Hiking the Hoodoos

This hike at Bryce Canyon National Park was at 7,600 feet. After the marker medal, I have 2 photos of how steep and how smooth the baked sandstone appears from the top. Yes, that is a person at the bottom of the third photo. It was a bit daunting, but as I got closer, it wasn't as bad as it looked and so I kept on going down like Alice because I wanted to see what was  there and not because I had taken a pill. So follow along with me and meet the Queen of England, to the final photo of a hoodoo eclipse. It was three miles of sharp down, level , and sharp up. I started at 8:30 and finished about noon because I stopped and took photos, talked to people, rested, drank water, and savored lots of Mad Hatter Hoodoos. Woo-Hoo. One of my best hikes ever. I hiked the Hoodoos the last year of my sixth decade.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion seems to be set in high contrast at all hours and in many different ways. I found it very difficult to photograph. So the first image is of a tree casting its shadow on the Virgin River. I was hiking from The Grotto to the Emerald Pools. It was a glorious morning and I finally got some photos I liked. I was hiking along a ridge and the river was below. This led to a small slot canyon (the only one I was to see on this trip so far) and then to the falling waters near the Emerald Pools. I was dissappointed because the pools were amberish mud. There I met scads of tourist walking in from Zion Lodge. I was so glad I took the longer route and the higher road. Another contrast: the peaceful upper trail and the lower tourist laden one with the hyped "emerald" pools.  I am thankful that I am physically able to hike. Because that is how I saw the real park. In the interior. In the early morning coolness. Above the shuttle and the hustle and bustle.

Zion Flora and Fauna

Navajo Point, Grand Canyon Cathedral

 The Colorado flows through the Grand Canyon thirsting for purpleness..

 The canyon is an agent of aging rocks, but all I see is its youthful spirit...

One blackbird  to far right looks like a speck in the spectacularness of the canyon..

 Now burgundy appears like a fine wine dashed upon cascading ledges...

What a blessing to be released into this world and may I take care of my beloved earth mother as the Navajo did centuries ago. Every once in a while, I need to see further than I ever have before. I want to stand on the edge and let my spirit float for awhile while still in my home body.

It's artifacts are mostly in museums now, but the real live road has been undulating to the north or south of us for a couple of days. Oklahoma has several Route 66 museums, but the one in Clinton, OK is the best. Now we are at Ft. Amarillo Resort RV Park, just off  The Mother Road, contemplating a historic path that has lost it's flavor on the bedpost over several decades. Maybe I will revive myself at Cadillac Ranch tonight in the moonlight.