Spanish Skirts

(click any photo for larger view)

Palo Duro Canyon has some interesting formations; the canyon walls show the different levels of sedimentary rock laid down over millions of years. They are Nature's patchwork quilt in lovely colors; various shades of vivid reds and purples, yellows and whites.

When the Spanish conquistadors first rode through here in the late 1500's, they noticed the beautiful formations and named them "Spanish Skirts" because it reminded them of a senorita's gloriously gaily- striped dress.

I'm sure it's the difference in culture, but to me they look like fancy stretch pants from Lane Bryant, but what do I know?

I also wonder what they thought of... and named ... this particular formation?