Daddy's Christmas Angel

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Bryce Canyon - A Picnic for the Photographer's Eye

"Pink Cliffs Rising" ©Mary Montague Sikes
Bryce Canyon is a truly exotic destination. The glowing pinnacles rise up from the canyon providing a picnic for the photographer's eye. When viewed from atop the rim, the scene becomes a wonderland of magic.

Our daughter arranged (a year in advance) for us to stay at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, and it was a wonderful choice. The original building, designed in the 1920s by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, has been restored and is a National Historic Landmark and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The furnishings in the lobby were commissioned to replicate the original hickory furniture. The food in the Lodge dining room was good but pricier than that at Zion Lodge. However, it was convenient to be able to dine at facilities near the rim of the canyon. A guide book says visitors can see 60 million years of geologic history in the amazing formations. We were impressed with the wide walkway that edges the canyon with benches along the Rim Trail. However, there were no guardrails.
"Lodge at Bryce Canyon Lobby" ©Mary Montague Sikes

We used the shuttle to go to several of the lookouts. The elevation at Bryce is well over 8000 feet. At the nearby Agua Canyon overlook, it is 8800 feet. Since this is double the altitude at Zion, we never quite
adjusted during the shorter stay at Bryce.    

As I look at my notes and photographs, I'm already longing to return to the Utah National Parks. There are so many things we did not visit or get to see. It is truly the place for photographers, both amateur and professional.
"Natural Bridge" ©Mary Montague Sikes

"Agua Canyon Sign" ©Mary Montague Sikes

4 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cool you got to stay at the lodge. It looks very rustic.
Beautiful photos. With no guardrails, I wouldn't go near the edge though.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

I stayed far from the edge, Alex, and worried when one of our daughters got very close! Thanks!

Birgit said...

Oh my-I read no guard rails and all I could think of was hurtling to my death. I have a severe case of fear of heights. If I go on the 3rd run of a ladder I start to shake. The lodge looks so beautiful and must feel great to be staying in such a historical place. I love that one picture of the canyon bridge with the rusty orange and the pale pink and blue of the sky-so beautiful

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Birgit, I have those same fears. However, here you can stay on the walkway with a good amount of space between you and the edge. Thank you!