Saturday, April 7 took us back to the north end of the park. Bryce Canyon is the largest collection of hoodoo formations in the entire world, and this day's overlooks showed us the true centerpiece of this collection - what they call the Amphitheatre. I've heard it described as a cave with no roof. There are 4 overlooks in this approximate 3 mile stretch of the Canyon. Elevations were a bit more bearable today, at about 8300', but still a slight challenge. Altitude sickness is one of the most common emergencies dealt with in the park, along with ankle sprains and dehydration.
First stop, Bryce Point and an even more amazing view than those we had seen the day before.
From there it was on to Inspiration Point, which another tourist had told me the day before was his favourite spot. This overlook proved a bit of a problem for me, but not because of elevation. I was OK with the height issue, thanks to the fences along the main viewing platforms, but there were areas off to the sides without protective rails that were open to folks who had no qualms about walking out way too close to the edge. Mind you, by my phobia inspired perspective, anyone within 3 blocks of the open edge is too close. Add kids into the mix (in the guarded areas, not the open ones, but my mind subconsciously doesn't recognize that) and after a short time I told Robin I was starting to feel anxious and had to leave. Took my time climbing back up the hill, leaving him to continue taking photos, and then we moved on.
Tried to stop at Sunset Point, but the parking lot was jammed full, and no signs of anyone leaving. We decided to carry on to Sunrise Point, and perhaps backtrack to Sunset afterwards. On the second drive through the parking lot at Sunrise, we managed to snag a spot. I have to say that for me, without a doubt, the view from Sunrise Point was my favourite. This is where you can view the area they call the Queen's Garden. Looking east from Sunrise and Sunset there is a formation called Queen Victoria. We weren't able to pick it out (perhaps because it is easier to recognize from Sunset or from the trails below), but between this formation and these two viewpoints it looks so delicate and like a fairyland. So different from the majestic views at Bryce Point and Inspiration Point.
We decided not to back track to Sunset, as we were starting to get that same old, same old feeling. We stopped at the visitor centre on our way out, to get a bit of history on the formation of the canyon. There is one more overlook just outside the park, about a mile down the road, so thought we'd try our luck there. Once again, after a couple of drives through the parking lot, we continued on our way. I think because this one is outside of the park, and no entry fee is required, it is probably always quite busy.
First stop, Bryce Point and an even more amazing view than those we had seen the day before.
From there it was on to Inspiration Point, which another tourist had told me the day before was his favourite spot. This overlook proved a bit of a problem for me, but not because of elevation. I was OK with the height issue, thanks to the fences along the main viewing platforms, but there were areas off to the sides without protective rails that were open to folks who had no qualms about walking out way too close to the edge. Mind you, by my phobia inspired perspective, anyone within 3 blocks of the open edge is too close. Add kids into the mix (in the guarded areas, not the open ones, but my mind subconsciously doesn't recognize that) and after a short time I told Robin I was starting to feel anxious and had to leave. Took my time climbing back up the hill, leaving him to continue taking photos, and then we moved on.
Tried to stop at Sunset Point, but the parking lot was jammed full, and no signs of anyone leaving. We decided to carry on to Sunrise Point, and perhaps backtrack to Sunset afterwards. On the second drive through the parking lot at Sunrise, we managed to snag a spot. I have to say that for me, without a doubt, the view from Sunrise Point was my favourite. This is where you can view the area they call the Queen's Garden. Looking east from Sunrise and Sunset there is a formation called Queen Victoria. We weren't able to pick it out (perhaps because it is easier to recognize from Sunset or from the trails below), but between this formation and these two viewpoints it looks so delicate and like a fairyland. So different from the majestic views at Bryce Point and Inspiration Point.
We decided not to back track to Sunset, as we were starting to get that same old, same old feeling. We stopped at the visitor centre on our way out, to get a bit of history on the formation of the canyon. There is one more overlook just outside the park, about a mile down the road, so thought we'd try our luck there. Once again, after a couple of drives through the parking lot, we continued on our way. I think because this one is outside of the park, and no entry fee is required, it is probably always quite busy.
BRYCE POINT
INSPIRATION POINT
SUNRISE POINT
For more pictures from the past two days, click HERE. As before, I haven't had time to review them all, so there may be some that are blurry or may seem like duplicates, as I was taking shots with my phone and Robin had the camera.
Back at the campground, I was wiped out, so laid down for a nap. While I was napping, some wild turkeys wandered nearby our site. They did return later in the afternoon so I could get a firsthand look.
Back at the campground, I was wiped out, so laid down for a nap. While I was napping, some wild turkeys wandered nearby our site. They did return later in the afternoon so I could get a firsthand look.
Figured we'd best get some laundry done to get us through the rest of the drive home, so off to the laundromat with our dirty clothes. When the washing loads were done, I noticed when I opened the door on the big front loader that a cloth and a sock were caught up in the gasket. I was fishing them out and along with them came a lovely pair of black lacy bikini undies. I knew they weren't mine (left all mine at home), but do you think I could get Robin to fess up? His loss, as I left them in the lost and found. Just as we were returning with the laundry, the winds really picked up and it was starting to rain as we reached the rig. Got everything in just in time before the skies opened up. Quite a downpour for a while, and the wind was rocking the motorhome.
So now we have been to, and been thoroughly impressed by, Bryce Canyon.
Until next time, dear readers.
So now we have been to, and been thoroughly impressed by, Bryce Canyon.
Until next time, dear readers.