14. To say that we saw rocks in Grand Canyon is an understatement. So I got to thinking…what is the difference between rocks (clearly plural) and just…rock. I looked it up on Dictionary.com and was amused at all the definitions.

noun

1. 1. a large mass of stone forming a hill, cliff, promontory, or the like.
   2. Geology.
      • mineral matter of variable composition, consolidated or unconsolidated, assembled in masses or considerable quantities in nature, as by the action of heat or water.
      • a particular kind of such matter: igneous rock.
   3. stone in the mass: buildings that stand upon rock.
4. a stone of any size.
5. something resembling or suggesting a rock.
6. a firm foundation or support: The Lord is my rock.
7. Chiefly British. a kind of hard candy, variously flavored.
8. rock candy
9. Often rocks. Slang.
   • a piece of money.
   • a dollar bill.
10. Slang.
    • a diamond.
    • any gem.
11. Slang.
    • crack
    • a pellet or lump of crack.

Idioms

12. between a rock and a hard place, between undesirable alternatives.
13. get one’s rocks off, Slang: Vulgar. to have an orgasm.
14. on the rocks,
    • Informal: in or into a state of disaster or ruin: Their marriage is on the rocks.
    • Informal.without funds; destitute; bankrupt.
    • (of a beverage, especially liquor or a cocktail) with, or containing, ice cubes: Scotch on the rocks; a vodka martini on the rocks.

verb 

1. to move or sway to and fro or from side to side.
2. to be moved or swayed powerfully with excitement, emotion, etc.
3. Mining. (of sand or gravel) to be washed in a cradle.
4. to dance to or play rock music.
5. (of popular music) to have the driving beat characteristic of rock.
6. Slang. to be very good, impressive, exciting, or effective: This show really rocks.

7. to move or sway to and fro or from side to side, especially gently and soothingly: Oh, look! Her big brother is rocking the baby to sleep.
8. to lull in security, hope, etc.
9. to affect deeply; stun; move or sway powerfully, as with emotion: Everyone in the courtroom was rocked by the verdict.
10. to shake or disturb violently: A thunderous explosion rocked the waterfront.
11. Slang.
    • to stir up; animate: We’re gonna rock this joint tonight!
    • to use, wear, or display in a showy, self-confident manner or to great effect: Only you could rock that hat! The game rocks some amazing new features.
12. Graphic Arts. to roughen the surface of (a copperplate) with a rocker preparatory to scraping a mezzotint.
13. Mining

noun

14. a rocking movement: the gentle rock of the boat.

adjective

16. rock-n-roll

Idioms

17. rock the boat, Informal. to disrupt the smooth functioning or routine of something: Don’t rock the boat by demanding special treatment from Amity.

Ok, on that last one I inserted Amity, but what a coincidence that number 17 had to do with a boat!

On this trip, we were, of course, surrounded by rock…AND rocks! Let’s explore some of the different ones we encountered.

At one point on the river Amity, our fearless captain, randomly turned the boat and headed toward a canyon wall. I couldn’t figure out what she was doing until she pointed out these amazing quartz crystals that exposed themselves just above our heads.

Water gets the most publicity for forming Grand Canyon. That, together with wind, uplift and I’m sure other geologic activity created a most amazing place. This rock has this texture to it, and I only saw a few. If it were wood I’d say worms got into it…

This is the famous pink Zoraster Granite that flowed through and cooled inside the Schist…I think. In the inner gorge, it was everywhere.

Landing on beaches and exploring was one of my favorite things to do because A. I love beaches and B. they had GREAT rocks! I have no idea how big this one is, the tip of the iceberg and all, but the color mixture in it was stunning.

The collections of rocks, pebbles and stones near the water’s edge were fantastic. The colors, the shapes, the make-up was so varied. It was cool to be able to focus on such small things in such a massive place.

This rock was found in a side creek, Shinamu I think. It gets a constant scouring with water and it’s colors were beautiful.

The white in this rock looks like a fancy goldfish!

I love this image of pebbles just under the water as it shows the sunlight dancing on the left side of the picture.

This collection of large rocks, small boulders is in Blacktail Canyon. It was shot in the shade which speaks to the subdued lighting of the subject.

Again, boulder-strewn Blacktail Canyon. More on that story next week.

We stopped for the day and it was too hot to set up camp so I went exploring to wait for the sun to go behind the canyon wall. I found this gray rock with amazing red color mixed it.

I’m sure someone just set this rock here or…not. The point being that I found rocks in some crazy places with some crazy colors. No wonder people dedicate their lives to geology and this canyon. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what can be told through the rock and rocks of Grand Canyon.

I encourage you to take your camera to anywhere you like to shoot and begin looking at the rock in the area. Look for color, patterns and texture and…SHOOT! The details of this earth are not to be missed.

Happy shooting!