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Published: August 10th 2013
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Whenever we go to the beach, the kids always build sandcastles. Basic, simple structures that barely stand and usually wash away in the tide before we've left for the day. If only we could build them to withstand the tests of time as well as Bryce Canyon has.
There is an area within Bryce Canyon National Park known as the Amphitheater. Visitors can walk along the rim that skirts the top edge of the canyon, or can hike down into the canyon itself. Either path invites you to witness and explore a sculpted, artistic world of sandstone creations that defy the imagination. It's almost as if you were seeing what God would do were He to spend a day at the beach.
The canyon is riddled with intricate, delicate columns of sandstone, carved and decorated in such a manner as to make you think you are looking at the world's most complex sandcastle. One grouping looks like Cinderella's castle. Another looks like a time-worn mini-version of Mt. Rushmore, and one lone column is aptly named Thor's Hammer. The hues and shades of the sandstone are brilliant in the mid-day sun. The people walking the trails through the canyon give
onlookers above a feeling of being gods looking down on their own miniature playground with action figures and all.
We didn't venture down below, opting instead for a short visit up top along the rim. To be honest, some of us are feeling a bit worn out and overloaded on national park sights. They are still impressive to be sure, but I'm sensing we can only process so much in one trip, and are nearing our max. Bryce may not have received the same amount of undivided attention some of our earlier parks enjoyed, but it was still memorable nonetheless. And by far the highlight of our day.
We left Bryce to head to Arches, a farther trip than originally thought. We're staying in Moab, UT, tonight, at a no-frills campground that is a far cry from the Western flair of the Ruby's Inn complex we enjoyed last night. Should we ever do any RV'ing out here again, this trip is invaluable for its reconnaissance and intel. With little to nothing to do in town this evening, we opted to see the latest Pixar movie, Planes, at the local and very quaint (read old-fashioned) cinema. Unfortunately, the movie
literally broke about 10-15 minutes from the end. A frustrating end to an up and down day, really, and a traumatic event Sean is not likely to forget or forgive anytime soon.
But our hopes are higher for tomorrow. We've planned to do a hike into Arches, having sufficiently recovered from our Narrows expedition. And the kids are still incredible travelers, easily moving from one thing to the next with a little coaxing and advance warning. After our hike we'll hit the road once more, heading toward Denver, and beginning preparations to vacate our home on wheels. Still not sure where exactly we'll be tomorrow night, or what sights we'll try to squeeze in at the last minute. I'm sure you'll all be waiting with bated breath!
But for now, we'll dream of sandcastles and playgrounds.
Marcia
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The Other Baldwin Family
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Extra! Extra! Planes crash into sandcastle! Read all about it!
It broke! Ten minutes from the end? That's like some bully coming up and knocking down your sandcastle! To bad Sean, but I'm sure you will fly again soon. After seeing those impressive castles, I wonder where they store the pails and shovels used to make those? Look out, here comes a wave!