Oasis II

A dictionary definition of the word “oasis” is: “a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert), or “something that provides refuge, relief or pleasant contrast.”

Rifle Falls State Park seems to fit both descriptions. Surrounded by a more arid landscape, Rifle Creek flows across ancient limestone beds farther upstream and has, over eons of time, re-deposited that same limestone downstream to form terraces and cliffs laced with small caves and chambers. The creek then cascades over those cliffs in three major waterfalls and several smaller ones to create a lush, vividly green forest of trees and grasses below, a beautiful place of refuge and a stark contrast to the surrounding, drier hills.

In the spring of 2020, we had the chance to return to this small but lovely park and do a photo shoot one evening and then the next morning. The morning seemed to offer the best light and we managed to capture several images that do justice to this remarkable place, a fertile oasis in a land wanting for life-giving water.