Got to the park--South Rim--and took the bus tour, as a way of introduction to the place. They made a couple of stops and gave us time to get out and look and take photos. While Trisha had been here with her family when she was in high school, this was my first time. All I can say is WOW!!! Those who have been here know what I'm saying--for any who have not been here, there is simply no way to convey the enormity of this phenomenon--and no way that any photograph can give you any sense of how massive, how powerful, how awe inspiring the place is. We were happy that the day was clear, as the weather report had said chance of thunderstorms, which never materialized (though that would have been beautiful in its own way). To see the sun playing on the different layers and contours--just leaves you speechless. There was a wonderful quote on a plaque at one of the stops: For one minute, don't talk, don't read, don't take photos--just be still and look. What wonderful advice! Talk about a way to put things into perspective, and give you a good dose of humility--when you think of the powerful forces of the rivers that carved this canyon, and just how small you are in the midst of all this massive power and beauty--just puts your own supposed significance into a whole different light.
We decided to bring the RV up tomorrow and we'll stay in one of the campgrounds, and will have a chance to spend some more time, hope to do some biking and maybe a little hiking, though are very mindful of all the advice on how the elevation effects you, so we'll take it very easy. But we definitely want to see the sunset and sunrise in the canyon.
Though pictures can't come close, I'll put up some anyway.
Wild West Shootout
Here it is, these shots from Hopi Point along the South Rim
The Colorado River
Giant condor, with 9 1/2 ft wingspan!--but we didn't see this one; it's a picture of a picture from an album that one of the park volunteers had by a telescope through which you could see a nest, but no actual condor sightings.
This is a researcher doing work on condors, with an antenna designed to pick up sounds to determine activity across the canyon
Shots from Mojave Point
At Mojave Point, looking from one observation railing to another, where Trisha is standing, through regular lens setting
Zoomed in with telephoto
Shots of the Colorado River
At some point, you just have to sit in wonder of it all
Cloud shadows
Historic El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon Village--in some ways reminded us of the Grove Park Inn in Ashville, NC
The Hopi House, built in 1905 as a way to provide a marketing place for native crafts, in an attempt to revive Southwest native crafts
Some Navajo youth demonstrating traditional dances, outside Hopi House
Great pictures............
ReplyDeleteRod
Jack, like your comment that "at some point you just have to sit in wonder of it all"! I remember that it seemed everyone was whispering when we were there...I think people are just awestruck and reverent when seeing it for the first time. Yes, the "Landscaper" has done an amazing job!
ReplyDeleteMary Lou