Zions National Park

[Sheepshank]

It's just impossible to get the scale of these things without people around. These are huge!



There were a lot of these guys around



I think this may have been from the same spot as the ones Mira posted

[Mira]

1. I"ve been looking, and waiting. And you did not disappoint! Wonderful suggestion

of the immense mountains, and the prehistoric animal, and yes - that is the same spot, I just know it.

You inspired me to dig out my photos of Zion...are you game?
Post two more, and then I'll post two more, and we'll go for a while bringing that huge National Park, that in my opinion cannot really be captured on camera ( BY ME anyway) to the rest of the group.

If you are willing, post two new ones below this when you have the time, or when you are back with your regular "gear".

Thanks.

[Sheepshank]

2. we should throw in some of Moab too.

[Mira]

3. I can't - did not get there - YET.

I think it would be a first to collaborate on a National Treasure like Zion and I'm sure there are others who could contribute to it.

I don't know what Moab looks like, and you can help!
Start a thread, maybe. We're already deep into Geology...

[Blue_In_AK]

4. I can certainly appreciate your difficulties with scale.

I run into that issue constantly. Zion looks beautiful. I've never been there.

[Sheepshank]

5. some more Zions

Moab is very different on another 'stark' level. I lost so much (I know, back ups are a must) when my pc crashed earlier this year. I'll see if I can find any,

But first my two Zions pics...lead in to Mira's two:

The Rocks are weeping



Along our now well known path.



and just for fun. Don't let ANYONE tell you mule rides are comfortable and a cinch. I couldn't walk for 2 days after this hot, dusty, clopity, w-i-d-e ride....the kids fared much better.

[Mira]

6. I'm glad you posted some more. Vast and beautifully shown.

I especially love the second one with the water weeping.

Here are some views coming into Zion from the bottom, not the top. If you show some more I will show some coming in from the top, through the tunnels through the mountains, with windows in the mountain side.

[Sheepshank]

7. See...your shots are able to grab the giant grandeur of it.

I don't have too many more at Zions without the kids in the foreground:)

And I searched for some of the Moab ones...alas the ony three I have left are thankfully saved on Photobucket

[Mira]

8. Oh my!!! These are great. they remind me of Bryce Canyon. Typical examples

of the breathless question: How in the hell did this happen?
Love them. Thank you for finding them, and giving me a taste of Moab.

I'll post a few more of Zion tomorrow, when I'm at the computer where they are housed.
I can't help myself, not that I have unearthed them after you reminding me of them.

[Celebration]

9. Thanks Mira and Sheepshank!

I'm now adding Zion to my long list of places I need to go!

[Mira]

10. Thank you Celebration, Look!!! I'm not done...just came to post these

I don't know how I could think it impossible to show the grandeur of Zion Canyon.
But now I see in retrospect that I did have a few that give a clue - and it is even hard to chose.

Here is a field of buffaloes in the approach to the entrance



One goes down through a huge tunnel, into the side of which are tremendously large "windows" cut. They give a clue of what is to come.



The grandeur starts to overwhelm don't miss the trees like little soldiers on the ridges



Here the person gives some idea of the size





I'm thrilled Sheepshank made me re-visit these, all forlorn on a CD in the bottom of a pile.

I think I might go take you to Bryce Canyon next while I'm in the mood.
And this is what I spotted on the way out of the tunnel going back.

[handmade34]

11. Sheepshank and Mira

just wow... got me thinking. In early September, work takes me from West Coast to Midwest. The plan was to go up through Yellowstone and Grand Tetons and then over on 80 to Ohio. Looking at the photos here, makes me wonder if we should go down through Southern Utah instead. I really love these!

[Mira]

12. My dear Handmade34 - can you make a loop and do both?

If I had to chose between Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons - and Zion and Bryce - it would be very very hard.
Since I feel I know you a little, let me know how much time you would have, and how you are traveling (car?), alone? and staying where?
and I will make descriptions for you, because I have been fortunate to have been to all 4 places. Years apart, with lousy little simple point and shoot cameras (true even for my photos of Zion National Park), but I can do this description for you.

[handmade34]

15. work

gives us a week to drive from Eugene, OR to Toledo, OH; not enough time, though, we may try to leave a couple of days early. I think it was just a fantasy that I could visit Southern Utah as well as the Grand Tetons :-)

each time we get on the road, I want to visit as many places as I can, thinking this may be the last cross-country trip. I read Travels With Charley on the plane this past weekend and felt a kinship with many things including:

"This journey has been like a full dinner of many courses, set before a starving man. At first he tries to eat all of everything, but as the meal progresses he finds he must forgo some things to keep his appetite and his taste buds functioning..."

[Celebration]

13. LOL

I don't think you can miss either way!! I love the west.

[Sheepshank]

14. Maybe sheer temperatures can help make the decision

Aug/Sept can be extremely hot in Southern Utah...extremely.

It was 104-111 Deg when we were there last week.

[handmade34]

16. weather seldom

makes a decision for me... as it is, work puts me in the South in the summer and North in the winter; I have become accustomed to extremes...

**only the lack of a 4x4 or studded tires in severe winter driving conditions controls me