Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Wow, wow, wow..........

We thought "Red Canyon" was great...................

..............until we got to Bryce Canyon

Hiking down was easy ........... up caused us to wonder "What were we thinking?"

A new friend with part of the Grand Escalante in the background

Bristlecone Pines are a rare, ancient tree found only at high altitude. These were at 10,500 feet. They can live up to 5,000 years, longer than any other living organism.


The Grand Canyon is undeniably grand and, the red rock formations at Sedona and Monument Valley are mammoth however, we both agree that for pure “wow factor” Bryce Canyon cannot be beat! The canyon, in southern Utah, is at least 80 miles from anywhere but, the long drive is well worth it. When asked to describe the canyon, early Mormon rancher Ebenezer Bryce, behind whose former ranch the canyon is located, proclaimed “It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow”. We hiked down into the canyon but, at 8,500 feet altitude, the hike back up was a slow and arduous affair involving much huffing and puffing. Great to be in such tip-top shape!!

The entire Colorado Plateau, which occupies much of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico and includes the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Kodachrome State Park (give the guy who named this place a gold star), the Grand Escalante, and other significant rock formations is a huge area affected by sedimentary rock deposits, uplift and selective erosion, creating numerous natural wonders. Everywhere you look is another picture. But pictures still don’t capture the 360 degree panorama. Damn!

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