More Bryce Canyon shots

I am still sorting through all my images and there's certainly more than just 5 good Bryce Canyon shots from my 9 mile hike.

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This pic has so many differents shapes, sizes and colors. That lonely tree gives one some perspective of the huge size of the rock formations here.

Here is an odd geologic anomaly. That huge gray boulder came down the mountain from hundreds of feet higher only to come to rest atop that little hoodoo. Again, those trees help to show that the boulder is about 25 feet tall.

As I walked along the Rim Trail, the photographic conditions really improved. Most people prefer to have clouds in their pictures.

Back at my motel room, the setting sun made for a marvelous sunset so, I took a break from processing images to snap off a few more colorful shots right outside the second floor room.

Almost ten minutes later, I was blessed with a second sunset. When there are clouds at both high altitudes and lower altitudes, you sometimes will get two distinct sunsets in the same day.

Plan Z, for Zion!

My last day in Zion was a glorious one, although the great conditions were in doubt just the night before. I was somewhat rested up after the 8.5 mile hike in Bryce Canyon so, I felt ready to hit the trails again. The mandatory Zion shuttle system was still in place for just one more day so, I found a place to park above the Visitors Center and got on the shuttle.

The light was very good and the angle of the sun was just right for some parts of this amazing canyon. I want to be up THERE!

Here at the lower elevations, cottonwoods and maples still had their leaves, and the peak of color hadn't arrived yet. This Sunday morning hike was idyllic, with plenty of friendly people hiking the many trails.

I had decided to take the relatively easy Emerald Pools Trail all the way up to the Upper Pool. Some people do not climb the last third of a mile of more difficult hiking. This is what they miss out on, as you arrive at the Upper Pool. I literally stood there and gawked at the immense grandeur of these regal orange cliffs.

While the pool isn't exactly "Emerald", it still provides a wonderful contrast to the arid cliffs and dry landscapes. I had almost 10 minutes of peace before rowdy kids arrived. I worried for their safety climbing on the huge, slippery, sandy boulders. (I also worried for the adults climbing on them who should know better.)

As it was time to head back down the canyon, my planning had worked out great with the sun at my back. You will always have the shadows at Zion this time of year but, finding ways to artfully use them is important. My next Zion post will show the pleasantly different views I saw on the other trail back down the canyon.