As a child I wanted to visit Bryce Canyon but there always seemed to be something else more important .  In 1990 a group of friends and I were turned back by a fierce snowstorm, which only strengthened my resolve.  I finally made it the fall of 2000.  When I arrived with 40 pounds of camera gear and good weather expected I felt a taste of victory.  Not being an early riser it's a struggle to get up at 5:30 am to be ready for the sunrises but those who do are amply rewarded.  

If Forrest Gump were a photographer, he'd say, "Life is like shooting a sunrise.  You never know what you're going to get."  The first morning the colors were washed out but I did manage to find some close-ups of rocks that I liked.  The second morning produced this shot.  The rock formations have an unimaginable life to them when lit by the early morning glow.  From then on I had some great shooting and was swept up in a flow that seemed to guide me to one place after another with a scene just asking to be photographed.  It more than made up for the years I waited for my chance to visit.