Wild West Day 14 October 4

Up and off to Bryce Canyon. Seven muledeer greeted us as we set off. It was a beautiful drive through the park and through the 1.1 mile tunnel that cost us $15 because of our width; traffic is stopped at the other end so wider vehicles can drive up the middle of the tunnel. It was quite the feat of engineering.

On the other side, there were many beautiful scenic lookouts for photos. At one, we met a woman who is in Utah for the Seniors game. We'll look for a McDade in the swimming results.

In Orderville, there were three competing Rock Shops AND Figs Custom Caskets!

We got some supplies in Panguitch and headed east on Highway 12. The red “hoodoos” of the Red Canyon welcomed us.

We decided to stay at the $15 Forest Service Red Canyon Campground and picked a glorious site at the trailhead and overlooking red cliffs.

Lunch and off for a hike. It was 1.92 miles return, up 410 feet (to 7619 elevation). It was an easy climb at first and we were very aware that this landscape was once the bottom of ancient oceans or rivers when we saw coral-like walls of embedded rocks.

At one point on the hike on an 18 inch path with a sheer drop on either side of us. Yikes! I had to ask to stop. NOT my favourite kind of walk but was proud and it was SO beautiful.

Even created an inukshuk to leave behind (have seen NONE on this trip; such a Canadian thing I think).

After a rest, a three-mile bike ride on a great biking trail (these Americans sure know how to do it!). It was 1.5 miles up a steady incline and a 1.5 mile coast back (yeehaw!). We rode by two “perfect” arches (and drove through the next day) that were human made to look like the entrances to a “Faerie Land” (pictures tomorrow).

Back to enjoy our view and dinner. Heard some strange rumblings in the distance (it's rained off and on this afternoon) coming from where we hiked; seems the area further behind is called the “Thunder Mountain” trail. Go figure.

Here's the view from my chair!