Sunday, September 25, 2005
Bryce Canyon - A Surprise
I always thought that Bryce Canyon Park was nothing but red rock spires and canyons, because that is all you see in pictures. Actually, the park road runs south on a ridgeline covered with pine forests. One striking feature about the forest is that almost all the trees have been burned at one time or another. It’s incredible. The trunk can be burnt black but the tree will still be alive. Some trees die, some do not. The western view is white mountains and valleys covered with pine, but this view is mostly obscured by trees. The eastern side of the road drops off into the canyon lands. The canyons are really a long series of cliff faces. There are several viewing points on top and many trails down into this land.
For the trails, we were told to go down the Wall Street side on the Navajo Loop and then go back up on Queen’s Garden Trail. This would be about 3 miles. The Wall Street side of the trail can be seen from Sunset Point which is just southeast of the park’s main lodge. It looks fascinating, but we were too
tired from our last two days of walking to attempt it.The trail descends sharply in a series of smooth-pathed switchbacks that are surrounded by dozens of closely packed rock spires. Apparently the trail leads through these down to the canyon floor. From there you pick up the Queen’s Garden Trail, which meanders north and then west with a gradual ascent to the canyon rim again.
Instead of going for a hike, Mark and I took the road and stopped at all the overlooks. We took many pictures, then went to the lodge. The Bryce Canyon Lodge, grounds and cabins are absolutely beautiful western architecture. The blue-green shingled roofs are done in a wavy pattern, and the cabins are log and stone. The peaked roof inside ours was made with huge bark logs and smooth roof boards. It had a working gas fireplace, which we enjoyed very much that evening. Little cement paths wind through the cabins, which sit in a pine grove.
We ate lunch at the lodge. The salad bar, which included taco fixings, was excellent. It was a beautiful, cloudless day, but the temperature here is colder. The highest point in the park is 9,100 feet. We wore jackets most of the time. Instead of dinner, we sat outside on our cabin porch with drinks and snacks and enjoyed the view of the other cabins under the pine tree forest. Later, we went inside near the fireplace. This is one of the most beautiful places we stayed on our trip.
# posted by Unknown @ 5:42 PM 
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There you are...was wondering if we'd ever hear from you again!!!
How's the Mini holding up?
Can't wait to hear the stories...when will that be???
Cheers! Rene'
How's the Mini holding up?
Can't wait to hear the stories...when will that be???
Cheers! Rene'
# posted by 
: 10:10 PM
: 10:10 PM
We actually are home now. Irene will be finishing up the stories over the next few days. There is a lot more to tell.
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