Category: Uncategorized

Grand Canyon North Rim      June 2014

After the day at Bryce Canyon and another well-deserved night of rest, we set off south to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Most visitors of the Grand Canyon approach it for viewing from the South Rim, but the North Rim is 1000-2000 ft. higher with spectacular views of the Southern Rim and Canyon Vistas.  We spent the day exploring different viewpoints, visiting the Canyon Lodge and making short day hikes into the edges of the Canyon.  At key viewpoints, we could see the mighty Colorado River at the bottom of the Canyon, over 1 mile below us, where we would soon be floating our way along our next 185 mile-long adventure.

The next day, we traversed our way to the bridge crossing over the Grand Canyon near Lee’s Ferry, the only river crossing for vehicles until one would reach Hoover Dam.  From the bridge, we watched the majestic Condors that nested there among the Canyons steep walls.  But then, it was time to return west to Las Vegas, and prepare for our Rafting Adventure

 

Bryce Canyons National Park        June 2014

After a great day in Zion Park, we proceeded to Bryce Canyon National Park.  Bryce is characterized by geologic formations referred to as “Hoodoos” – a remnant of ancient beliefs that the vertical rock formations were fossilized ancient people that some form of “voodoo” cast to stone.  The softer rocks are simply “capped” by harder rocks, and the eons of water and wind erosion has made for an unbelievably beautiful set of canyons, which we explored with hikes along trails to the extent that we had the time.  Standing in the shadows of the canyon walls and watching the setting sun’s changing light of the formations provided an ever-changing romantic glow of oranges, reds and yellows.

   

Zion National Park June 2014

Our Canyon Adventures began with a flight to Las Vegas and an overnight stay at the Desert Rose Hotel just off the “strip”.  There we met up with friends and family from across the country and from across the globe.  The entire excursion was planned and organized by our friend Cliff Crowe, who applied his expert geologic training to set us on a 2 week exploratory journey.

Our next morning, we (18 of us) boarded 3 SUVs and headed to our first park excursion – Zion National Park in Utah.  After arriving in Springdale and checking into our motel for that night, we ventured into Zion National Park where we hiked through ankle-to-knee-deep water upstream in “The Narrows” to a point where spectacular water carvings hollowed out the local geology.  We could have pursued even narrower upstream locations, but we retraced our steps to explore other parts of the park.

    

While most went to Emerald Pools, 5 of us decided to attempt to climb to “Angel Point”, even though we barely had 2 hours of daylight left.  The ascent was ~2000 ft. through mostly a well maintained trail, although composed of steep switchbacks.  However, the last ½ mile was scrambling over ancient dunes, climbing rock faces with the help of rail-chains, and tightrope-walking narrow ledges.  The views from the top were indeed spectacular and worth the effort.  With now time to waste, we made it down in just under 2 hours, just before darkness settled, and in time to catch the last park bus and make dinner.  It was an exciting but tiring day.

     

September 10, 2012

 

The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal begins near Bamberg. With the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, uninterrupted water transport was again made possible between the North Sea and the Black Sea.

Walking tour again! Bamberg prides itself with being on seven hills, as it symbolizes similarity to Rome. One of the hills, Cathedral Hill, houses the tombs of emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II. We strolled through town and saw the Old Town Hall which is built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River accessible by 2 bridges.

We visited the Neue Residence or New Palace where the bishops after the 17^th century have lived.  We ended the afternoon in the magnificent Rose Garden having wine and beer, Rauchbier (a smokey, bacon tasting beer).  The garden provided excellent views of the city.

 

Late this evening we leave the Rhine and traverse the boat to the Main Danube canal…..these canals are many and varied.  Some are over a hundred years Old and some are relatively new.  Some were created to move goods because it was cheaper than driving miles yet time has found that these rivers and canals are used regularly by tourist more that for moving goods. Most of the route there are bike paths and roads on the side of the canal. Some canals so narrow we barely fit and others hold multiple boats docked side busy side. You can rise up or down 3 feet or 80 feet depending on where you are in the canal system.

