Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sunset in the Grand Canyon

We spent three days at the Grand Canyon.  One thing which we didn't want to miss was the SUNSET.   SO---we went to the canyon two different nights to see it... The first night (June 15) --we went to Mather Point (near the  center area of the canyon, close to the Visitor Center).   The sunset was gorgeous that night ---but our vantage point was not the best.   Then--the next night (June 16),  we went all the way to Hopi Point,  toward the west end of the canyon.  The vantage point here was better --but it was hazier outside that evening and there were more clouds...  SO---I'll show you pictures from each night --and you can choose which night you liked the best...

It was hard narrowing the pictures down to about 8 (for this post) ---but there will be more posts upcoming I'm sure.  Anyhow,  the first four pictures were taken on the 15th and the last four on the 16th.   I don't know which is more beautiful:  looking at the sun as it sets or looking at the shadows and sun hitting the canyon... I almost think that looking at the canyon is more awesome!!!!  The picture above will show you why....  NOBODY needs to miss a sunset when visiting the Grand Canyon!!!! Wow!!!   (Be sure and click on these pictures and make them larger!)




Is this not just totally breath-taking??????




Looking the other way,  here is the actual sunset.




As the sun disappeared,  the sky just got more and more beautiful...




These next four were taken the very next night from 'supposedly' a better vantage point (recommended to us)... BUT--I'm just not as sure that they are as good as the first group.  But---this just proves that sunsets are all different,  from one night to the next... At this location (Hopi Point),  we could see the Colorado River below --but you can't see it in the pictures since the sun wasn't hitting that area. Aren't the clouds pretty?




This picture shows quite a bit of this massive canyon. You cannot believe how large it is until you see it yourself.  What a gorgeous place!




Don't pictures like this just take your breath away?   I can watch a sunset from various locations --but you haven't 'felt' the tingle one gives you until you see it at the Grand Canyon.




And here is one more picture of the sunset on June 16.  I was sitting on a big rock --and loved having that pine tree as my 'border'....  As you can tell,  there were clouds ----so only a bit of the sun jumped out as it was going down.  BUT--I love the color of the sky.

Hope you enjoyed our Grand Canyon Sunset pictures today.  I hope you share this post with your family.   AND---like I've said,  IF you ever get to the Grand Canyon,  be sure and see the sunset...  (I'm sure the sunrise would be great also---but we didn't manage to get up THAT early... By the way,  they are on Mountain Standard time --which meant that it didn't get dark out there until after almost 10 p.m. OUR time--Central).


Hope you have a fabulous weekend.  I will see you on Monday.
Hugs,

85 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Stunning sunset photos. I'll be sure that both Larry and John see these pictures. Thanks for sharing and have a good weekend.

Birdman said...

I remember when we were there. Stunning images at every turn.

Tabor said...

You got some beautiful photos!

Janice K said...

Your pictures are gorgeous! The evening sun definitely brought out the deeper colors of the canyons. The amazing thing to me was after you take your picture you realize you have only captured a postage stamp section of the great landscape...it is so immense. Beautiful!

Catherine said...

Fantastic Betsy! Those colors are terrific.
I hope you and George have a super weekend!
xo Catherine

RoeH said...

Grand Canyon is a place where if you are seeing it for the first time, you pass out from sheer shock and unbelief. Then you can see it and all of its diversity. I haven't been up there since about '8o.

From the Kitchen said...

I don't think the Grand Canyon just happened. I believe God planned it out, rock by rock, and enjoyed every minute of doing so. Wow!

Best,
Bonnie

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, gorgeous sunset photos. the colors and the sky are just beautiful. Brings back memories of my trips there.

Ruth Hiebert said...

WOW!!!! WOW!!! Spectacular hardly begins to describe this beauty.The thought that comes to my mind is ,what a mighty God we serve.

mamahasspoken said...

Hum, both days look wonderful but I think I like the 15th better!

TexWisGirl said...

well your photos gave me shivers, so you conveyed their majesty well. the colors are just wonderous. :)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

That time difference threw us when we visited there too. I was always hungry when the cafe wasn't open! Ha.
Beautiful photos!!!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Breathtaking!!!! I love both sets for different reasons. :)
My girl friend Dawn is at the Grand Canyon right now...I hope she partakes in a sunset or two!!!
Have a great weekend!!!

