Walhalla Plateau

Where the heroes go.  Or in this case a Park Ranger.  My work schedule finally took me out onto the Walhalla Plateau where I gave a talk about archeology.

Plus the Walhalla Overlook also offers a fine view of the Unkar Delta along the Colorado River where the Ancestral Puebloans lived and farmed on and off for about 400 years.

Walhalla Glades ruin

In fact their population grew to the point where more farm land was needed so during the summer months some of the people would dry farm on the Walhalla Plateau then return to the river delta for winter.  The Southwest’s first snowbirds.

Also went to Cape Royal at the end of the plateau to give a geology talk.  Along the trail is a wonderful view of Angels Window.

The Colorado River can be seen through the window from the right angle.  A side trail allows you to walk on top of the window as well.

Then at the end a magnificent view of Grand Canyon and Wotans Throne.  In Norse mythology, Odin, or Wotan, the Wanderer and King of the Gods (god of light, air, and wind) was the father of Thor and the 8 Valkries, the warrior-maidens. He exhausted himself and his godly resources to have a mighty fortress built with the labor of the giants.

Freia’s Castle lies to the east, named after Wotan’s sister-in-law the goddess of love, youth, and beauty and the keeper of the golden apple tree whose fruit gives power and immortality to the gods.  We have geologist Clarence Dutton to thank for these mythological names.  When you’re the first person to explore a place you get the privilege of naming the landmarks.

“Lo there, do I see my father- Lo there do I see my mother and my sister and my brothers – Lo there I do see the line of my people back to the beginning – Lo they do call to me – they bid me to take my place among them – in the hallowed  halls of Valhalla –  where the brave shall live forever!” ~ Viking Funeral Prayer (Norway ca.500-1000 A.D.?)

Cliffrose in bloom

When you visit the North Rim at Grand Canyon National Park be sure to take the scenic drive on the Walhalla Plateau.