April 30 – May 1, 2016
It snowed Friday night so the ground was very white Saturday morning for a snowy drive from the North Rim to Kanab.
Bill said it had been raining on and off in Kanab. The clouds hung low and threatened more snow. Although I don’t like this cold white stuff I’m happy the land is receiving more moisture.
No bison hanging around in the meadows but did see a few cows and a male turkey looking rather dapper and probably searching for a mate. The tiny lakes, sink holes, and drainages were full of water.
At first I’d guess about an inch or two of snow. But after leaving the park and climbing in elevation to the old 2006 Warm Fire burn it got deeper. And deeper. Been a while since I drove in snow so took it real slow and easy. Didn’t even take as many photos as usual from behind the wheel.
Bonus that I didn’t have to get out and open the gate at Jacob Lake. A concession employee was letting in new employee arrivals.
Still snow after Jacob Lake along SR89A.
Didn’t disappear until almost within sight of the Vermilion Cliffs but still the clouds hung low, clinging to the tall red rock cliffs. Took me two hours instead of the usual one and a half.
Only two days off so had to drive back up to the North Rim the next day. And though there were patches of blue sky in Kanab clouds hug low over the Kaibab Plateau. Snow had melted along the road up to Jacob Lake.
Some snow remained up through the burn.
Many little micro-climes noticeable as I drove through meadows and forest. Less snow then increasingly more snow.
Yet shafts of light penetrated the heavy cloud cover setting the white blanket to glow.
The closer I got to the North Rim the more blue sky I could see. But it didn’t last long and rained just after I got home.
Just looking at those photos makes me feel cold brrrrrrr. Guess though the rain washed away the snow. Take care Diane
The rain washed the snow away and more followed. Am hoping it’s not white when I return to the North Rim later today.
Sure looks wintery. Guess that’s why the North Rim doesn’t open til the 15th. Looks beautiful from my seat:) Glad you were able celebrate Bill’s birthday with him.
The weather hasn’t been very good here in Torrey. Lots of wet stuff falling but no snow at this level.
Glad it’s rain and not snow in Torrey town, as Bill calls it. We enjoyed Page yesterday.
I’m with Pam, looks beautiful from here. Thanks for the pictures. Glad it wasn’t a problem driving down. I didn’t realize it was Bill’s b’day. Happy Birthday Bill. Probably my memory. I really would like to have a few days of snow in my winter. Not sure how to get only a few though.
The snow is beautiful but I’m glad not to deal with it too often. Don’t think I’d mentioned it was Bill’s birthday. I’ve pass along the birthday wishes. He says Thanks.
Makes me lonesome for the NR and those quiet days before and after the park closes. Have a great season! Hugs S & J
Sometimes I wish we didn’t have to open at all. Looking towards a Grand season.
Really beautiful photos, but the driving looks a bit treacherous. Glad you took it slow!
Thank goodness my return drive today was snow free.
Looks like spring hasn’t quite arrived on the North Rim. Won’t be long, though.
Very erratic weather up here. Snow gone on today’s return drive and suppose to be 71F by Thursday. But we could get more snow into June.
I guess I’m glad we didn’t continue up to Jacob Lake on the 1st, although it really is so pretty. Great photos from your nice warm cab 🙂
Loved your description of the journey and the wonderful photographs. Both brought back fond memories of our days up there. The meadows sure are magical, regardless of the season. Thanks, Gaelyn!
Thank you George. I love the meadows in all seasons.
What a beautiful drive! I especially like the 3rd from the bottom up – the little green meadow surrounded by the fence. I have this thing about fences, I think they are wonderful subjects for photos. I also have a thing for National Park entrance signs. There is just something about them, they are classic, timeless. I hope this season on the job goes well and you don’t have to repeat yourself too many times. 🙂
That little “lake” is fenced to keep cattle out and allow wildlife in. I like to take pics of the entrance signs so I know where I was and because they are iconic. It’s going to be a Grand season.