Monday, October 8, 2007

Breakfast at the hotel at 6:30. Somehow we came to the knowledge that Bryce Canyon is not far from here and while we are here we may as well see that. Stopped at Wal Mart to replenish our snack supplies. Back to room where we packed up, washed our fruit and then headed out. As we approached Kanab, we realized that Zion NP is only 30 miles down the road so we decided to take that in as well. What a great decision that was! Absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous! I had forgotten how impressive Zion is. The rocks are so unusual and so colorful and it is a really rugged park. The drive in was great. Could not stop oohing and aahing. We finally made it to the visitor center, got our stamp and took the bus ride up the canyon. It was beautiful, but our bus driver needed a personality transplant...she said absolutely nothing about the park and had no information to share about anything except the stops we made. We did see some rock climbers. We did not get out at any of the stops along the way, just rode up and back as we wanted to get to Bryce as well.

Backtracked a bit to Mt. Carmel and then took 89 up to Bryce. When we got here, we tried to get a room at the lodge at Bryce, but they were full. sigh..... so we headed on to the various lookout points. Each was unique and the light was great as the sun was getting lower in the sky. I think Carol and Annies favorite stop was Inspiration Point. We went on to Bryce Point and Carol and Annie opted to stay with the car as it was a bit of a walk to the point. They had walked themselves out at Inspiration Point (that was a bit of a climb). Jerry and I realized that we had never been to Bryce Point before. It was a great overall view of the whole canyon. After that we went on to Fairyland Point. Carol and I walked out to view that one...it was pretty also. I think they were more impressed with Zion as a whole. We left the park about 5 and started looking for a place to stay. Tried the two places right outside the park and they were both full. Then came to end of the road and got the last two rooms at the Bryce Canyon Resort. It is an older hotel, but we were glad to have a place to sleep. Went to dinner at Ruby Lodge and all of us got the buffet. I ate too much, but it was really good and our only good meal of the day. Spent a bit of time in the gift shop , etc. then back to hotel for the night. Tomorrow we head to Monument Valley and we are taking a gravel road to cut some mileage off the trip. Hopefully it won't be too rough!!