Dorothy said...

Gorgeous pictures, Betsy! Wish we had stayed there longer. It's a wonderful place to see!

I Am Woody said...

We spent our anniversary along the rim trail just a little west of Hopi Point. It was just us. An anniversary I will never forget:)

Nancy Grossi ~ Churned In Cali ~ The Wife of a Dairyman said...

Hi Betsy, I'm new to your site and really enjoyed the photos of the Grand Canyon....makes me realize I need to get back there for another visit myself! Look forward to visiting more often, following now:)

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

YES pictures like these take my breath away! Grand Canyon is miraculous...

Ms. A said...

These are gorgeous. Sunrise does come early, doesn't it. I'm usually heading to bed just before it comes up, but rarely see it.

Sunny said...

Absolutely breathtaking!
In all my travels, this is the one place I always wanted (and never got to) see. Awesome!
Have a great weekend. Sorry I haven't been around much lately.
☼ Sunny

Neal said...

I'll be honest...I looked at them 2-3 times cannot pick a favorite because all are so beautiful.

Unknown said...

Absolutely gorgeous series, Betsy! I've flown over the Grand Canyon a few times but never seen it from the ground.

BTW: I just noticed that we shoot basically the same cameras. My DSLR is an XS and my 35MM is an XN.

imac said...

Certainly most amazing Betsy.
Just wonderful.

camp and cottage living said...

Lucky lady! It's breathtaking!
I travel a lot, but haven't been priviledged enough to make it to the GRAND canyon. Maybe someday.
Your photography really is the great-can't wait to see more!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Well, you made good on your promise, Betsy!! And I totally agree with you, I think the first pictures are way better! My favorite picture being the first!! It is stunning!!! But the sunsets at the bottom, I may change my mind, you know how I am crazy about sunsets!! AND the best ones have clouds! If there are no clouds, the sunsets are usually not as pretty. Hmmm...I think there's a moral in there somewhere, maybe I'll do a post on that!

Unknown said...

These are breath taking. The opportunity for photos is fantastic. Every day the light is different and the scenery is completely changed.

Diane said...

Beautiful place isn't it. Very pretty shots Betsy. Diane

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I sure hope you frame a few for your home! Even Christmas gifts!!!
They would make wonderful presents :)
xo, misha

Lady Di Tn said...

We spent only part of one day back in 92 at the GC and it was wonderful. We took Puppy on his spring break from kindergarden. I remember it was very windy and cool. We wore jackets. Your photos are wonderful. Peace

mudderbear said...

You have really had the trip of a lifetime. I've never seen the Grand Canyon. Your photos are just breathtaking. I can feel the warm coming off those rocks and the sunset is awesome. Great job..they're all just wonderful.

penny said...

Hi Betsy.. breathtaking, stunning, awesome are just a few words that came to mind as I view your amazing photo. The memories you made on this trip will last forever.

Thanks so much for sharing.
Hugs,
Pam

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

So, so pretty. That first image is especially stunning.

Lola said...

Gorgeous. Personally I prefer the pics where the sun was shining on the canyon. More can be seen by me. I can imagine the vastness of the beauty that lay before you.
Setting sun or rising sun is most pretty to me. Either is conveying something.

Big Dude said...

Great shots Betsy. I can't imagine going thru all of the shots you guys took.

happyone said...

Awesome and breathtaking come to mind and what a beautiful world God has given us!! : )

Julia said...

Hi, Betsy from Tennessee. I'm Julia, and I am also from TN. I live in SE TN, though.
Your photos are unbelievably beautiful!!!!! They look like postcards!!!!

Out on the prairie said...

Very elegant shots.When I am up at the lake lab we riun every night to catch one.

Arkansas Patti said...

Just beautiful Betsy. Some day---
I really liked the shadows but that one that made you tingle got me. Thanks, if I can't make the trip, this is second best.

Glenda said...

"Majesty! Worship His majesty .. ." That's what came to my mind as I look at the majesty of this incredible place! You did an amazing job of capturing it!

Ann said...

