for various tasks, from cutting bandages to improvising makeshift solutions in emergencies. We carry small versions of these and have yet to use one for anything but a knife has come in handy on many occasions. Even if it is to get into a pesky trail mix package that just will not open up!
Emergency Blanket or Space Blanket: Compact and lightweight, an emergency blanket provides warmth and insulation in case of exposure to harsh weather conditions or shock. We have two in our packs at all times.
Van Essentials:
Fully Stocked Large First Aid Kit: In addition to the basic supplies in your backpack kit, your van should have a more extensive first aid kit, including splints, a CPR mask, burn cream, and larger dressings. We used our Ace Bandage!!
Flashlights and Headlamps: Illuminate the night or navigate dimly lit areas with powerful flashlights or headlamps. Opt for durable, waterproof models with long battery life. And a handheld one is nice but the headlamps are best since you get to be hands free while walking.
Fire Extinguisher: Safety should always come first. Keep a fire extinguisher in your van to handle small fires that may occur during cooking or emergencies.
Vehicle Emergency Kit: Equip your van with essential tools and supplies for roadside emergencies, such as jumper cables, a tire repair kit, reflective triangles or flares, and a portable air compressor.
In conclusion, preparing for injuries while on the road is essential for safe and enjoyable adventures. By carrying the right gear in your backpack and van, as well as knowing how to connect with help in emergencies, you can mitigate risks and ensure a swift response when needed. Remember, being proactive and prepared can make all the difference in unexpected situations.
I also take photos of thepark maps and the “In Case of Emergency” card you find at all the check in stations at the Parks. So I have the local information on how to reach someone, But that is all predicated on wether or not you have cell service….
