Weekly Photo Challenge: Weathered Somoto Canyon

The Weekly Photo Challenge is Weathered. 

Somoto Canyon National Monument is one of the oldest rock formations in Central America. The canyon is believed to have been formed 5 to 13 million years ago during the Miocene period. It weathered earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural occurrences  like volcanic eruptions.
“Canyon” comes from the Spanish word cañon, which means tube or pipe. It is a deep and narrow battle-scarred valley with steep sides.

The vertical walls extend for approximately five miles, on a meandering and ancient path whose width varies between 10 and 15 meters. The waters from the Comali River (from Honduras) and Tapacali join to form the expansive Coco River.
Weathering and erosion contributed to the formation of the aged Somoto Canyon. During heavy rains, water rushed down the cracks eroding more rocks and stone. Swirling water rushed through the deep canyon and whirlpools created rock pools.
The movement of the river and the processes of weathering and erosion expose hand and feet-like extensions in the rock that appear to hold tight and bear up against the force of the moving water.
This weathered piece of driftwood has resisted the forces for ages. It looks like the head of a mountain goat or a lion.
Somoto Canyon has become one of the main attractions of Northern Nicaragua.The canyon had not been explored expertly until a group of scientists from the Czech Republic and Nicaragua (INETER) discovered the canyon in 2004. It is an impressive place offering unique activities for tourists of all ages. Trained and knowledgeable guides are available to guide you through the canyon on inner tubes, boats, or hikes.
When entering Somoto Canyon through the Solis Valley, which is often used, one can observe the panoramas of dry forest with small trees, as well as flora and fauna. Deer, parakeets, rabbits, and iguanas are some of the species that inhabit the area. The accomplished bird that built this nest must be an old hand at deterring predators.
Somoto Canyon has acclimated to the many cyclic changes in the climate. It has been around for eons, as well as weathering many storms. It is a must see unique environment for all ages.