The weather started off as a cool, gray day but quickly turned to snow. As we headed north we got more and more of it until there was at least three or four inches down. Thankfully the driving wasn't too bad.
The trip into Zion took us over the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. It was beautiful in the snow an even better coming back out once the sun was out. We went through the 1.1 mile tunnel and made a quick stop at the visitors center to have a look around. The drive through the park was almost as amazing as the Grand Canyon yesterday. By the end of it the sun was starting to break through and the clouds were lifting. It turned into a great day. We saw some amazing sights.
We put in a few more hours on the road and got to Bryce Canyon about 2:00 or so. Little did we know that most of the park was closed due to snow (the roads hadn't been cleared). The part that was open was great. We hiked a little in the snow and saw some amazing views of Bryce Canyon with the mountains in the background. Isabelle played a little in the snow. The park is known for its hoodoos and it did not disappoint. They were particularly impressive.
One of the neatest things here on the Colorado Plateau is the the changes in geography and flora. We went from desert one to other so quickly and saw changes in terrain and color that were almost too amazing to be real.
I am looking forward to tomorrow. We heard Capital Reef National Park is one of the most underrated parks in this area. It should be good and the weather promises to be good.
Here are a few pictures of our day.
Glen Canyon Dam
Driving along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
In Zion National Park
The Girl with one of many snowballs for the day
I forgot to mention the Mule Deer we saw last night leaving the Grand Canyon. We also saw some today in Zion munching away at their lunch.
More of the views at Zion.
The arch in Zion just before entering the tunnel as we were leaving.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon and the hoodoos
The Girls at Inspiration Point. She was dropping snow into the canyon.
There was no-one to take the picture.
A picture Isabelle took of us. It was colder than it looks.
1 comment:
Paul and Isabelle,
Excellent descriptions! I read everything this morning after a good nignt's sleep. The digestion of the fantastic japanese meal in your company being completed, I was in great form to appreciate your literary talents.
It's so precise, it's just like being there!
When Rita visit those sites, we will be in familiar grounds thanks to you.
Finally, you remind me of my brother Claude who is a meticulous person whom I call, 'Claude Wong'.
Jean A. Vachon
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