RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 06/30/2009

[Bumpstick]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 10/29/2008

Great rock hounding and a promising spot you have going there. Post # 38 your Seat Site in post #39 The Standing Rock catches my attention.
The third rock on top looks to be a bird guarding. I feel something there; I would search this area. Take a sample of the calcite rock.

Play it safe and happy trails.

 

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[Old Dog]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 10/29/2008

Moons,

Something to consider at this point.

The lamb is sleeping.
The heart is like a pulled bow in this one, the arrow is not there but it is the pointer.
Here is a doctored picture.
There are biblical references here. The book of John is what I have found reference to when a lamb is present.
Look for a nice eagle as well for confirmation.

look for concealed numbers and letters nearby as well.
They will be concealed in plain site.

I would keep a two box handy here if it were possible.
I know, I know... but I can wish for you.

Thom

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 10/29/2008

Hey thanks bumpstick and thom.

Bumpstick that standing figure, squatguy, and i hope i got the one you were referring too... is interesting to me and an enigma. The big flat rectangle rock to the front has been cleaved off the squat guy by humans.. The standing rock seems to have aligned little depressions carved in the face of it and possibly the chest. .

The standing figure , squat guy. looks up at the other hillside with the possible roosting bird in it. I think there is a pic somewhere in the thread, that would be the slim face guy hill.

There seems to be a wagon trail or two foot ( perhaps mule trails) that lead straight to the flat rectangle rock in front of squat guy, then stop.

I need to measure their width, then run up to a museum sometime to see if they have an ox cart or horse cart and compare to the width between the wheels.

Perhaps it was used to load something,inspect something or shear sheep. Perhaps there is something underneath the rock.

squatguy1


Squatguy2


Thom, thanks for the ideas. It came on me like a flash of lightning today. You know thinking about it, well..beyond what you mentioned I am speculating things like the carved turtle nose pointing down might mean "look down and close" . The carving that is a depression shaped like a heart which does not show in the pics might be.l "Yes... there is something but it will be down (depression) or buried. Fun to speculate!

I will be pulling out the good book soon and taking a look.

Depending on where the trail leads, there might be possibilities.

DM

 

[soopacee]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 10/29/2008

Hey thanks bumpstick and thom.

Bumpstick that standing figure, squatguy, and i hope i got the one you were referring too... is interesting to me and an enigma. The big flat rectangle rock to the front has been cleaved off the squat guy by humans.. The standing rock seems to have aligned little depressions carved in the face of it and possibly the chest. .

The standing figure , squat guy. looks up at the other hillside with the possible roosting bird in it. I think there is a pic somewhere in the thread, that would be the slim face guy hill.

There seems to be a wagon trail or two foot ( perhaps mule trails) that lead straight to the flat rectangle rock in front of squat guy, then stop.

I need to measure their width, then run up to a museum sometime to see if they have an ox cart or horse cart and compare to the width between the wheels.

Perhaps it was used to load something,inspect something or shear sheep. Perhaps there is something underneath the rock.

squatguy1



Squatguy2



Thom, thanks for the ideas. It came on me like a flash of lightning today. You know thinking about it, well..beyond what you mentioned I am speculating things like the carved turtle nose pointing down might mean "look down and close" . The carving that is a depression shaped like a heart which does not show in the pics might be.l "Yes... there is something but it will be down (depression) or buried. Fun to speculate!

I will be pulling out the good book soon and taking a look.

Depending on where the trail leads, there might be possibilities.

DM

love this thread......been back out lately?

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Heh.thanks soospacee,

Been spending time trying to discretely learn more about the history of this site..with not much luck. And a knee sprain has kept me off the mountains.

Here are few things old and new.

First off, on the eyecatcher...hope someone noticed those two pine trees! I recall reading a tale up by by Pietown where a couple of Mexicans dug a big hole between two pine trees on a ranch and then vamoosed. The two pine or pinyon trees by the eye catcher seem out of place to me...rather artificially placed and unusually lush.. This area was probably used by various groups.

I always keep an eye out for obvious outlaw markings too. (As if i would recognize them if i saw them..hehehe)
But petroglyphs or a lithic scatter would really make my day. I keep thinking there should be some evidence of Native Americans but perhaps their markings have weathered away or perhaps they are right in front of my nose but I do not see them.

Possibly this is a cross roads. Coming into the area on one trail there is this. I'm speculating this might be a map. Looks like a shadow horse to me on the left. The lines ..well possible the upward pointing arrow could be the prominent ridge in the area with the horizontal lines the various trails. But...there is some that does not fit. Well you know..stare at it a while, put it away, look at it again and again and eventually inspiration and illumination will descend.





