090712 Monday
And so I was saying, the room was really comfortable and we woke up to a view of Lake Powell. Didn't had time for pictures cos I was rushing to pack and go in the morning. Nomadic lifestyle ever since we left Yellowstone, ha.
Anyway we took a short bus ride to where we would start our Antelope Canyon tour. According to our tour guide, Antelope Canyon is in the territory of the native americans so they kinda have monopoly of the tours. Hence we had to transfer to another tour for a short 2 hours to the Antelope Canyon.
Before coming on this tour, I have never heard heard much about Antelope Canyon. The more famous destinations are definitely Yosemite, Grand Canyon etc. But after googling, I realised that this was a place we most probably had seen somewhere before but overlooked it. The sandstone formations are simply amazing, and it's really a paradise for photographers. This is a place where the pictures actually turn out even better than what you see. My only regret was that I did not bring my tripod along so I didn't manage to take much pictures deeper into the canyon where it was pretty dark. It was a wonderful experience just to be there though, where you'll stand in awe at the artistry of wind, sand and flashfloods. It's like being closer to God each time I witness such impressive creations, as if I'm starting to understand The Creator's heart a little better.
A windy and bumpy ride on the sand
Presenting Antelope Canyon
Do you see some animals?
This looks like a lady's face
Blogging these pictures have set me thinking: From the different geologic layers of Grand Canyon, the reddish sandstone waves on the cave walls of Antelope Canyon, to the hoodoos and eroding fins of Bryce Amphitheater, all these formations have been here for thousands or even millions of years, their beauty ever changing and incessantly crafted by the wind, rain and snow. And after so many years from their point of creation, they are still being continually refined, revealing a different side of beauty at every different moment. It is as if God has a plan for them too, right from the beginning of time, and he reveals his plan little by little, each moment special in its own way, for mankind to appreciate, or simply to showcase his wonderful creations. In the same way, God has his plans for each of us too, right from the start, before we were even conceived. And we are all works in progress, continually molded by Him. We are always growing, and changing. Sometimes He takes away something, other times he adds on. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes you can't see the big picture, or don't understand what's going on. Like the land masses colliding and drifting apart, plateaus and rocks eroding away, sea levels rising and falling, and the relentless forces of moving water, at times freezing and thawing, all these to reveal His majestic artworks ultimately. He makes all things beautiful in His time. We are all unique masterpieces from the Potter's hands. So keep the faith, savour each moment, and you'll find beauty at every turn.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well... How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! - Psalm 139:14,17
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11
Next stop, Glen Canyon Dam & a boat ride at Lake Powell
Remember Hoover Dam?
The dam fulfils its goals of water storage, power generation as well as a destination for recreational activities
Into the canyon
"A curious ensemble of wonderful features..." - John Wesley Powell, 1869
“I turned to God primarily because of my discovery of goodness and grace in the world: through nature, through classical music, through romantic love. Enjoying the gifts, I began to seek the giver; full of gratitude, I needed someone to thank.” - Philip Yancey, Reaching for the Invisible God
No comments:
Post a Comment