Our next stop in our tour of southern Utah was Bryce Canyon. This time, the park shuttle only went to a few of the overlooks. We decided to give it a try when we arrived in the afternoon. The first stop was at Inspiration Point. We were dropped off in a small parking lot and there was a paved, uphill path through some fir trees. I wasn't sure what to expect, since the trees blocked any view on the way up. Suddenly, you are at the top of this amphitheater, looking down thousands of feet into a canyon full of hoodoos, without the benefit of a railing.
Do not think that I was the photographer of this amazing sight. No, I was sitting with my butt cheeks balancing on a 12 inch high by 4 inch wide brick wall about 3 yards away from the edge, with my head between my knees. Between the four year olds running around without the aid of a parent's hand and the jumble of foreign languages being spoken (sounded like yelling to my ears) all around me, it was sensory overload for someone who is already afraid of heights. I couldn't even manage to look at my family, walking along the gravel two foot wide rim trail, without feeling as though I was going to lose my lunch.
Do not think that I was the photographer of this amazing sight. No, I was sitting with my butt cheeks balancing on a 12 inch high by 4 inch wide brick wall about 3 yards away from the edge, with my head between my knees. Between the four year olds running around without the aid of a parent's hand and the jumble of foreign languages being spoken (sounded like yelling to my ears) all around me, it was sensory overload for someone who is already afraid of heights. I couldn't even manage to look at my family, walking along the gravel two foot wide rim trail, without feeling as though I was going to lose my lunch.Fortunately, not all the overlooks were that dramatic (or unsafe) and we came back in the evening and decided to just drive the 18 mile park road. That's when it began raining (later in the trip, I discovered that it was southern Utah's monsoon season - who knew??) We still managed to get out of the car and take some photos. One of the stops was called 'Rainbow Point,' at which point, I remarked, 'Wouldn't it be cool if we saw a rainbow?'
About 10 minutes later, the rain cleared out and we were treated to one of the highlights of the trip...................
A rainbow at Rainbow Point. . . That's just way cool. . .
ReplyDeleteI share your fear of heights (altho perhaps not quite to the same degree). Those edge-of-the-cliff places just give me the willies. . .
And thanks for this; that's some spectacular scenery. . .
If you keep putting up pictures like this, I'm going to have get my sorry bottom out there! Damn!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, just gorgeous; I've added it to "the list" of must-see places, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'll wander the edges, with a couple of the kids- but my wife and one of the boys, are right with you, regarding the heights!
Craig - I'm ok if there's a solid brick wall at least waist high between me and the cliff. Otherwise, forget it!
ReplyDeleteRuss - It is just fabulous if you like rocks.
Sailor - I did manage to do the Queen's Garden Trail at Bryce. I think there's only a drop of about 320 feet in elevation, so I wasn't too nervous. Really cool to walk among the hoodoos.
That is really very beautiful in a barren, almost alien, sort of way.
ReplyDeleteI used to be deathly afraid of heights (wouldn't even climb open stairs no matter how low) but managed to somewhat break myself of the fear in my teens .... in fact, my last year working on the uncles' farm I ate my lunch every day on the roof of a silo (cause that's the only place my annoying cousin couldn't get to). Somewhere in recent years I've reverted some but nothing like you!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular pics, thanks!
Absolutely stunning! Seems like you are having a great time!!
ReplyDeleteAgent - I've always enjoyed rocks and mountains more than water for some reason.
ReplyDeleteXavier - I'm usually okay if there's something solid between me and the cliff. The openess of it is what freaks me out.
Em - We've been home for a few weeks, but it was a wonderful vacation.
Beautiful pictures. I love Bryce Canyon.
ReplyDeleteLucky.
Girl - Thanks! It really was a lovely place.
ReplyDelete"No, I was sitting with my butt cheeks balancing on a 12 inch high by 4 inch wide brick wall about 3 yards away from the edge, with my head between my knees."
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA! Yeah, that would be me TOO!
Gorgeous shots! Especially the rainbow one - WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing!