The views of the Canyon are spectacular. More so when you consider just how jolly old the rocks are that you are looking at, and how the canyon was formed. The geological forces of tectonic plates pushing against one another, forcing one to rise over the other, coupled with powerful water flow erosion from the Colorado River, leaves us with the view we encountered this week. We attended a geology presentation, walking along the 'Trail of Time' - a trail marking points in time and geologic formations, which certainly put into perspective the age of the canyon, and indeed the Earth. We were simply blown away looking at the Vishnu Schist - simply the oldest rock on Earth formed 1.75 billion years ago in Precambrian time.
We attended several programs offered by the Parks service. An 'Art of the Canyon' presentation by a volunteer officer was wonderful, and a 'Clocks in Rocks' presentation by a Parks service geologist was fascinating. I was interested to learn that the rocks in the canyon are dated by two methods - relatively dating the rocks by where they are found and the fossils they contain, and absolutely dating them by using radioactive decay. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the Geologist, and simply had to approach her afterwards to tell her 'she rocks!' (I am sure she hasn't heard that one before!)
Another highlight of the stay at the Canyon was a 12km hike along the South Rim of the Canyon - Hermits Rest Trail. The kids, Ken and I took 4 hours to complete the hike, walking at Benedict pace. Not once did the children complain, enjoying the rest stops to appreciate the views and the snacks and water! We bought the kids a 'Hermits Rest Trail' badge for their ranger vests, so they could remember their accomplishment. We all slept very well that night!
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| Miss Sophia |
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| The jumpers tell you where they are! |
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| Benedict on our 12km walk. He really loves his Big Texan straw hat! |
