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A PORTFOLIO OF TEXAS CANYON BY STEVE BRUNO HEART OF STONE

Supposedly named by an early-day pilgrim from the Lone Star State who settled here, Texas Canyon, near Dragoon in Cochise County, nevertheless, is far from reminiscent of the plains that comprise much of that state. And the term "canyon" is a bit misleading, too. It's not until I climb the grade on the eastbound lanes of Interstate Route 10 that the perception of this place as a canyon sinks in.

The dominating feature here is the multitude of boulders, some of which are house size and larger. Among these granite monsters at dawn, I maneuver my way into the heart of the stone masses, listening to the call of birds and the rustling of breezes through the oaks and grasses.

I have my camera ready for that moment when the sun rises and caresses the rocks with a deceptive softness. Later, with the expanding light, the boulders gain a third dimension, coming to full life when the arc of the sun progresses toward midday. The forms become well-defined again in late afternoon, providing perfect shooting light right up to sunset.

Now for the time being, my work here is done but not quite finished. When I come this way again, something previously unnoticed, or observed in a different light, will once more draw me into these majestic formations.

Steve Bruno began collecting rocks as a youth, causing occasional delays on family outings when he would go off in search of specimens. Although Texas Canyon contains no rare minerals, it is the kind of place that catches his eye both as a photographer and rock collector.