Both beautiful and atrocious, stereotypically “20th century” (in the bad sense), and yet not at all unlike what Egypt probably looked like by 2500 BCE if not earlier.
Coop–so true. Like the flooded Nile valley. Funny, how a rich life follows water, even when, these days, few in a city can tell you where theirs comes from.
Our good friend James Jackson co-authored (with Daniel Mathews) the book America from the Air, A Guide to the Landscape Along Your Route. Jim is a geologist and the book tells all about odd geologic formations you can see very well from the jet window. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2007.
Both beautiful and atrocious, stereotypically “20th century” (in the bad sense), and yet not at all unlike what Egypt probably looked like by 2500 BCE if not earlier.
Coop–so true. Like the flooded Nile valley. Funny, how a rich life follows water, even when, these days, few in a city can tell you where theirs comes from.
I think it’s simply a geographic formation. As Jason said in his post: fractal canyon eats farmland.
The 1023 X 731 image to which Kottke links is a stunner, as are the other aerial shots (from commercial planes) by Richard.
It’s one of my favorite sites, it has been too long since I have seen it from up high.
Our good friend James Jackson co-authored (with Daniel Mathews) the book America from the Air, A Guide to the Landscape Along Your Route. Jim is a geologist and the book tells all about odd geologic formations you can see very well from the jet window. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2007.
I will buy this! Thank you.
My own personal favorite out-the-jet-window moment:
Time: Jon’s and my wandering-in-the-desert period.
Place: Way high up, over Borrego Springs, California, en route to San Diego, whence to Borrego by car.
Actually spotted the little stretch where sat the house Jon was renting. Down in the valley, just before the mountains.
Thought of the old joke about Christ on the cross. “Hey, Peter! I can see your house from here!”