Abbey's Road

After leaving Kodachrome Basin we drove over to Bryce Canyon NP. It’s only about 20 miles away, but the elevation change was enough that we found snow still at Bryce where Kodachrome Basin was very dry and hot. We got there early enough that I was able to take a real nice hike down into the natural amphitheatre that is the main highlight of Bryce Canyon. Close up the hoodoos, as they’re called, look like a good heavy rain could wash them right away. Obviously, they are a bit more stable than that, but you can easily see where erosion will continue to wipe them away. When I finally got back to my campsite I was surprised to see this huge RV in my spot. It was an older couple who somehow didn’t see my receipt tag on the post. I pointed out my chair that was still sitting there and they said they were going to bring it to the host thinking that someone had left it. At least they were nice and left right away.

Bryce Pics

Friday morning I got up early and made the 2 hour drive to Zion to try and get a spot in the first come, first served campground. Enough people left that morning that I was able to get a spot. It wasn’t the nicest campground, but it was real convenient being next to the visitor center and the shuttle bus stop. From April to October in Zion they don’t allow cars up into the main part of the canyon. It actually works out quite nice because you don’t have to fight over a small number of parking spots or wait in long traffic lines. There was actually one trail that Abbey could walk on so I took on it both mornings before I took off hiking for the afternoon by myself. The first morning she got attacked by a friendly-looking dog who was off leash. It really wasn’t anything and she seemed to recover her wounded pride pretty quick. I had heard a lot about Zion before going there and a few people had told me that it was one of their favorite parks. I kept struggling to figure out what captivated them so much. It is a beautiful canyon, especially now that spring is here and the trees are turning green, but the hiking is a little limited and the terrain is not too varied. I think the other thing that tainted it for me were the crowds of people. I was really surprised how many people were there for Easter weekend, even families with young kids. How was the Easter Bunny going to find them there? Another thing that surprised me was how many people were hiking on the more difficult trails. And many of the people didn’t look like your typical, fairly fit hiker, but they were going on some pretty steep trails. Usually in the national parks, once you get out on the trails a little way the crowds dwindle quite a bit.

On Saturday I did a hike to a place called Angels Landing. I can see where the name came from. The trail was cut right into the rock in many places and they built these switchbacks, called Walter’s Wiggles, up a steep face.
Before this I think only angels could have made it to the top. One section traverses a very narrow ridge before climbing steeply up to the landing on top and a beautiful view of the canyon. They’ve added chains to hold onto in some of the hairier parts. I couldn’t believe some of the people that were going up this part.
Some were parents with little kids. Some people didn’t make it the whole way, though. They finally succumbed to their fear and turned back. It was actually a very cool hike. My niece, Rachel, would have loved it. On the top I met a guy from Austria who I hiked back down with. He likes to climb, go canyoneering, paragliding and kayaking. He’s on a 6 month sabbatical from his job, but is nearing the end very soon. Somehow I always seem to meet these people, though he is going back to his job. He invited me to come to Austria anytime and he would take me climbing, paragliding or whatever I want. Sounds real tempting to me. Now I just have to find someone to watch Abbey for 2 weeks or so and it just might work out. On Sunday, after catching the last 10 minutes of Easter mass (I missed the early shuttle and the priest did a speed mass), I did another hike with quite a bit of a climb. It wasn’t quite as crowded as the day before, but the views were as good, if not better.

More Zion Pics

On Monday morning I took off early for Sedona. What should have been about a 5 hour drive turned out much longer. The wind was pretty strong the whole way, but at one point it got so bad I even had to pull off the road. It was in the Painted Desert north of Flagstaff. Sand was blowing across the road and I did all I could to keep my box on wheels on the road. I pulled off for a few minutes when I saw a bunch of other RVs and trailers pulled over. I was real happy to make it to Sedona where a nice cold beer was waiting for me at Michael and Diana’s. They live right near the center of town, but they are up on a hill so you don’t really notice. The house is very nice, but the views are what knocks you out. From their loft, you can see 360 degree views of the red rock cliffs and formations surrounding Sedona. It’s quite amazing. I’m housesitting for 3 weeks and watching their cats. (Abbey has been very helpful keeping on eye on them so far.) I told them when they get back from their cruise they may have to kick me out of the house. I might not want to leave, at least not until the weather starts getting real hot. Well, that’s all for now. Soon I will update with pictures from Sedona and the views from my temporary home here.