Caspar Institute logoitinerary   < 28 September On to Zion   1 October Beyond Bryce >

Zion 30 September 2014


781 : 1295

Zion Rocks!

<p>I

I'm foolin' with scale here – some of these are huge, and some small. The interesting thing to me is how the agents of sculpting – wind, water – are fractal in nature: as above, so below. I intend to show you more of this as the trip goes on.

782 : 1290

On our way east out of Zion, we were honored with a close-up sighting of one of the southwest's rarest: Bighorn Sheep. Generally fearful and reclusive (they were a staple on the pioneer diet), here was a group who had apparently gotten the memo: in a National Park, they're safe as houses, indeed, treasured. Still, even a few meters away, it was amazing to me how private they are. The big ram (left) flirted, but never gave me a good view.

783 : 1288

Onward to Kanab and the North Rim

Kanab fulfilled its promise of a wonderful lunch, cold brews, and the gracious Lara to wait on us like family.

On southward, and on the lookout for the superb Kaibab Squirrel (black with a white tail), we passed through an enormous reminder that the climate is fast changing in places where the climate is extreme. The drought here is as intense, and of much longer standing, than the one that afflicts California. As always, life's regenerative power reminds us that Nature bats last.

... when one is not enough"</p>

"Polygamy Porter ... when one is not enough"

785 : 1272

Autumn in the air. In the forest leading up to the Grand Canyon's North Rim, the aspen were in the fall plumage. As I review my pictures, I note that many, many of my images are light-struck: an apt commentary on this southwestern land.

The North Rim is a full thousand feet higher than the much more visited and accessible South Rim (and in my view much more impressive), and the long climb out of the Northern Arizona desert, through a succession of life zones – Pinyon and Bristlecone, Conifer, Mixed Alpine Conifer and Aspen – makes a wonderful prelude to the sudden opening at one's feet of the Greatest Hole in the Ground in the World.

786 : 1262
<p>the view from Bright Angel Point</p>

the view from Bright Angel Point

itinerary   < previous 28 September On to Zion         next 1 October Beyond Bryce >


only search the Ci Travel pages.

Feedback and comments welcome! Email us!


updated 16 June 2023 Caspar Time
site software and photographs by the Caspar Institute except as noted
this site generated with 100% recycled electrons!
send website feedback to the CI webster

© copyright 2002-2024 Caspar Institute