Day 6

Day 6, wow, we saw so much today.  It seems like each day brings a more spectacular view.  Once again, pictures do not do justice.

We started out the day early with a hike into the Antelope Canyon.  It is a walk thru a naturally formed canyon that is rarely more than 3 feet wide.  But soars to over 100 feet in some areas.  The walls are formed by flooding that happens each season, which slowly erodes the cliff walls.  Inside is a museum of naturally formed art work.  Our guide, Laura, pointed out all the various names carvings, ranging from bears, eagles and mountains to Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and even Bill Clinton.  The colors change throughout the day as the sun reflects off the walls, casting shadows across the canyon floor.  Below are just a couple shots, truly a work of art.

Next it was on to Bryce National Park for our first real hike.  First the stats: 8000 foot elevation, 3 miles through the hoolas with more switchbacks than I can count, 20 degrees, and a good amount of snow.

The scenery as you would expect was extraordinary.  The sky, hoolas, snow and trees contributed to the palette.  And it was quiet, so very quiet.  The start was great, it was all down hill.  I remember going down each switchback that I would have to come back up.  This was one of the most physically challenging treks I have ever made.  I was hit pretty hard by the elevation.  Always out of breath, especially on the return.  Had to make several stops, but we did make it down to see the Queen and back.  I was dripping with sweat, several layers completely soaked.  Which of course froze after we finished, so very cold.

I am proud of myself for doing this.  A year ago, I would not have attempted.  It was painful, beautiful, exhausting and exhilarating.  And the day was not over...   

After a quick dinner we decided to stay at the park to do some stargazing.  We headed up to over 9000 feet, but the moon was against us.  Too much light, so we headed back to base camp in Kanab UT.  The moon was going to set at 130am, so we decided to pull off into one of the many parks on the way back and catch some sleep in the car, then try again after the moon set.  We had some better luck, got the hint of the Milky Way.  More of these in the next couple days.

This was a jammed pack day.  It hardly seems that it could all happen in 24 hours.  Tomorrow is going to be an easy day as we prepare for the trip down to the Grand Canyon.