Where I have been
For about 10 years, my husband and I planned to visit a few national parks in the Southwest. He did a raft trip in the Grand Canyon nine years ago. Four years ago we cancelled due to stuff going on at my husband's job. In February, due to the heart attack, it looked like I would never get to go. However, after a year of planning and budgeting, last week I made it to Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon. I came home with about 500 photos which I am going through and labeling. I have never been out west- I live in Buffalo, NY. We flew into Las Vegas (not a fan), picked up a rental car, drove to Zion, drove through Zion (white knuckle ride over the Mount Carmel road and tunnel- what, they don't believe in guardrails?), spent two days at Bryce Canyon, drove a long way to the Grand Canyon for three days, another long drive through Sedona and flew home on the red eye from Phoenix.
I have never seem so much land- arid, rocky, empty, vast. Everything is hours drives. I loved the Parks- the driving and distances, not so much. When we got to Bryce, it was late afternoon, and when I made the short hike to the rim, I was absolutely struck. I fell to my knees and just sobbed. I could not believe I was given the opportunity to live and see this:
Once I get the pictures labeled and sorted I will post some. No matter what, you can't capture the vast gorgeousness in a photo. I did have problems with the altitude at Bryce (8,000 to 9,200'- I live at 560') resulting in breathing difficulties and heart pain. From the plane rides and driving, I managed to pinch a nerve in my hip which meant limping for the entire trip. So, in addition to cardio rehab 3 times a week, now I am in PT. Yikes.
The only quilty thing I could manage was to buy some printed fabric to make a memory quilt. The company, http://americanquiltblocks.com/catalog/-c-260.html has them for all the parks, although they only sold them at Bryce. I will buy some others online.
Unfortunately, we passed through Sedona on a Sunday and the two quilt stores were closed.
I think I have recovered from the time difference and planes, and can hopefully get sewing. Very grateful for this chance to see something that can't even be adequately described. How in the world could I make any quilts that could capture the colors, majesty and scale of these magnificent creations?
6 comments:
Having been to the Grand Canyon for a day, I totally understand what you mean about not being able to describe or capture the light and shadows, the sheer beauty, the enormousness of the spaces, the sounds of the wind and soaring birds . . . I am so very glad you were able to make the trip and experience this majesty first hand. DH and I would like to go back but, like you said, the distances are great and the drive times are not short.
So happy to read that you were able to both go on this vacation together, especially after your health issues. Well Linda, the photo may not do justice to the actual scene but it looks spectacular!!
I wouldn't have enjoyed covering the distances you describe, one hour is about my limit so that wouldn't have gotten me very far!! Glad you're back safe and sound - apart from the pinched nerve of course. You'll be back to your quilting when that settles down.
Definitely a trip worth taking!! The beauty is incredible. Hoping you recover soon enough.
We just can't capture the depth and vastness in a photo so seeing it in person has to be spectacular. I'm glad you are home safely and hope the hip will heal quickly.
Bucket List events are like that.....they overwhelm you and put you on your knees in awe. You may not capture the grandeur and beauty but you will stitch some those emotional responses into the quilt or wall hanging.
So very glad you got to make the trip and have the experience. And now for quicker healing.....cardio and PT yuck!
Sounds like a great trip. I've been as far west as Colorado and New Mexico by car. Another friend got a pinched nerve in her shoulder while driving to/from the Pennsylvania quilt show, and she's been going to PT for it. Take it easy.
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