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Header - picture

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone


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It‘s not as deep or wide as the real Grand Canyon, but its spires inspire, and its hoodoos haunt just like the real thing.










Lower Falls from the north rim
Lower Falls from the north rim,
zoomed in on Uncle Tom's Trail
"Uncle" Tom Richardson descended on a rope in 1898 that led to a spectacular view of the falls.  He had a vision of leading visitors to wonderland.  His installed rope ladders and double ropes, greatly simplifying the climb.  From the photo above, his clients look perfectly calm and properly attired for the treacherous descent—ladies in long skirts, gentlemen in coats and ties.  It’s hard for me to believe the picture was not taken in a studio, save the strikingly familiar view of the falls in the background. 

Looking at the falls from the north rim, I could see Uncle Tom’s Trail as it is today with steel steps and hand rails.  Even now it looks treacherous.  








Lower Falls from botton of
Uncle Tom's Trail
Lower Falls from botton of 
Uncle Tom's Trail

But after climbing down, it’s easy to see how Uncle Tom had a vision.  If he could get people down here, they would love him forever. 


















From where I stood at the bottom, looking up at the top of the falls I saw the easy-to-reach lookout platform gained from the north rim on a normally steep hike.  Of course those few of us at the bottom belittled such modern tourist conveniences.  Give it up for Uncle Tom and the hardy people who loved him. 













On a softer note, I must say that early mornings on Madison River a few miles east of West Yellowstone give a very pleasant start to every day that I’ve been here.  















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8 comments:

  1. You are one tough cookie. I would never venture down the trail for sure. ...

    But would rather scout the river ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mandy - Yes you would! See it's simple. I've had a good life, a blessed life, and maybe I've gotten over that childish notion that it goes on forever in this world.

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  2. Whew, Sharon, I think you will have a waterfall in your hair when you get back! What an adventure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If my hair flowed out like falling water, then rose at the shoulders in misty glow, forming a rainbow in its tips, then, well, it's why I come here.

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  3. I've been in the canyon, that's were the really yellow stones are. All volcanic.
    Lee C.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's like the real Grand Canyon Lee, but yes, not sandstone, but various kind of igneous rock, mostly volcanic.

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    2. Oh I hope you bring some yellow-gold stones back, as well as gold leaf!

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    3. Will you have me break the law, Kathabela, and remove gold from a national park?

      Delete