Vermilion

vermilion n. A bright red mercuric sulfide used as a pigment. A vivid red to reddish orange.

Yep...that's the right definition.

It's hard to imagine that any of the amazing Canyons we just left could be shown up by a cliff--even if it is a really, really, really, long cliff. But that's exactly what happened...at least for me. The Vermilion Cliffs are in northern Arizona on Highway 89A between Highway 67, the access road to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and Highway 89.

Perhaps I was so taken with these cliffs because they literally thrust themselves upon our gaze as we encountered them from the west. As we were driving the gas guzzler we've affectionately named the Cozy Den up the steep ascent (behind and beyond which these cliffs hide), we were busily enjoying our already fading recollections of the grandeur and beauty of the Grand Canyon. All at once, as we crested the mountain and rounded its top to begin our descent, there they were...massive cliffs, in the most incredible, indescribably gorgeous hues of red to orange that we had seen yet.

In all their Vermilion splendor they stood, mile after mile, silent sentries bearing witness to God's creative genius. His handiwork surrounds us: in the largest, most magnificent displays and in the smallest, most delicate of scenes.

We are humbled and blessed to have the ability to take this trip where we are reminded daily that God is who He says He is.