Sunrise, Sunset

Dawn found us (ironically) at Bryce Canyon (Utah) Sunset Point.  The  wind was cold,  and the temp in the low 50’s.  We found out quickly that we were totally unprepared to be so cold!   We were not all alone in the cold and dark—the rim was lined with people all waiting with cameras at the ready for the sun to clear the horizon and light up the canyon.

It seems that the canyon has its own light.  Even in the dim light the hoodoos were glowing.

Finally the sky was light enough to brighten the canyon floor.

People hoping to photograph a beautiful sunrise were doomed to disappointment.  A dark cloud covered the horizon, and the sun rose behind it.

Our disappointment was rewarded, though.  The white tipped rock spires seemed to have their own inner lights.

When everyone was convinced that the early morning light show was over, we convened to the car to warm up and eat breakfast of hard cooked eggs and fruit.

With the rest of the day before us we decided to drive Scenic Highway 12 from Bryce to Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument as far as the town of Boulder (77 miles), then turn around and drive back.  Along the way we stopped at the two visitors centers to view the exhibits and watch short films about the formation of the parks,  at various little stores that piqued our interest, and at most of the viewpoint overlooks to read the info boards and take copious pictures.

We enjoyed our picnic lunch at a day use area along the Escalante River,

and continued back along our route of the morning.

View of the Escalante River route through a narrow canyon

Back at the Bryce Canyon area, we stopped for an early supper at one of the many cafes and restaurants available for the convenience of the many tourist that visit the park.  They are all pretty much the same with very similar menus and prices.  Each evening we take turns picking.

After dinner, Stacy’s Fitbit decided that we hadn’t walked enough.  We decided on a 2 mile hike up only 200’ feet to view a waterfall.  On our arrival, we learned the source of the “river” we were following.

The water was full of silt, but pretty enough, especially with sunlit hoodoos behind it. 

We wandered along, taking in the scenery and of course, taking lots of photos of the beautiful red rock formations, and of the water—especially Stacy and Ruth Ann (our daughter and her partner)—both avid photographers.

Windows from one side,

and the other

Of course that Creepy Guy showed up and tried to ruin our evening, but we ignored him and he disappeared again.

We had to ascend a small hill to get a closer view of the falls.

We took our time, imagining shapes in the rock, like Duane’s eagle,

Stacy’s dragon (long flat head on the right, turned up tail on the end)

and my elephant face.

We took pictures of everything, even people taking pictures of people.

Eventually the sun gave up and gave in to the moon, 

but by then we were all thoroughly satisfied with our day’s activities and went home.

Next,  a long strenuous hike.

Louise and Duane, Stacy and Ruth Ann