What are men to rocks and mountains?

--Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice.

I think one of the most beautiful places to be in the morning is a canyon.  Few sights can compare to sunbeams creeping over the hills, flowers opening up to greet the day, and creatures just beginning to stir--or finally heading to bed. 

One of the things I love about Sycamore Canyon is the constantly changing scenery.  You begin walking through rolling plains and desert brush, but as you go further down the canyon, the landscape becomes gradually more lush, until you finally hit the beach.  We didn't make it all the way to the beach this year, but I'm thinking this trail should become a Memorial Day tradition--at least for the rest of the time we're here.