Under a Spell

Some things are not as they appear. Newel and I had been wanting to go to Bryce Canyon. I hadn't done my research, so I didn't know what the place looked like. I was pretty much in the dark. There were only two things I knew about the place.
First, it's not as hot because Bryce Canyon is located about 8,500ft above sea level.
Second, it's a canyon.
The only canyons I've seen or heard of are the Grand Canyon and hiking in Zions in the canyons.

I had a mixed visualization of Bryce. Being in such high altitude I was expecting mountains like the ones by our house, but it was a canyon. How could that be? It was contrasting. I was confused.
As we headed closer to the park, the landscape was fascinating. Red rocks, just like the ones in Zions, but there were green pine trees. Big trees. It was really dry, but not hot. What a neat experience.
We arrived Friday late afternoon. We set up camp. While I was preparing dinner and making our site comfy, Newel went on an adventure with the kids. Did I mention we also brought our nephew Pete with us? He was a pretty good kid on this trip. It was neat to see Arden and him bond. They don't usually get one on one time with so many other cousins around.

The following morning, after breakfast we headed to Sunset Point.
This is where my eyes were completely opened. One word for you: Hoodoos.
This is how the official guide describes this place: "Hoodoo-a pillar of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion. Hoodoo-to cast a spell." I think the second definition is the best one. I was under a spell.

This place is something out of a dream. None of these photos do any justice at how beautiful this place is.

We hiked down Sunset Point. WOW!

Such neat formations.
A lot of these rock formations have names like Thors Hammer, The Queen's Garden, or Wall Street. We also hiked a good chunk of the Navajo Loop trail.


Each formation was formidable.

Mayita kept saying "hoodoos" and touching the walls. Oh, yes, we're starting them young to love nature and be tree huggers.

Slots...

Totally amazing view.

A double bridge. Watch out, it may become unstable.

Peiter meditating?

Time for a snack break.

More hoodoos.

Casey (Helen's husband) inherited Grandpa Olsen's harmonica. We had lovely music played as we hike along. Newel also had a turn on the harmonica and Arden was admiring his daddy's musical talents. I like that photo.

Ah, the Queen's Castle. Can you see the dragon on the left hand side?

Random trees just grow between hoodoos.

Hiking up Wall Street.




Another photo that doesn't even compare to the real thing.

Later that day, we went over to the Visitor Center where Maya and her cousins became expert riders. 'Giddy up horsey!'

After our visit to the Visitor Center, the children made their own VC.

What good construction.

My children are the happiest when they are in the outdoors.

After dinner we went to Inspiration Point. It was truly inspirational. After our trip to Inspiration Point, were were inspired to eat dessert, peach cobbler. Yum!

The following morning we packed our stuff. Even as we were packing, we were entertained by nature. They were observing an ant lion eat ants. Very scientific.

We went to sacrament meeting at at Bryce Valley ward. It was a small town, like most towns that are not in the Wasatch Valley, but the people seem to be honest good people. Very different feeling in small towns.

As we were heading home, we took the road less traveled, but very scenic.
This is the Boyton Overlook on highway 12. Then, we continued driving to some scary overlooks like treacherous drop offs, on both sides of the road. Pretty neat.

Oh, we also made a quick lunch stop at the Petrified Forest state park. We got to see petrified trees.

As Maya napped and I stayed in the car, the family went on a little hike at Calf Creek a state park. Really neat. There were a couple of water falls, but it was too hot in the day to hike to them, the clan opted for hiking down the river, instead.
This was one of Arden's favorite stops.

The look on those faces is priceless.

Mayita woke up just in time for some skinny dipping.

Of course the water was chilly, but that just helped the group cool off a bit.

After our visit to Calf Creek, we continued driving on hwy12. The landscape was unbelievable. I feel like my perspective of the state of UT has changed. My perspective about UT is a hot, dry, somewhat desolate place, where only people who were being persecuted for their religions beliefs would move to.

Now, I believe UT has a lot to offer if you like the outdoors. I have a different perspective of UT.

We drove through mountains of gorgeous pine trees and aspen trees. But in the distance, like in the photo below, you see this beautiful landscape of the Colorado Plateau. There are deserts, mountains, kind of beaches, lakes, rivers, canyons, salt dunes, all kinds of things. This is truly a beautiful place. I am starting to love this state. I still have some quirks about it. However, while we still live in this state, we will try to explore its natural beauty as much as we can. So, one day, when we move away from this state I will actually miss it.