Bryce Canyon at Sunrise - Skywatch

If you are facing in the right direction, all you have to do is keep walking. (Buddhist teaching)

Mary and I look to the east as we enter Bryce Canyon before sunrise.

The sun's golden glow finally clears the horizon and shows us the way.

The moon, reluctant to leave, adds a silvery sheen.

As we hike downward, rock formations tower above us.

We are insignificant in the vastness of the Nature.

We walk among giants with heavenly bodies accompanying us.

I invite you to visit my photo journal of Bryce Canyon (2 pages).

View skies around the world at Skywatch.

Hiking in Zion National Park, UT

From our first glimpse of Zion, Mary and I were in awe. We stayed in the small town of Springdale just outside the park. Shuttle buses provided convenient transportaiton to our destinations within the park. We were ready with our loaded packs to catch the first shuttle into the park just after 6:30 AM. Dropped at the Grotto, we were greeted by a flock of wild turkeys as we made our way to the trailhead for Angel's Landing.

It was chilly hiking along the Virgin River before the sun scaled the cliffs.

Around every bend, fabulous views of sandstone cliffs and spring vegetation emerged spotlighted by the rising sun. 

We climbed steadily up the 20 steep switchbacks, taking breaks to photograph the amazing views.

Finally, it was necessary to use the chains attached the the cliffside to navigate the steep, rocky trail.

(Photo of Barb climbing the rock by Mary)

We climbed alone in blissful silence, amazed by Zion's raw, natural beauty. Spring wildflowers and tenacious shrubs and trees clung to the rock as massive cliffs soared overhead.

On the way back down the switchbacks, 2 Japanese couples approached me on their way up. I greeted them with a smile and a "hello." They appeared fit and perhaps in their 50's. As the last man came abreast me, he stopped, cupped his hands, bowed deeply, and said, "You are my inspiration!" Not missing a beat, I also bowed and said, "Thank you." Catching up with Mary, I told her the story and said, "I must look ancient!"

Since we weren't exhausted when we came upon a connecting trail to Emerald Pools, we decided to take it.

We walked through the cool spray of the waterfalls cascading over the cliffs into the green pools.

After the hikes, we took the shuttle bus to the end of the line, to see more of Zion. Back at our hotel, we used the hot tub and pool before sitting with Lucinda on our veranda to enjoy happy hour by the Virgin River.

I invite you to visit my journal showing more photos of Zion National Park.

Antelope Canyon, AZ

I'm back in Colorado after two spectacular weeks in AZ and UT spent with friends. The second week, Mary and I ventured through AZ into UT.

Our first stop was Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon on Navajo lands near Page, AZ. Several years ago, a flash flood took the lives of 11 people hiking in the narrow canyon. On the day we entered, we made sure no rain was in the forecast.

A knowledgable Navajo guide escorted us through the canyon. She reminded us to speak quietly, to not deface the rock, to be aware of our surroundings, and to respect this awesome gift of Nature.

The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, meaning "the place where water runs through rocks." The canyon is at 4,000' in elevation with the walls rising 120'. (Information from the Navajo Nation website.)

Light filtering through the slots along the top of the canyon turns the weather and time chiseled walls into ever-changing shapes and patterns. We gazed upward as our guide pointed to sculptural formations named by the Navajo. I have never before experienced such natural beauty within the confines of rock.

I invite you to visit my photo journal of Antelope Canyon.

Goodbye from Aspen, CO, where we woke this morning to snow! I'm traveling again - this time with my husband. In future posts, I'll continue to write about Mary's and my adventures in Utah as we hiked in Zion National Park and in Bryce Canyon National Park.

 

Lucinda's Adventures in AZ

Hello to friends near and far!

I can't wait to tell you what I've been doing.

The Sonoran Desert is in bloom.

I'm (almost) speechless at the beauty.

I've seen lots of critters in the desert.

Most are too busy flitting or eating to talk to me.

However, I was thrilled to meet Jack, one of my desert relatives.

Besides hiking, I've been working on my tan at the pool. This is my friend, Diana, swimming with me.

Even in the desert, I've found delicious veggies.

I've also been partying a bit.

Just between you and me, Barb's a bit prickly. She's been scolding me for going off the trail. She says I won't see the rattlesnakes if I'm smelling the cacti flowers.

Look how cute I am. Who or what would want to hurt me?

So, for now, I'm saying goodbye to you from AZ. I'm enthralled with the desert.

Tomorrow, Barb, Mary, and I are heading to UT. I've heard the canyons are spectacular!

Love to All, Lucinda B. Rabbit

(Remember - naughty is nice!)

Photo of Barb scolding Lucinda taken by Helen.