This day was all about extreme changes in altitude, wind and temperature. Leaving the high Mesa I dipped more than 3000 feet in less than 15 miles. Going through the Colorado River Valley I rode for miles along side the steep and colorful Vermilion Cliff. Going up into the Kaibab National Forest that surrounds the Grand Canyon the temperature changed quickly from 95 degrees to just above 40 degrees. The weather station on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon reported up to 60 mile wind gusts. Enough to almost flip the bike over at 55 mile speed of travel when I entered a high meadow from the shelter of the forest. Even though the Grand Canyon was just as impressive as I remembered it (the view of the North Rim is definitely worth the longer trip - versus the South Rim), the highlight of the day and probably the trip so far was Zion N.P. The pictures can't even come close to the scenery in this magical canyon. Skyscraper high cliffs in colors of deep red, white, yellow cliffs dotted with dark green Pines and flowering bushes... Go see it!! It's magical!
The Vermilion Cliff - Still far away
Yes - it's as hot as it looks.
The next pictures don't need any commentary...
Still in a good mood - and happy not to have been blown over..
Angel Point Vista - You're really right out in the canyon from this spot
Natures little accents
Yep! That's snow.
Remnants of the big forest fire in Grand Canyon N.P. last year.
Coming down from the Kaibab N.F. going towards Zion N.P.
This is an extreme wide angel shoot - The cliff is gigantic!
Look at those marks that are found throughout the canyon. Like a giant carved it out with a scraper.
Water still at work carving the canyon walls.
This peak itself would be a national landmark anywhere else.
Look at those tiny motorcycles (All Harley's) in respect to the cliffs.
The hole in the cliff is part off an unlit 1.5 mile long tunnel that opened the canyon in the 30's to through traffic.
Berry is speechless. Really!
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