Sunday in Bryce Canyon National Park

 Last night N joined us and we ate at the Sweet Wild Thyme restaurant across the street from the motel.  It was a beautiful evening and we ate on the porch.  Delicious food and a zany waiter!

Our bus didn’t pull out until 9 am so it was a real treat to not be so hurried.  From Kanab, Utah to Bryce Canyon was an hour and twenty minutes. It was a drive up a valley with small farms on one side and cliffs on the other, or trees, or rocks.  When we arrived, the 10 hikers who wanted to hike the 3.5+ miles (with a 500 foot ascent at the end), disembarked and started at Sun Rise Point.  The other 15 (C, N, and myself) stayed on the bus and visited 5 different overlooks. We got out at each stop, enjoyed the very thin air (9115 alt.), snapped pictures and hopped back on the bus. Bryce Canyon is filled with red rock formations, many layers visible, many strange shapes (hoodoos - rock formations that look similar to totem poles), arches, etc. The bus then went to Sun Set Point and picked up the weary hikers.  One look at them and the non-hikers knew they made the right decision! We drove to Ruby’s: a large complex of hotel rooms, camp grounds, restaurants, shops, etc.  Chuck and I shared a small pizza and then had ice cream cones.  Back to the bus and back to Kanab.  

Strange facts: 1. The Federal government owns 28% of the land in the U. S. Mostly in the West.                    2. After the downpour the other night, our cells sounded warning signals about flash floods. Makes sense: pouring rain on rocks equal flash floods.  3.  Restrooms.  In the parks, the Visitor Centers have nice bathrooms. Away from the VC, there are only permanent port-a-potties: a stool, a wastebasket for THE PAPER, and hand sanitizer. Some are good and some are not. At any rate, they are a welcome site in time of need! Yesterday the bus stopped at a gas station for a potty break. Nice bathroom, but no toilet  paper. If you know me, you know that I always have Kleenex.  Sure came in handy—especially for the woman I rescued by handing her a Kleenex under the door.  Hope she passes the kindness on.