One of the really fascinating things about Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains (and South Dakota’s Badlands) is the geology. I mentioned in an earlier thread that I am a bit of a geology geek; I love structural and historical geology, it’s fascinating to see the bones of the earth showing beneath her skin.

In the Bighorn Mountains, some enterprising state geologist has carefully placed roadside signs labeling the various rock strata by type and origin. The most amazing was the exposed Precambrian granite bedrock, estimated at 2.5 billion years old. The huge outcroppings of granite were lovely, a subtle rose with large dark crystal inclusions and metamorphic streaks. Laying hands on the stone was almost a spiritual experience.

Geologic time encompasses such an incomprehensible breadth of years. Our time on the earth is such an insignificant flyspeck by comparison. It makes our stresses and conflicts seem pretty petty and minor.

I don’t like feeling insignificant, so I had a vision of polishing and cutting granite into a kitchen countertop. Take that, ancient geologic artifact! We humans have tools and in our brief time here on earth we’ve learned to use them!

Environmental types, really, I’m kidding. I wouldn’t chop up Precambrian granite for my home. I actually do view such things with a degree of reverence.

This stone has been here 2.5 billion years. And it’ll probably still be here another 2.5 billion years after we’re gone. It deserves a little awe.