Variations on Vishnu Temple

[WLPelzmann]

I made my first trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon last month.
Let me say this is a GREAT time of year to visit. Cool, no crowds, empty campground, great weather.

This is the first year that the North Rim has been open in November. Normally the roads and facilities close at the end of October. The Park Service now plans to keep the North Rim open through November or as long as the roads can be plowed. They will order evacuation if a big snow storm threatens.


Here's a view south from Cape Royal across Vishnu Temple towards the San Francisco Peaks. I tried to capture the rapidly changing light. Most people left after the sun set. I think that is when the show started.

At sunset:


After sunset:


Last light:

[Don C]

WOW! The colors in #2 and #3 are fantastic. All in all, #3 is my favorite.

Don C

[tml]

Gorgeous shots, Bill. I am planning a trip there this Spring. By the way, any suggestions on a nice hotel nearby? Tri.

[Shelby Lane]

Wow, what a neat series! It makes me want to head out there.

[kmeronek]

Great shots thanks for sharing. I really like #3.

Ken

[EuroEclipse]

Great shots. #2 is my fav.

[debbry531]

Great series - I think #2 is my favorite, though they are all great.

[WLPelzmann]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

I processed #2 first and thought that would be the best in the series.
But, now #3 is giving me second thoughts.
I guess, I'll just have to see how both translate into prints.

[WLPelzmann]

Originally Posted by tml

Gorgeous shots, Bill. I am planning a trip there this Spring. By the way, any suggestions on a nice hotel nearby? Tri.

Tri, You probably have to redefine your concept of "nearby" in that part of the country. The lodge at Bright Angel Point has some very nice cabins and is located right on the rim. That is certainly where I would choose to stay. Your next option is at Jacobs Lake, but that is a ~50 mile drive & very slow if you stay within the park speed limits.

I'd recommend getting reservations ASAP. I understand even Jacobs Lake fills fast. After that, you have Kanab and Fredonia as options.

FYI, the rangers told me that the North Rim campground was already booked full for 2009, through October !!!

[WLPelzmann]

Here's the view southeast, over Freya Castle, just left of the Vishnu Temple.
Desert View Overlook, on the South Rim, can be clearly seen in the upper right in the original file.

The Great Unconformity is nicely exposed here in the inner canyon.

[tml]

Dear Bill: Thanks for the tip. I will definitely follow through with your insight. Tri.

[JohnT]

While #3 is very vibrant, I prefer #2 due to being able to discern more detail in the rock. Very, very nicely done!

[LoungeLizard]

Beautiful.

What was the weather like? Do they have good lodging on that side?

[WLPelzmann]

Thanks, Jesus and John.

Jesus, the weather in November is rather unpredictable. The week before there was a 6" snowstorm with single digit termperatures.
When I got there only a few patches of snow remained, with a high/lows in a balmy mid 50's/low 20's range.

I suppose that is why the North Rim roads were always closed at the end of October.
I think it is great that the Park Service now plans to keep the North Rim plowed and open through the end of November.
Of course, getting snowed in for the winter would be a bummer.

I think the North Rim Lodge cabins would be a great place to stay - if you can get reservations. Spectacular location.
However, there are no plans to keep the Lodge open in November.



I'm signed up for a 16 day dory run through the Grand Canyon - Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead - April 7 to 22.
They still have a few spaces available, if anyone wants to join me.

[Teddington]

I've seen the GC a few times, always in bright sunshine (or rain) before I even knew what the golden hour meant. These photos capture the grandeur and the reason folks go AHHHHH! Not my favorite place - just too big - but then again I've never caught the "little GC" or Waimea Canyon on Kauai in great light either. Maybe next time. Very nice, especially #2 & #3. .