I took a few pictures yesterday

After breakfast I decided to drive to Bryce Canyon, just to take a peak at it, but along the way I saw the following scenes:






















BRYCE CANYON

I think the kindest thing I can do right now is take my fingers off the keyboard and let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy Bryce Canyon!

Upon leaving Bryce Canyon my intent had been to drive back ten miles the way I had come to Cannonville, find Cottonwood Road, and drive south. At this point my day changed significantly from what I had planned. I stopped in the information center to get directions (yes, I know I am now a disgrace to my gender). I was told that Cottonwood Road, which is not paved all the way, was almost impassible due to the recent rain. The guide there told me that if I had a four wheel drive vehicle with high clearance I might make it. My Subaru is all-wheel drive with a slightly elevated clearance. I gathered my courage and made the only choice any male worth his manly reputation would make. I turned around to take the long way to Williams, Arizona which is just west of Flagstaff and about 50 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

So I drove, and drove, and drove, down Highway 89. But at the town of Kanab, I had a choice of taking 89 or alt 89. Without thinking or consulting the map I ended up on alt 89. I drove some more until I saw a sign that said 'Grand Canyon, North Rim xxx miles'. I don't remember how many miles ahead, but I started to change plans. On the way I saw the following vista.

I finally got to highway 67, which takes you south another 50 miles to the Grand Canyon. It was about 3:30 when I got to the main gate. I again asked for directions, (sigh) so as not to waste now precious time. I was given a map and told to drive the length of the park to Cape Royal. The drive is along the north rim with a few spots set aside to pull off and admire the view. Now before I show you the picture of the Grand Canyon, let me tell you that the person that named that place in the world was a putz. The name should have been the Incredibly Awesome, Unbelievably Huge, Spectacularly Beautiful Canyon! You may now look at the photos to verify that I am correct.

Note: You can see the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon through the window in the rock. (See above)

Ok, so I have been thinking about the name of the place. Maybe the putz was right. The views of the Grand Canyon (this name is a whole lot easier to type) I had seen left me in awe. I have travelled a bit in my life but this was as magnificent of a place as I had ever been. I didn't even feel out of place as one of the few English-speaking people there. Almost everyone else was speaking German, French, Polish, or Icelandic (using the northern dialect). Our weak dollar at work, or rest, again.

As I was leaving, I was thinking about Cindy, and about how much she would have loved seeing the natural beauty of the things I had seen. As I was thinking this I was driving through part of the forest that had been burned.

I couldn't help but notice all the new life that was sprouting up underneath the old trees. The ash from the burned leaves and bark providing enrichment for the vibrant plants that followed. The thought occurred to me that even though Cindy is gone, a vibrant life goes on for the rest of us, enriched by the time we had with Cindy. And as these thoughts came to me I started to cry. (I am tearing up again as I write these words). So I drove, slowly, vision blurred by the tears.

I drove back up to Alt 89, and started the long drive to Williams, AZ. It was now 6pm and I still had about 3 hours to drive. But as the sun was setting, I took pictures of a view that gave me peace and comfort. The quiet beauty of the world passing into another night seemed to be a fitting scene.

The rest of the drive was a struggle, but I made it. I was blessed to have seen the Grand Canyon from the North Rim, a bonus because it was not part of my original plan.

It is now 9am on Monday. I am heading out the door to see the aptly named Grand Canyon from the south.