Spiral Jetty

The Spiral Jetty is an earthwork created by sculptor Robert Smithson in 1970. It is located at the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake and is constructed of basalt rocks, forming a 1500-foot long and 15-foot wide coil. Through time, the black rocks have become encrusted with salt, giving the spiral a white brilliance.

At the time of its construction, the water level of the lake was extremely low due to a drought. Water levels returned to normal within a few years and the structure remained submerged for three decades. Over the years the spiral was, from time to time visible when water levels were low. However, it was not until 2004, after several years of drought, that the Spiral Jetty was once again completely exposed.

At that time of its reemergence, I was attending the University of Utah. Brian and I went with a group of students on a field trip to visit the structure. It took forever, it seemed, to get to the site but it was worth it. It was probably a once in a lifetime trip for me and it was fun to see the Spiral Jetty up close. We even walked along the top of the salt encrusted rock coil.

Well, it seems as though I have once again come upon a spiral jetty. Although this is a much, much cuter interpretation:

Seriously, could there be a cuter belly button?! I think not.