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Bryce Canyon |
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We began our adventure at
the Park Entrance, at which we were greeted by a small herd of mule
deer. After paying our entrance fee, we entered the Visitor Center,
watched a 20-minute multimedia presentation and then meandered around
the Visitor Center museum. Then on to the spectacular views!
We started at Sunset Point, just to get our bearings of the region. The wind was gusting along the canyon rim and the temperature was dangling around 40 degrees. Nevertheless the views were worth the discomfort. We strolled along the Rim Trail northbound which gradually took us to Sunrise Point. Due to the overcast layer most of our shots do not have the brilliant orange hue to them that most photos represent in this area. Regardless, we got some excellent shots! Once at Sunrise Point, McKell made the decision that a trek down the Queens Garden Trail was in order.
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| The Queens Garden Trail
descends some 320 feet rather abruptly. The trail is only 8/10 of a mile
to "End of the Trail." We took some great shots and at times we could
feel our legs falling out from underneath us. We were going to be in for
a fun hike out.
At the "End of the Trail," we met some kind folks from Minnesota and Massachusetts who both informed us the hike up via the Navajo Loop Trail was a steep one, but well worth it if we felt the kids were up to the challenge. Onward we went for another anticipated 1.6 miles. From the "End of the Trail," we switched paths and took an adjoining route to the Navajo Loop Trail. This diversion would require a 520 foot ascent in a relatively short period of time. We wished ourselves luck and were on our way.
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The trip up was steep, but
with frequent breaks we did alright, until we reached Two Bridges. At
that instant we heard a rumble of thunder and knew it was time to get
moving. We had 300 to 400 feet to go in the ascent and did not want to
try it knowing the trail would quickly become slick clay. About 1/2 way
up the switchbacks rain began falling and our pace quickened. Within
just a couple minutes the canyon became covered with a thick layer of
fog (or a cloud). Visibility was reduced to no more than 150 feet. Hail
poured down. We continued the hike, braving the storm, knowing that it
was better to reach the top than get stuck on the trail. At last we
arrived at the top of Sunset Point. Wahoo!
Back at the hotel we enjoyed lunch, a nap, a dip in the pool, and then out to dinner. The evening ended with a shopping spree at the local general store.
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Day two of our trip was to begin at Bryce
Point. En route we witnessed a couple wild turkeys feeding along the
road. A few minutes later we were at the point. The storm hadn't ceased
yet, so our first round of images display visibility in the 150 to 300
feet range. After spending about 15 minutes at the point, a hole in the
clouds appeared and we began snapping shots. The sun arrived and
disappeared regularly through the rest of the morning, providing a
variety of hues in our images.
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After Bryce Point, we
drove down to Inspiration point and the snow continued. We were able to
take some shots at the lower, middle, and upper views however. What a
beautiful scene!
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| Our last stop for the morning tour was at Fairyland Canyon. Snow and hail settled in rather abruptly, but we took some great shots regardless. |
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By mid-afternoon the sun gleamed out from
the clouds, providing an opportunity to get some brighter shots, so we
hit the road again. As a most pleasant surprise the south 1/2 of the
park was open, yeah! We literally sped the car from overlook to overlook
trying to soak in as many good-sun images as possible.
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| Sadly, a storm chased us away from any shots at Rainbow Point, but we were able to get several at Agua Canyon and Ponderosa Point. |
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