The trail(s) in are interesting. Found either a robbers roost, or hideout..for soldiers at a Y on the trails. That will wait till i get better pictures. But came upon this and it caught my eye.











Looked interesting. Up close..well. Perhaps some of you have seen bullet holes in rock? I examined the depressions looking for lead or brass, also the ground but did not find anything. Yet...the holes do not seem..right for old time carving to me. Do these resemble bullet holes?





more

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 10/29/2008

Here are a few other pics..

My attempt at outlining that map rock.


Yikes another snake. Not sure if I posted this already.



Hmmm.....



A birdy maybe.


A mystery for sure.

 

[Old Dog]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Kim,

I amso sorry to hear about your knee.
I must admit your photography is getting better by the post !!
This may not so much be a bird as it may be an Elephant !!

Pretty cool.
Thom

 

[Lahoop]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - just a few pics - speculation welcome, new pics 08/06/08

Moons,
Here is your turtle that I spoke of
Sorry had to get off the other night we had too much lightning going on,
Didn't want to fry my outfit.

Thom

also there is a duck.its head in the opposite tree can you see.

 

[minetres]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

You have found a real Spanish treasure site but from what I have seen in many of your pictures several of the caches have be found their maybe some thing left, but if their is it may have been too dangerous to get too. I have seen many of these sites in New Mexico and have explored them by following them to the end and the rock cave's are where the treasure was hidden on your site. As you put all of the mounuments together you will come too the same conclusion. You have one of the best marked sites I have ever seen.

Minetres

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Thom: Elephant?? Took me a long time to see it..but now i think i do. What on earth is an elephant doing in the southwest.... Anyway there might be a carving of interest on it. I'll send you a better pic..it is a lovely thing out in the middle of nowhere.

Lahoop: Thanks! I'm not seeing the duck yet...but it takes me much studying before i see it. I know i will eventually. That turtle does double duty. There is a pointer on top of it that points to 17 tons of gold just a few feet down on a patch of bare ground. Well.. perhaps not. But but it does point to an area of interest. The head points to other things of interest. And nearby the turtle there are other signs.

Minetree: Thanks... I've come to the conclusion that it is for real. I've tried not to read any books on signs...but ended up buying just one. Picketts field guide. It was worth it because he almost immediately answered a question i had on how to check out a cave safely! I wanted to not have too many preconceived notions and also hoped to discover something new under the sun. I've gotten some help privately (and smooches to you - you know who you are) but do not post that info or conclusions drawn from that info.

It is true there have been others there before me. That's okay as my goal is to learn monuments and sign and map the place out. But the pic above showing the overhang or cave with what looks like to be mining timbers to shore up the cave, is the most overt evidence I've seen.

There are hundreds of monuments, markers and signs. Its a great place to learn. And just a wonderful place to see and admire all that is going on. I feel blessed. Eventually i will solve all its mysteries

 

[Old Dog]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Kim,
The presence of an elephant or a lion -or other exotic animals only lends a flavor of the monument maker's travels.
These were sea faring people who probably saw many countries and the wild life there.

I don't know if it is what I saw. But It sure looks like an elephant from the angle pictured. LOL
(go to another side and it may be a bird)

I have (through my partner) learned that if you want to understand what an animal monument means...
learn all you can about the animal in question.
research on sea turtles has revealed quite a lot to both of us.

The artists usually were very literal as far as their reference to animals was concerned.

Thom

 

[racknroll]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

DM: look in post #92 at your attempt to outline the "map rock". you outlined a perfect elephant.... 8)

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Racknroll, you're right! When i outlined it..i said pshh...girl you need practice aren't any oliphants in the southwest.

How about those "bullet holes though fellas and gals?

Its not like I am asking for the keys of the kingdom..just if they look like bullet holes to anyone? Please don't make me go get a chisel and hammer and try to recreate them..heheh My neighbors will start wondering... Or worse take a few shots at a rock. I just know it would ricochet and hit me!

 

[djui5]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

They look like bullet holes to me

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 11/26/2008

Well, I had a lot of fun at RattleSnake Hill. Never did see a Rattlesnake but did lots of other animals.

Hope you enjoyed the journey we took. What I have learned as a newbie?? Well lots. This may be old news to many but for a new person like me..they were signficant.

1. Spanish used animals as markers. Reading the bible or old Spanish tales, sometimes help in understanding what they mean. Also their behavioral traits can be helpful.

2. If you see something looking, look that way.

3. Carvings are hard to see and usually you are never sure if they are for real or not.

4. Takes lots of pictures from all angles. You might be surprised.

5. There is much much older stuff mixed in among the Spanish and probably much newer stuff too.

6. Stop a lot, sit down and look around for a spell. You will be surprised.

7. Somethings are too precious to be shared widely. I originally thought to document and publish an article on Rattlesnake Hill, focusing on the trails and markers. But now I've realized that might bring ruin to this historically significant area. There is not enough manpower to keep watch over it, though it is protected today. And...well it may be the watchers who would tear it up.

