July 23, 2005
Vacation (part 2: Bryce Canyon)
Tuesday morning we drove the mile or two to the Canyon, then stopped a several pull-outs to get the kids out of the car and see the view. The first pace we stopped was in front of this arch, which was pretty cool, by unanimous consent.
More in the extended entry...
At the end of the secenic drive along the canyon, there is an overlook that offers a great view of the length of the park.
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Each overlooks had impressive views. The highlight of the stay at Bryce was the horse/mule ride iinto the canyon. We went during the middle of the day, and the heat was ridiculous, but it was a great up close view in and throught the hoodoos. Of course, the kids also got a hoot watching the animals do their business.
At the end of the day, we attended the daily rodeo across the street from the Ruby Inn. The rodeo was OK -- a little ragged in terms of continuity and pacing, but they did get the kids out in the dirt for a "find your shoes" contest. Sean did really well -- would have won if he had worn sandals.
The next day, we went back to the canyon. Sean and I went on a hike on the Queen's Garden trail -- down among the hoodoos, to a formation that was supposed to resemble Queen Victoria. It has really hot, and we started out (and down) with plenty of energy, but finished climbing out exhausted and seemingly unable to get fluid in fast enough. In the heat, at 8000 feet, a couple of miles and a few hundred feet of climbing is exhausting.
... at the top -- a hoodoo rises over the rim behind Sean
... Sean gets up close and personal with the hoodoos
... Looking at the hoodoos against the brilliant sky was a treat
... Queen Victoria, at the half-way point in our walk. There might be a family resemblance, I suppose
... by the time we were nearly done, we were nearly done in.
Couple of notes about Bryce: First, Mary Ellen and I both noted the great number of foreign language speakers -- German and French, mostly. It was sometimes a surprise to hear a tourist speak English. Also, the food at the Ruby Inn was really good, and a great value.
Next, watching the sun rise over the canyon.