Simply gorgeous. When I see pictures like this I'm in awe of the beauty that surrounds us.
I've been playing catch up and reading your last few posts. Love the look of the Henry Whitehead cabin. It is a shame that people have to paint the graffiti. I bet that Matilda felt like a queen in her dream home

Fred Alton said...

Breath-taking! Great pictures from both locations. I loved them all.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Just putting a tent together back then was a CHORE. One had to have a master's degree to do it.... ha

Coming via your comment to Ginny,

Yes, I find it a chore too, the tent photo I showed you in 1980 was the last time we went tenting. The army surplus tent was leaking, and there were no ground sheet. It had the heaviest storm we had. that was why we drove all the way to my cousin's house in Whakatane.

Now when you go mountain climbing with George, I presume you have a caravan?

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Amazing photos, Betsy! I have never been there but perhaps someday I'll be able to take it all in. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Chatty Crone said...

Now this I have seen - but can you ever see it too many times - NO! Gorgeous. Doesn't it make you feel that God is so big and we are so small. What an amazing place and awesome pictures.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What incredible beauty !
It's one of the places I'd love to visit before I'm much older....
The photos just take my breath away, I'm glad you got to witness it.
Have a great weekend !
~Jo

Janie said...

It's impossible to choose a favorite. They're all beautiful sunset scenes. The Grand Canyon has to be the world's best place to see a sunset.

SquirrelQueen said...

Fabulous sunset Betsy, I love the last two photos. When you can get to view points like these the sunsets are even more spectacular.

We have been all over Nevada and Arizona but somehow we never have time for the Grand Canyon, one of these days.

Too funny, our sunset was about 9PM, that's midnight your time.

Happy Weekend!

Anonymous said...

Amazing! such a privilege to see those scenes of God's wonderful
world. Have a good weekend!

Betty Manousos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Betty Manousos said...

you never fail to amaze me, Betsy.
those are incredibly lovely shots!

well done to you: )

beautiful sunset and amazing scenery!
i've never been there.
your photos just make me want to visit this magical place so much.

have a great weekend!

hugs
betty xx

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Great images but I can imagine the real thing would be even more spectacular. You must have just loved that holiday!

Andrea said...

Yes Betsy your photos are all magnificent, and i believe you the Grand Canyon sunset is much better seen in person. But i haven't been there! I think it is beautiful, awesome but also scary!

D said...

Betsy, ALLLL beautiful photos! Thanks for stopping by to say you were home. ;) And should you ever get further west, you will definitely have to let us know.

Can you believe I spoke of you only yesterday as we were returning from Bend and stopped at Sahalie Falls to take a few photos, for the umpteenth time? I told my husband, "now Betsy would love this".

Have a wonderful relaxing weekend and happy you are home.

Anonymous said...

Wow wow and more wow! Utterly enchanting!

Shug said...

Outstanding shots Betsy....

One of my favorite places is the 'Grand Canyon' It's just a place of God's awesome power...

Have a wonderful weekend..
shug

Melanie said...

Hi, Betsy~
I've been enjoying looking through your recent posts. So nice to see your pictures. These of the Grand Canyon are just amazing. I'm so glad you had a nice trip and even got to see some of your blog friends. :)

Jane said...

Breathtaking photographs!

Jane

Tammie Lee said...

I am so happy that you saw this wonderful beauty and are now sharing it with us!

Cheryl said...

Dear Betsy, thanks so much for the note today...it truly touched me. As for the photos, I love 'em all! Each and every one is unique and beautiful in its own way...I would love to see the Grand Canyon one day. I remember my first plane trip to California years ago, the pilot "showed" us a wonderful view of the Grand Canyon and even from way up high I was thrilled to see it! Thank you for sharing these photos!

Lynda said...

That is one place I really want to see when we retire and travel. Your gorgeous pictures just confirm it even more!

Jeanne said...

What beautiful pictures! I love the first one because of the shadows which are formed on the rock walls of the canyon. Gorgeous! We went there in about 1999 and it is truly amazing to see. I would love to take a helicopter into the bottom of it someday, but I don't think I could ever hike or take a donkey down. Looking forward to seeing more pictures.
Jeanne

LV said...

