Landforms here are masterfully sculpted and well exposed due, in part, to climate. The semi-arid climate that predominates in the Southwest means that instead of tree-covered slopes and thick soils, bedrock is at the surface. Therefore, rain does not soak into the ground; instead, it runs off in huge floods carrying away grains of rock. Cycles of freezing and thawing in the winter widen cracks in the rocks, eventually producing rock falls. Soft layers erode more rapidly undermining the hard layers above. Bit by bit, flash flood by flash flood, rock fall by rock fall, the Canyon continues to grow.
BEHIND THE WHEELS AT REDSTONE TOURS
In 1831, 22 year-old Charles Darwin boarded the H.M.S. Beagle and set out to discover the wonders of our natural world. In 1993, 22 year-old Howard Green boarded a Boeing 747 and set out to retrace Darwin's voyage and to discover for himself how our world had changed in 112 years. With Darwin's journals as his map and guide and his own indomitable sense of adventure, Green observed on his own and first hand how our planet has evolved.
Green's profound interest in his natural world is coupled with a deep respect for learning and understanding the influences environment and evolution have on our daily lives. His path to the founding of Redstone Tours ran a natural course. His love of the outdoors, travel, science, and teaching were perfect foundations for work as a guide.
Green now runs and operates Redstone Tours with his Swiss wife, Yvonne. As the Operation Manager of Redstone Tours, she still does some guiding for European groups.
The Greens have made Sedona, Arizona, their home and the headquarters for Redstone Tours.
For more information, please visit: www.redstonetours.com
Article by Howard Green.
Photos: NPS.gov
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