Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Mountain High, Valley Low

Well, these pics are just not going to do these places justice. I know I keep saying that but it's true. You just have to experience this place. These first two were taken in the Painted Desert/ Petrified Forest National Park. This place was very cool. Well, actually, it was quite warm but you know what I mean. We enjoyed the area very much, taking most of the day to wander through it..


We went on about a mile, mile and a half hike near Blue Mesa. That is my favorite area. I think it was the most colorful and there were quite a lot of the petrified tree remains there. Reading about how much of the Petrified Forest was scavenged and destroyed before it became a national park was somewhat disgusting though. This place would have been literally covered up with trees were it not for profiteering white people.

The remaining photos here are of the Grand Canyon. When I first looked out over it my eyes literally could not seem to take it in. I could not focus on what I was looking at. It seemed too much. Gradually though, I adjusted and things became clear. I hiked down about 1 mile into the Canyon. I would really love to hike all the way to the bottom. I believe I could do it and hike back out. You must camp at the bottom though; you can't make it up and down in one day. This pic was taken on my way back up.

The rim of the canyon is very noisy and crowded, as you would expect, but the further you descend the fewer people you encounter. This was nice. After I had gone down about 800 feet there were often times when I could not see another human. I sat down several times to rest and take it all in and then it struck me. It was completely quiet down there. There was the ever so subtle rustle of the wind and every rare once in a while you might hear a bird but other than that, it was so peacefully, tranquilly quiet. I did not expect that for some reason. It was hard to make the decision to turn around and go back up to the people.

I will put some more photos of the Canyon up, I'm sure. Maybe when I get home. We spent the whole day there and even watched the sun go down.

8 comments:

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

WOW what a gorgeous sight and how exciting that I get to be the very first one to comment today! The solitude makes it even more beautiful. I'm not sure I would be up to as much hiking as you have done, but sure hope to see the Grand Canyon up slose and personal one day and so does Grenville! Give Capt Jack an especially big hug for you both having such a grand (couldn't resist) adventure.

R.Powers said...

Great photos!

HermitJim said...

Truly an awe inspiring sight! The absolute beauty of nature is astounding , isn't it?

Thank you for sharing those pictures with us!

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

What a thrilling place with wonderful colours and vistas.

MamaHen said...

Hey Beatrice! well, I certainly hope you get to see it one day! I have to agree with Teddy Roosevelt, every American should see it!

MamaHen said...

Hey FC! thanks!

Hey Jim! yes, it is! and you're welcome.

Hey Philip! thrilling is a good word for it. it is amazing.

Ed said...

Awesome, you got a chance to visit my suggested place (i.e. Painted Desert).

You mentioned it in your last post and this one about the people. Part of me is ashamed that we Americans are so lazy but most of me is happy because as soon as I get just a little ways down a trail, I pretty much have it to myself and a few like minded individuals. That is the way it should be.

MamaHen said...

Hey Ed! yes, and I am so happy we went to the Painted Desert! it was great.
yeah, it's nice for the trails to be empty!