Thanks for taking me back once again to this breathtaking location. We were there many years ago, but never saw sights as this. I like all the shots, but still lean toward the first one.

Small City Scenes said...

Gorgeous, Betsy. I like them all. It would be too hard to choose a favorite.

I will look over your previous posts later.

Western Montana is breathtaking---but then you were in a glorious part of our country too. Good ol US of A. Right??? MB

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Hi Betsy,

May be you should plan a train hols. In this way, you and George and enjoy the train and each other.

My Dad doesn't enjoy tenting, he said," Got a comfortable bed, you don't want and you want to rough it out."

Now, I am over 50, I too prefer the nice sift bed.

diane b said...

Stunning shots. All beautiful but maybe the first ones have the edge. It sure is a massive canyon. Unfortunately the sky was overcast when we were there and the sunset was not so dramatic.

MadSnapper said...

I am back and what a welcome. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the first shot, it is my favorite BUT all of these are truly stunning. WOW Wow and Wow again, God's creation at it's very best.

DeniseinVA said...

It's hard to put into words the feeling you get when you overlook this beautiful place. I hope I get there again one day, your photos are absolutely amazing. Thanks Betsy.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Stopping by from Ginny's blog. I love love love the Grand Canyon! My husband and I went there pre-kids and had the most wonderful time. We camped on the North Rim and did day hiking, as we didn't get passes to hike all the way down and up the other side. It's beautiful there!

Pat Tillett said...

It's an amazing place and you took some amazing photos of it. It's just too big for a camera to fully capture the immensity of the place.
Thanks Betsy!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Breathtaking views! Amazing!!

FAB said...

Absolutely breathtaking views.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Wonderful captures from a spectacular place.

penny said...

Back for a second look.. yup, its even more beautiful than before.

Happy Sunday, Betsy.
Hugs,
Pam

Unknown said...

You know, any way you look at it, there is beauty in each picture, and together they blend into one memory!

Beautiful!

Terry and Linda said...

You did well! You and George are great photographers!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

KathyA said...

"Breathtaking" is the appropriate word!!

Anonymous said...

Your sunset pictures are beautiful! I really hope that we see the Grand Canyon one day!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

One of the beauties of the Grand Canyon is that it looks different at different times of the day and under different weather conditions. Sunset is a beautiful time to be there for photos, Betsy, and you captured some rreally beautiful moments!

The Retired One said...

Stunning! I am just now trying to back read some posts and so glad I found THIS one first...my oh my..this is on my wish list to go and see for SURE!

Larry said...

Your trip was such an amazing time for you... I've traveled to a lot of these spots and it really is an amazing thing... we live in such a beautiful country! Larry

Annie Jeffries said...

Dear Betsy,

Pictures from the Grand Canyon never disappoint. Day to day, the canyon is so different. All it takes is a change in the air, in the array of clouds and voila!, a different canyon. Your pictures are gorgeous from any view.

Annie

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, they are all fantastic. I could not pick a favorite if I had to. I think I definitely like the ones with a bit of sun in them the best...but not even sure of that.

Lynn said...

Stunning sunsets. Like you state, each sunset is different and truly each is unique in these pictures. I love the actual sunset just behind the rock, but having been in Sedona and having seen the way the sun moved across the red rocks, the picture you have of the sun going down in the middle of the canyon may be my favorite. So much texture. You tow lovebirds certainly had an awesome once in a lifetime trip for sure. So glad I am able to see your pictures.

Connie said...

You know I love sunsets, Betsy. These are so lovely. It is true that they are different every night. I think that's one reason I find them so fascinating. :)

Loren said...

I have been there with my dad when I was 17 and still can remember the awe, the overwhelming and breathtaking feeling of everything @ the Grand Canyon. The Sunset is just one of the most beautiful experiences. I wish everyone could have that time once in their life!!

Beautiful shots Betsy!

Beth said...

I'm a bit late with my comment, Betsy, but I had to tell you how much I enjoyed these breathtaking shots. Absolutely stunning. It's hard to pick a favorite, as I love them all, but I think maybe I like the Hopi Point one the best.

I dream of going to the Grand Canyon someday, but 'til then, thanks for the vicarious journey.