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Show Wednesday, April 1 6, 2003 Vernal Express tl L)ii'U ecu J Reservations Accepted 781-303- 0 1684 V. Ilwy 40 Canyon subject to change Erosion and time change Fantasy Canyon each and every year. When visitors explore the fragile sandstone formations this year, they will not find the rabbit After a careful inspection of the area, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff determined weather and erosion caused the demise of the bunny formation. Due to the constant erosion, the n old formations take on a gradual change in their shape and new ones seem to appear. With colorful imaginations, visitors can locate the old and search for the well-know- new. Once again this Easter season. Fantasy Canyon will be open to visitors in search of an educational and d nature hike. Fantasy Canyon teaches visitors about the Uinta geologic formation of the area, once covered by Lake Uinta. As the lake sediments eroded, it left behind the more durable sandstone in the unique and grotesque shapes now peering above the ground. The trail not only allows the visitor to search for sandstone shapes, but also provides for a geologic treasure hunt. Besides the obvious sandstone formations, visitors can hunt for magnetite, calcite, Gilsonite, or small pieces of petrified wood and turtle shells. Gilsonite and magnetite are both black sand-size- d pebbles.. One. of the two black minerals can be' fun-fille- found by using a small quarter-size- d magnet. Here is a clue for the treasure hunt: use your magnet in the parking lot on the "waves" of black sand and not the southeastnorthwest black "ribbons" within the sandstone formations. By dragging a magnet through the sand, fine pieces of magnetite collect on the magnet Which is magnetite and which is Gilsonite? With high winds causing sand in their teeth and eyes, 120 Altamont second graders enjoyed the experience of Fantasy Canyon. They were enthusiastic and never complained. The children easily recognized the sandstone shapes and eagerly discovered new ones with their vivid imaginations. BLM geologist John Mayers was on hand to show the students different rocks and help them in identifying them. The visit also included a tour of the Fantasy Canyon's rock formations. Over the hill, the students ran around and explored the area away from the delicate rock formations. Parents, teachers, students, along with BLM staff, had an educational day in nature's outdoor classroom. The road condition requires a high with clearance vehicle along patience as one must drive slowly, but the experience is worth the effort. The walking trail is quite different as it is an easy walk and well M dtwU marked. Please stay on the path and dont touch the delicate formations. Be safe while enjoying your public land. A BLM volunteer will be on staff at Fantasy Canyon over the Easter holiday from Thursday through Easter Sunday. If you have questions or wish to take a tour, Stacey will be on hand to assist you. Stop by the Vernal BLM Field Office, 170 South 500 East, and pick up a Fantasy Canyon brochure. The brochure contains the directions, the Indian legend, and the geologic information of the site. Fantasy Canyon has been known by other unofficial names by different such Devil's as generations Rockhouse, Devils Playground and Hades Pit. The Indian legend tells us the unique rock figures are frozen figures of underworld beings which broke through to the surface of the earth, but were frozen in place by a great medicine man. Remember the Leave No Trace message and do not remove anything from Fantasy Canyon. Leave everything as you found it so others who follow can enjoy all that you enjoyed. Please take only pictures and leave only footprints. Gilsonite: copyright name of the American Gilsonite Company. Visit the Vernal Field Office interhome net at page www.blm.govutahveriial Sunday 10:30 am - 4 pm Adults $15.99, Seniors $13.99, Children Children under 5 eat free (6-1- 2) At Tke Weston Plaz;a Hotel Steamship Round Carved Tablesidc Virg inia Baked Ham Aux Cherries Roast Tom Turhey Carved Tahleside And That Would Be Enough! BUT, Fresh Crached Crahlegfs Peel & Eat Shrimp Poached Salmon And That Would Be Enough ! BUT, Tahl eside Omelets Beligan AXffles Fruit Bli ntes Eggs Benedict Eggs Florentine 99 661 SATURBAT, APRIL: 19TH AT 9i00 A.O. NAPLES IT1T FA And That BUT, Fresh Fruits Salads IS Bagel Imported Cheeses Major Sponsors: Cheesecake French Pastries Danish Cakes - Mr People Serving People Participating Sponsors: Would Be Enough! Pies nd That Would Be Enough! BUT, Chocolate Mousse Create Your Own Ice Cream Station Squeeeezed Orange Juice n-Da- zs nd That Would Be Enough f BUT, Lots, Lots, More i $7.95 B1 |