Day nine was cold and cloudy but this was the day we were scheduled to take a tour boat over 40 miles up what had once been Glen Canyon to view Rainbow Bridge, the largest known natural bridge.
I can still remember the controversy in the 60's over the flooding of the canyon to form Lake Powell. Proponents of the project said it would make it easier for people to see Rainbow Bridge. David Brower of the Sierra Club responded, “Should we also flood the Sistine Chapel so tourists can get nearer the ceiling?”
Since it follows the line of the canyon, the lake is relatively narrow with many arms. It is down one of these arms that the boat took us to access the bridge.
A short hike from the dock took us to the bridge
There it was! Enlarge this shot and you can see not only the ranger in the foreground but some tourists at the base of the left leg of the bridge. It is huge. I can't describe the feeling of being in the presence of such an example of nature's grandeur. I didn't want to leave. But it was a long hike or swim if the boat left without me so I hiked back to the dock with the others.
On the ride back the skies started to clear and the wind came up. As we had on the way out, Hubby and I braved the cold and stayed on the upper deck to better see the scenery.
You can find more watery sites at Watery Wednesday, hosted for us by 2sweetnsaxy.
18 comments:
Terrific capture of such a magnificent place! Never fails to take my breath away -- whether there or in photos/pictures! Mother Nature at her best and most awesome! Hope your week is going well, Martha! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing the beauty!
Sylvia
Beautiful photos of an extraordinary place!! Thanks for sharing the great pics. Mickie :)
Still really enjoying the tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
I enlarged the picture of Rainbow Bridge. The bridge is spectacular! You can really "feel" how large the bridge is when you view it with people by it!
What stunning shots, even on a cloudy and darker day. They are gorgeous. I would love to set out on a hike in that spot.
Beautiful and scenic shots. The colors of the rock and the brdige are awesome!
That shot of the bridge is wonderful.
I remember the big controversy also in the 60's. We lived in Price, UT and did some camping down there before, during, and after the construction.
It was all about "progress" back then. I think some are having second thoughts.
This place is awesome. Thanks for the guided tour.
I waas not aware of this monumental bit of beauty. . . I thought the post was going to be about the bridge that animals cross when they die. . .
I remember hearing about the controversy in the 60s, even 'way up in BC, Canada. It's the sort of thing my father liked to discuss with us. I suspect it was the Sistine Chapel reference that made it an international news item. I had no idea the "bridge" was so immense. Fabulous photos as always, Martha!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I know what you mean about not wanting to leave. I certainly felt that way when we visited Arches National Park in the evening as the low sun turned all the rock into glowing red.
That is an amazing arch!
How very cool. I So want to get on Lake Powell and see the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe this summer as Mike's working for Forever Resorts who rents boats there. Can understand your not wanting to leave.
Amazing photos!
I enjoyed these so much when I got to the last one I said aloud, "Awwww... no more." Absolutely breathtaking!
The rock formations of the western US are amazing! You had a great tiur there.
Breathtaking scenery. The vision of you hiking or swimming back if you missed the bus is kinda' scary -- enough to turn the most dedicated scenery lover into a clock watcher, that's for sure!
But what a beautiful spot. And the quote about the Lake gives one pause (flooding the Sistine Chapel....) I am always glad to be able to see places like this, while at the same time believing in Wilderness that I won't be able to get through....mixed feelings.
I am not a bit tired of your red rock tour! Thanks for taking us with you.
Lovely photos of Lake Powell. I have some mixed feelings about the lake being created, but I have enjoyed several family weeks on houseboats there. It's a great place for recreation, and Rainbow Bridge is always a stunning sight.
I remember how amazed I was when I first saw those deserted landscapes. I have never been back but they have taken up residence in my mind. Thanks for the photos.
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