Grand Canyon - Day 3

We all piled into the vans on Day 3 and headed off to the Grand Canyon. We would be visiting the lesser frequented North Rim. 90% of tourists visit the South Rim, and I guess that's where most of the pictures come from. I was expecting a flat dry landscape, and was very surprised to see so much green.





From the National Parks brochure: "The Grand Canyon, one of Earth's most powerful, inspiring landscapes, overwhelms our senses. Its story tells of geologic processes played out over unimaginable time spans as a unique combination of size, color and dazzling erosional forms. Grand Canyon National Park is a gift presented to us. Our responsibility as good stewards is to pass on this gift, pristine and preserved, to future generations."

Bryce - Tour de Force

Our second day in Bryce was packed with activity. We did the morning hike with the group into the canyon, and then we did the extended hike with two other members of our group, and our leader. Walking through the hoodoos, instead of looking down at them was a whole new perspective. After our long hike, we had lunch, and decided to join the group for the 32 mile bike ride. This is were my headline comes in. Bryce is not flat, and a hilly 32 miles is a long way to go. John and I completed 2/3 of the ride, and could have gotten in the van (which is available at different parts on the ride) but we couldn't give up. So despite the rain, high elevation, and exhaustion, we finished our Tour de Force.



PS - These pictures are not from that day, because I could hardly hold my head up, much less a bike. We took these the next day, after the best, most fun bike ride I've ever been on. It was a roller coaster ride through red canyon.

Bryce - Day 2

From the National Park Service brochure: "At Bryce National Park erosion forms an array of fantastic shapes we know as hoodoos. Surrounded by the beauty of southern Utah, hoodoos cast their spell on all who visit." They definitely cast a spell on me. Bryce was my favorite park, for its sheer beauty. The hoodoos are like nothing I've ever seen, and the colors were mesmerizing. I truly felt like I was on another planet.






'Hoodoo' is such a funny word, and it became our call for the entire trip. When our group was separated we'd call out 'Hoodoo' into the distance, and get an echo back that let us know everyone was alright.

Bryce - Day 1

After leaving Las Vegas, we met up with our group in St George. We would be traveling with a group of 10 guests, and two fearless leaders. After all of the introductions, we set out for our first destination, Bryce Canyon National Park. This was our first look at Bryce...

Vegas Baby

We just got back from a wonderful 10 days in the Southwest. This was our biking, hiking, and camping trip that we were in training for. We had to fly into Las Vegas, and since we had never been, we planned to stay two nights. Las Vegas is hot, and in August it's HOT. It was 107 both days. We made the mistake the first day of going out while the sun was still up. The cooling station (other than our pool) was the best thing we ran into. To do Vegas right, you have to wait till the sun goes down.

Your Seat

©Herman Miller - Aeron Chair
As artists, we spend a lot of time sitting, either at a drawing table, or in front of the computer. The seat we sit in is therefore very important. Mine is awful and in need of replacing. I've been researching some great looking office chairs, and I can't believe how expensive some of them are. I'm trying to go with the cost-per-use theory (that if you divide the cost-per-use, it'll be pennies per day). So I am curious, do you have a seat you love to spend 8 hours in?

Circus Monkeys

My Dad made a pair of stilts for my nephews 7th Birthday. He might be too small to use them yet. When my Dad brought them over, everyone tried them out, and my brother was the only one who could walk in them. He got right on, and just walked away laughing. As soon as I heard this I knew I'd have to get on them. My brother and I had a pair when we were younger, as well as a pogo stick which I remember being very good at. When my brother brought the stilts out, I did hesitate awhile getting on. But as soon as I got up, I was able to walk in them. My brother said he couldn't be out done, so decided that he was going to juggle while walking on stilts. And yes, it turns out he is a better circus monkey than I am. I tip my hat to him.