On the way *to* the Canyon

I have to do today's photos on two posts--the scenes are so stunning--at least I hope they come across that way to you.
As we left the city of *glitter* this morning, the temps climbed into the mid 80's and stayed there while we drove across the desert. This harsh land saddens me (for some odd reason) and fascinates me too. It makes me sad because there are so many desitute people living amidst the sage brush, cactus and animals that somehow survive in the extreme heat. I can't tell you how many times Arend said, "How do they live like that?" Out of the desert haze, small hovel-like structures appeared, if you looked closely. It was the strangest thing.

The different plant life (or the lack thereof) fascinated me and when I get home I will google desert life and see what I can find. (I have included a pic of a tumbleweed sitting on top of a fence post for my Dad--he keeps asking "Where are the tumbleweeds?")

After leaving I-15, we began to see a different landscape and the rock formations rising above us were simply breath-taking. You might notice the cloud formations as well--I think they give "softness" to the *oh so* blue sky.

Hope you enjoy this "album" today and check the next post for the "Canyon" shots--WOW, WOW, WOW is nowhere near close to describing what we saw there.
More later, Barb