7. This hobby is simply a delight. Enjoy the journey and take your time. The journey is the reward.

Here are a few of the other animals i did find on RattleSnake Hill. As time permits I may post in the future, but for now Rattlesnake Hill will be left to its own lovely self.

A mouse, perhaps golden. (see the Good Book)



A peacock and turtle. Maybe.




A dog maybe.



A monkey - if you find monkeys too, please contact me. I've a couple of theories about them if you want to compare notes.



Lets not forgot man.... I found many versions.






A frog has some interesting stories attached to it back in the day.



And finally and thankfully - the only kind of snake I ran across - a rock snake.




Happy hunting!

 

[CanadianTrout]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 02/04/2009

Hi desertmoons. I followed your photo journey across Rattlesnake Hill from the beginning. I absolutely loved it and you were lucky to tap into a fantastic resource like Old Dog. He helped point the way but you were the one out hiking and noticing what was around you. Taking photos and documenting all you saw. Great job!

Thanks a million for posting your commentary and pics here for people like me that do not have access to this stuff locally and have to watch you guys at work!!

So we say a fond farewell to RattleSnake Hill. Tell me desertmoons, does that mean we can look forward to a new journey on the horizon? Hope so. Take care,

Trout.

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 02/04/2009

Thanks Canadian.

It was fun and educational and I especially appreciate those who posted like you - your interest kept me posting.

It was old dog and his thread who finally inspired me to get off my doofus and go look. Hope it did the same for others.


I'm looking into another area right now and after that well there's another and another..hehe
Not sure if i will post those areas.

Best Regards
DM

 

[Old Dog]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 02/04/2009

Thanks Canadian.

It was fun and educational and I especially appreciate those who posted like you - your interest kept me posting.

It was old dog and his thread who finally inspired me to get off my doofus and go look. Hope it did the same for others.


I'm looking into another area right now and after that well there's another and another..hehe
Not sure if i will post those areas.

Best Regards
DM

Kim,

The best part of all ... you are having fun.
You are in the largest of Cathedrals, so don't forget to tell Him thanks for all of it.

I look forward to the next one.
Stay safe !

Thom

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 02/04/2009

Well there were a few things at Rattlesnake Hill that have bugged me. Well more than a few...a whole lot! Way too many..I was overwhelmed. So after taking a long break I decided to go back hopefully with a refreshed mind and point of view to figure out the trails and how it all worked. One formation I wanted to investigate was this eagle. This eagle is very visible from a certain trail.




Here it is from a different angle. Goal today is to climb up there and investigate.




I cut off a main trail and start meandering up hill. Well first thing I notice is i might be on a trail. There seems to be a little face pointing off to the left..toward the eagle. There are some other interesting things too,.




The eagle (bird) formation is to the left, out of sight. The rocks to the right seem suspicious. They may be artificially placed in an arc. Will have to go back and check that out as I did not "see" that when i was out there.




Closer up the face turns into what I consider a pointer. And the potential carving is more apparent.


Here's a closeup of that upper boulder.


Well sure looks like a trail now. I did not expect that. But you can see it pretty well now. Whats a trail doing here? Where does it lead? mmmm




Almost there.... That upright "finger" in the eagle has me wondering. From a distance looks like 3 horizontal lines running across it. Want to see if they are natural or not.

A couple more little trail signs..well one of them is. The cut out rock..not sure what that means but I have seen them around at RattleSnakeHill before.








more to come

 

[desertmoons]

Re: RattleSnake Hill - speculation welcome, new pics 02/04/2009

Yikes whats this? The eagle is actually farther away than it looks. Still a ways uphill to go. But this! Wow...never saw anything like this. First thought was devil holding a heart...then..snail. Not sure really, but sure is interesting. Those ears or points are definitely not natural.



Closer study does not provide illumination. What doe it look like to you? Noticed there may be a face of some sort peering down on it .



Well ..almost there. In the shadows I see something.




Looks like a profile face to me.



To the left just below the eagle is a formation. Looks mostly natural to me...except for the upright in front. The possible shaped rock on the right looks...suspicious And maybe a possible seat toward the left though you would slide right off it and tear the bottom out of your jeans if you sat on it.... (I know..) .




Ah...arrival. The eagle looks quite different from this point of view. Now starts the closer look.

The amazing thing is all the pointers and formations I've posted have been along a trail that so far is only about 250 feet long though I do not estimate distances well.

Its a short trip to the eagle from a main trail.





Well..will post more later on.