 

September 9, 2012

We really enjoyed the long sail morning….the scenery on the river is just majestic and the sailing so peaceful. We will have at journeys end traversed a series of 68 locks and canals which depending on other river  traffic means that one gets there when the river allows.  Here in Würzberg, the Würzberg Residence dominates the hillside and offers wine tastings.

 

However, we opt for a short bus ride to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg  or the “Red Fortress above the Tauber”. Here we walked and shopped the entire city on the ground and in the air by climbing to the top of the city walls and taking the catwalk around.  The city which has around 3000 residents was hosting one of their medieval festivals so everyone was dressed in costume. While we were each given 15 Euros for lunch we found a local place and had the most delicious meal for 5 Euros each!  Rothenburg has a wonderful Christmas Museum and shop where one could spend hours!

 

 

September 7, 2012

Here we took a short bus ride from Frankfurt to Heidelberg to visit the 15th century Heidelberg castle, an imposing Gothic Renaissance ruin of red stone. It is a massive castle. Heidelberg also houses the oldest college in Germany, Heidelberg University. While at the castle we rode the first of many funiculars down the side of the mountain into the cobblestone pedestrian down town.  We ate at a local restaurant having the traditional pork and sauerkraut meal at Hotel Georg zum Ritter dating back to 1592 before returning to Frankfurt.

 

 

 

 

Then after dinner since we were having a late sail, we strolled into Frankfurt and partook of the local scenery and beer.

 

 

September8, 2012

Wertheim is a small walk able city of old cobblestone streets; a step back in time. We sailed all morning admiring the river scenery and then had a glassblower jump abroad at one of the canals.  He treated us to a glass blowing demonstration and invited us to see his wares when we arrived later in the day in the town. But before strolling the town we hiked up to the ruins of Burg Wertheim (castle) and the major landmark of the area.  Wertheim has a medieval town center with half-timbered houses, small streets and lots of little outdoor cafes.  A great place to drink a cold beer after hiking up to the Burg.

September 12, 2012

 

Today is walking tour in a 2000 year old city located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers,followed by a tour of the Thurn and Taxis castle. The princely house of Thurn and Taxis is a German family that was the key player back in the 16^th century in establishing what today is the European postal system. Today the Thurn and Taxis family are known for their breweries and castles throughout Europe.

 

But the best was the shopping for German beer garden costumes and the cafes serving the small sausages that were sold here at the waterfront…and on a cool damp day the sausage and beer was excellent!

 

September 11, 2012

 

We did a bus tour through Nuremberg ending at Hitler’s rally grounds and the Documentation center, a sobering morning.  This was a step back in history and while somber, it is a historic place I am glad we able to see.  The Nazi Party chose the city to be the site of huge Nazi Party conventions – the Nuremberg rallies. The rallies were held 1927, 1929 and annually 1933-1938 in Nuremberg.  Today many examples of Nazi architecture can still be seen in the city; huge monsterous buildings a good many of which were never finished.  After this we went to a local restaurant and ate lunch with some university students.  It was delightful to chat with them on a variety of subjects.  The majority of them were on summer break and eager to practice there English.

 

Tonight we are enjoying a Bavarian beer tasting.  Tasting four beers in different shape glasses that bring out the best favors. We brought home some souvenir glasses only as the beer was drunk rather quickly!

September 6, 2012 

Tis is a morning of sailing and enjoying the dramatic scenery of the Rhine Gorge.  We are sailing a 35 mile stretch of cliffs and castles from Koblenz to Rüdesheim. We passed the imposing Lorelei cliff and learned of its legend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Rüdesheim we chose to first visit Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett. It is a marvel of self playing musical instruments spanning four centuries ….. some so elaborate and delicate the the guide only handled them with gloves.

 

 

We followed this with a gondola lift ride across the valley to the Nederland monument. This is a beautiful wine making valley.