Bryce canyon

Friday 17th September

We had to drag ourselves away from our luxurious hotel and head for Bryce, which was another full days drive away. We stopped at northern Zion on the way to get in some scenery and a trail walk, then drove via Cedar Breaks to the Best Western Ruby's inn by the entrance to Bryce. This was another day of fantastic scenery, all very different and quite alpine. Every mile had a photo oportunity so we arrived quite late.

 We walked past this deserted cabin on a trail through Zion. On the way back we past it again and as we had not seen another person for ages (and had a touch too much sun), Carole said 'Hello cabin' to which it replied 'Hello'.... She must have jumped a foot in the air... Neither of us had seen the weary traveller sheltering there.

Ruby's inn was a monstrous development which blighted what should have been a pristine environment. We immediately took a dislike to it, although, as a hotel it was quite adequate. This hotel catered for the many coach loads of tourists which were bused in from Las Vegas, so it was a little raucous....

 
The next day we spent the morning walking one of the trails through some fantastic rock formations and watching the very entertaining Prairie Dogs. Bryce is absolutely unique with its wonderful multi coloured spires and canyons. after lunch we made our way back to Cedar Breaks which we had passed through the previous day. We camped in a beautiful valley and drank 'Jim Bean' by a roaring campfire.

  Not too happy about the fire....in such dry, wooded country. It kept the bears away though.

The next day we were to head for Las Vegas...