The Antelope Canyon Adventure

As I said in my earlier posts, I had no idea what to expect from this part of Arizona. I only knew about the Antelope Canyon where I could walk through sandstone crevices. I was really looking forward to seeing this but I had no idea this area could also be seen from the water. Here are a few pictures showing this unique view.

Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell

Around every turn there was such beauty. This man made lake was such a surprise to discover and then to see such amazing sights...what a bonus!!!

The red rock is actually created by the rusting iron in the sandstone. The white area of the rock shows the high water mark. Kind of like a bathtub ring! 

Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell

As you can see the rock formations are so interesting and the colours very beautiful. I look forward to returning there again to explore more and to try to capture it in paint.

The next day I went to the inland portion of the Antelope Canyon and this is what I saw.

Antelope Canyon

I was transported back in time and felt at one with the earth. What a magical place this is to discover. I am so excited to try to capture this in paint. My hope is that I can do it justice and convey the majestic nuances I felt.

My next post will be about my continuing adventure further along Lake Powell as I head toward the Rainbow Bridge.

My Adventure Continues

Here are a few watercolour sketches I've completed on my latest adventure. The first is actually on my hotel property but was a good subject to test my drawing skills. 

Sunlit Urn

watercolour sketch

These next two sketches were done on location at Lake Powell. The light there is elusive and was a great challenge to capture on paper. I will definitely return one day.

Castle Rock, Lake Powell

watercolour sketch

Distant Shore, Lake Powell

watercolour sketch

 This last sketch is from my visit to the Antelope Canyon. I have more to say about that amazing day and will post more photos soon. It was an experience I will never forget.

Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona

watercolour sketch

I look forward to returning to my studio where these small sketches will be transformed into larger pieces. What an amazing experience this has been!!

I was so inspired this trip in more ways I could ever have imagined. It is truly a gift we've been given each day to simply "live" but unfortunately we don't always see it that way. Now that I truly understand the meaning of "living in the moment" I will not let a second pass by without being grateful and appreciate all I have been given. This is also my hope for you.

My Surprise Adventure

As I was making my way to Page Arizona I entered Utah. I thought it best to stop at tourist information and ask for directions. Actually, I asked which would be the most picturesque route to take. The attendant recommended I take the Zion National Park route. Am I glad she did!!

Zion National Park

It was the most beautiful drive and as I turned each corner, the view was more spectacular than the last.

Zion National Park

I had no idea this part of the world even existed!! What was supposed to be a 4 hour drive took me 7 hours!! I took about 500 pictures that day!

As I arrived at my hotel at Lake Powell it was already dark so I had no idea what I would be waking to. Here is the first thing I saw.

Castle Rock, Lake Powell

As you can see this is a painter's paradise. I will have to return and spend more time exploring this area. On my last night there I was treated to a glorious sunset. Here is a sketch I did of that beautiful moment.

Lake Powell Sunset 

watercolour sketch

My next post will be about my discoveries of Lake Powell and the Antelope Canyon. 

My Celebration Tour

I have been lucky to escape some of our long cold snowy winter and have made my way to the sunny south. I met some friends and experienced the Grand Canyon for the first time. We were up early for the sunrise which was wonderful. It's hard to believe how truly beautiful this magnificent part of the world is!

The next morning we were to have a helicopter tour over the canyon but had to postpone due to weather. There was a blizzard!! I guess the snow followed us here!!

Thankfully we were able to go the next morning. Now that is the best way to see this amazing sight!

We then went on to Las Vegas where we saw Shania Twain in concert. It was a great show and wonderful to be able to share this time with such good friends.

This trip was actually a celebration tour in honour of my making it through chemotherapy. Mid way through my treatment I was talking with my friends and said how I would love to see the Grand Canyon. When we discovered none of us had been there we figured it was meant to be.

I am so excited to be back into this game of life!! I have learned a lot and quite honestly would never have fully understood what it meant to live in the moment if not for cancer and for that I will be forever grateful.

My friends have left back to the snowy north and I have decided to stay and explore more of the area. I rented a car and headed to Lake Powell near Page Arizona. I was looking forward to exploring the Antelope Canyon but I had no idea what I would see on my way there. Wow was I in for a surprise!

My next post will be about this part of my great cancer free victory adventure!