Thursday, June 30, 2011

Stats for the day:

·          7778 steps (on pedometer)

·         Nights spent at Zion NP: 6

·         Total hikes in Zion: 6

·         Additional pounds of rocks from the Virgin River: maybe 1

We spent almost a week in Zion National Park.  Some of it was due to some rearranging so we could hike The Narrows, but much of it was planned because Zion offers such a diverse array of hikes.  This park will always hold some fond memories, particularly ones of persistence and accomplishment (always good to have stories about these things for junior high students).

We headed to Page, AZ, driving through scenery that was yet again so different from that we’d just experienced.  We have two cars at this point, and so Brian and I set up camp at Wahweap within Glen Canyon National Recreational Area (home to Lake Powell), and then after a horribly confusing escapade with a shuttle service, we met Matt in Page.   Our next destination: Antelope Canyon.  Antelope Canyon is a “reverse canyon,” meaning it’s narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.  It’s also known as a slot canyon.  The lighting within the canyon is amazing.  You wouldn’t believe what shows up in photos and just how different it is than what you’re seeing in real life.  Our Navajo guide, Anthony, was extremely helpful with providing history, as well as photography advice. 

Once we finished the tour, we decided to explore Page and find something to do that might be a bit cooler than sitting at our campsite.  I tried to get my pictures from The Narrows developed (I brought a little Kodak waterproof camera instead of the DSLR since we’d be wading in water), but no luck.  However, we did find a little coffee shop where I was able to add a few photos and update the highlighting on my atlas.  Next, it was to see Transformers 3.  Page has one movie theater, which shows one show.  If you’re going to see it, it’s typical Michael Bay with explosions, more explosions, then some cheesy lines, and then more explosions! I am impressed with the computer graphics and designing behind the movie though.  When things are exploding, or transforming, each little piece is accounted for and moves throughout the scene.  It’s not just a wild blob of stuff that’s suddenly something else.

Once back at our campsite, we stretched out on the picnic table and watched the stars.  There were numerous “shooting stars,” and I captured my second Big Dipper photograph (I have one from Zion, too).  Thankfully, the air cooled off a bit once the sun was down, and it was time for some sleep!

Math thoughts for today:

·         Antelope Canyon has curves everywhere!  Oh so many things to do with this.

·         The idea of a reverse canyon can be used with the concept of transformations (reflection or rotation, depending on how it’s presented). 

·         Astronomy and constellations and navigation all highly require the use of mathematics, easily adapting to some coordinate work.

Shout-outs:

·         Dad – You need to visit Antelope Canyon.  It will become your new inspiration for a whole mediation series!