.jpg "Ranger Gaelyn at Walhalla overlook NR GRCA NP AZ")
Note the greenish color of the Colorado River below
I worked out on the Walhalla Plateau two days in a row. There is a daily 1:30pm Ranger talk at the Walhalla overlook, one of three places on the North Rim where you can see the Colorado River.
.jpg "Colorado R from Walhalla overlook NR GRCA NP AZ")
Note the muddy color of the river
This is how the river looked the next day after rain the day before. I love to see the reddish color the river was named after, in Spanish Rio de Colorado means River of Red. Since the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963 the river typically only runs red when tributaries below the dam flash from a rain. From this lookout that could only be the Paria or the Little Colorado Rivers.
.jpg "Ancestral Puebloan ruin Walhalla Glades NR GRCA NP AZ")
Walhalla Glades Puebloan ruin
Ancestral Puebloans (previously known as Anasazi) built this structure around 1050 AD for summer occupancy when they dry farmed corn, beans and squash on the Plateau. During winter they returned to the canyon, many to Unkar Delta seen in the bend of the Colorado River in the first two photos. Without sediments in the river to rebuild sandbars and deltas many archeological sites along the river are in danger of being eroded away.
.jpg "Ancestral Puebloan granary along Cliff Spring Trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Puebloan granary
Food was stored in granaries built into shallow caves below the rim, or like this one found along the Cliff Spring trail.
I worked out on the Walhalla Plateau two days in a row. There is a daily 1:30pm Ranger talk at the Walhalla overlook, one of three places on the North Rim where you can see the Colorado River.
Note the muddy color of the riverThis is how the river looked the next day after rain the day before. I love to see the reddish color the river was named after, in Spanish Rio de Colorado means River of Red. Since the Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963 the river typically only runs red when tributaries below the dam flash from a rain. From this lookout that could only be the Paria or the Little Colorado Rivers.
Walhalla Glades Puebloan ruinAncestral Puebloans (previously known as Anasazi) built this structure around 1050 AD for summer occupancy when they dry farmed corn, beans and squash on the Plateau. During winter they returned to the canyon, many to Unkar Delta seen in the bend of the Colorado River in the first two photos. Without sediments in the river to rebuild sandbars and deltas many archeological sites along the river are in danger of being eroded away.
Puebloan granaryFood was stored in granaries built into shallow caves below the rim, or like this one found along the Cliff Spring trail.
Every day offers a new experience.
Can't help but think that the environments down stream are now rarely getting their vitamins that the red earth has to offer.
Very interesting Gaelyn.
How wonderful that you have a front row seat to the earth changes! Although I suppose the earth changes everywhere, even weeds growing up in cracks in the Wal-mart parking lot, but…this is way better!
Amazing vistas. Your header picture is awesome.
Sunny 🙂
Wonderful photos Gaelyn and history. You are so blessed to have the job you have, you do it with such passion.
Blessings and smiles
great post…and terrific captures.
yes, i went to the top of the arch and will be posting shots next post:)
have a great weekend.
many hugs to you!
We've seen some of those rock outlines on Powell Plateau. I suppose they were built at the same time. Don't know if Powell Plateau ever had year round inhabitants, though, because there's not much water after the snowmelt pools are gone.
Cool granary!
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I always enjoy "meeting" fellow bloggers. Your blog is fascinating! What an awesome way to live – one national park to another, season after season. My husband and I love visiting national parks. In fact, The Grand Canyon is one we plan to visit in the next few years. I've been there about 3 times and LOVE it, but he's never seen it. Your blog was more incentive to go. 🙂 I look forward to perusing your blog in the future, too. Have a wonderful weekend.
Very interesting Gaelyn. Cant wait to see the rest of the information tomorrow. You really are an ace on the history of the place and its people.
Gaelyn..
First let me say..I LoVE your new header…where did you take that shot! I also love your new profile pic..
I sure do miss allot in Two weeks..so I am going to try and catch up..
Nice pic of you here with that Ranger hat..
as you know i have been hiking allot..I really should try to do your canyon..
Yikes..i am getting tired just thinking about it.
That really is a magical area in so many ways. The imense energy that the place has, the wonderful history, and the great views! Thank you for sharing some of the history.
Nice to put a face to the dear person I have gotten to know via your blog…..Michelle
Man, that is interesting. I could hang out there all day and listen and wonder about the Old Ones. I could learn a lot. MB
Beautiful pictures, they brought to mind my trip to the Grand Canyon last year.
simply beautifully captured shots….lovely!
I have had this song running around in my head since I saw the heading of your post this morning Gaelyn. LOL!!
What an amazing job you have Gaelyn, well it isn't really a job, is it, but a way of life. Love the picture at the head of your blog, and to think that it must have been under water once [I think] and the work of eons to create that sculpture.
Gaelyn: I was watching a Discovery Channel special on the Grand Canyon and when they showed the rangers I thought of you.
I can't believe you work in such a gorgeous "office" every day. If I were you, I'd probably be black and blue from pinching myself!
You know, because of you the next time I go the Grand Canyon, I'll see it in a whole different light.
Oh and that header picture is grea!