We had to drive most of the day to travel from Moab to Bryce Canyon. On our way we commented on how much of the landscape in Utah resembles famous man-made constructions from around the world.
This huge mound of rock, shot from our moving car, looks like a cross between a European castle and the Egyptian pyramids. Utah is home to some of the most unusual land formations we have ever seen.
We took a breather at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead to check out the red river. We started up the trail, but the signs warning walkers not to stop on account of the possibility of giant falling rocks sort of freaked us out. We got out alive!
Early the next morning, we entered Bryce Canyon National Park. We watched the rising sun cast a kaleidoscope of hues.
Burr, it was cold: a chilly 30 degrees F with strong gusts of wind. Looking like stuffed burritos, we bundled up the best we could. Jill had to hang on to her hat. The area is known for its temperature swings – freezing nights and warm afternoons.
The trails are well maintained and easy to navigate; however, 3 busloads of French and Italian tourists kept blocking the path as they tried to take pictures and make calls to Europe in the tiny spots that allowed wireless connection. We raced in front of them and tried to maintain our lead throughout the day.
Snow fills the crevices of the canyon.
Volatile weather shapes this dynamic, craggy canyon. Melting ice seeps into its many fractures. When the water freezes again, rock expands and fractures some more – a process called frost-wedging. Gravity combined with water causes the soil to creep, pulling debris downhill. Rainwater also helps to chip away at limestone to create an oozing clay drift.
Yes, Bryce Canyon has natural arches, too.
Conifers sure can grow in the most inhospitable places.
In the afternoon we peeled off our outerwear . . .
. . . and took in the shaded grottos of Bryce Canyon National Park. BTW, entry fees to all the national parks on our journey cost us nothing, for we purchased last year a $10 dollar senior pass that lasts a lifetime.
Well, folks, we are headed home. What a grand adventure. The US of A is an amazing country, full of the richest treasures on this planet. Hope y’all will see them as we have: through the eyes of wide-eyed, elderly children.
2 Comments
The scenery is breathtaking, but your pictures and commentary really make me feel like I was there with you.
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
The 8th photo up from the last is so beautiful it doesn’t even look real. It is to me what a 3D vision would be if I had that ability! It is wonderful you took the time to do a little hiking and had the artistic ability to stop when the panoramic vistas spoke to your inner gods of photography.
We need to poll the ardent fans of your “Mother Road” journey to come up with a name for your epic production company. The one with the most appropriate name (as chosen by both of you) will be given a bottle of Moet White Star Champagne for their creativity! I’m buying……..