Bryce Canyon

For those of you who don't know, it became necessary that I get a job in order to help pay the bills. Since I will be working nights and Saturdays, we weren't sure when would be the next time we could spend a Saturday together. Even though it was General Conference, we decided we needed to do this now, or maybe never. So we headed out Saturday morning to Bryce Canyon with our jackets, blankets, and umbrella on hand. We unexpectedly drove through a snow storm in one of the passes (strange to leave 90+ weather and then drive through that), but got to Bryce Canyon in about 2 1/2 hours. It was raining or misting most of the day, but we didn't have a problem staying warm with all the walking and hiking--especially with Scamper strapped to me! I am so glad we were able to go and see the canyon. I had never been before, but spending time there reminded me how much my Heavenly Father loves me. This earth is so beautiful! This a view from Sunrise Point. Behind us you can see into Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is made up of hoodoos (def: natural columns of rock in a fantastic form). I would have to say they are pretty fantastic. Bryce Canyon started to form millions of years ago when southern Utah was covered in water. The water left many sediments behind as it slowly disappeared. Then there was a period of faulting, stretching, and fracturing throughout the area that created various plateaus. Rain and snow then started to carve the plateaus into more distinct ridges called 'fins.' Rain water, which is naturally acidic, continued to dissolve away the limestone in the rocks, which left holes in the ridges, eventually resulting in hoodoos. I am still left breathless as I look at these pictures from home!
We hiked the Navajo/Queen's Castle trail, which is pretty popular in the park. We probably hiked about 3 1/2 miles, and it was definitely worth every step! (If you look closely you can see how this part of the trail just switches back and forth all the way down.)

A small slot canyon we hiked through.
The tiny hoodoos really give it character, don't you think?
This is the Queen's Castle behind me (named after Queen Victoria).
I loved the individual ridges.
It is so amazing to think that this has been millions of years in the making!
The hoodoo in the middle is called Thor's Hammer--one of Bryce Canyon's famous sights.

Daddy and Scamper at Inspiration Point.
A view from Inspiration Point. Fitting name-huh?
Looking out from Bryce Point. This is the famous Bryce Amphitheater.
A natural arch.
Here we are trying to stay entertained on the drive home. Scamper still loves to chew on the rubber portion of the Camelbak. It probably feels good on the 4 molars (!) he is getting right now. I'm sure he can't wait until we load him up and head for the Grand Canyon! (Maybe next year some time).