A day of two halves. In the morning we took the shuttle bus to Bryce Point: the southern-most point the suttle will go – and walked back to Inspiration Point (couple of miles) along the rim (the trail was called The Rim Trail) and we were rewarded with great views over the amphitheatre that holds an array of rock formations from the eroded plateau. The weird shapes are the result of snow melting into the cracks, freezing, expanding and thawing again continuously during the 200 days per year that this region falls below zero degrees Celsius. We learned that these rock formations are absolutley unique in the world. It’s a privilege to be here to see them before they are completely gone in about 3 million years!
It was actually a cold start this morning with a brisk wind. There’s a storm front coming in bring colder air. This was quite a relief from some of the heat we’ve been having. We learned today that the fires we saw in the Dixie National Forest were controlled burning of areas of the forest to encourage new growth. It can take years but is crucial for the forest’s survival. It’s the same in Bryce Canyon and there is evidence of burning all around. Of course, many fires are started by lightening and there are some ferocious storms here sometimes. We saw many trees that had been reduced to a charred stump by such storms. There are warnings everywhere to stay in your car if a thunder storm comes along.
We walked further to Sunset Point and on to the Sunset Point Campground where we hoped to find some refreshments. Unfortunately there was nothing there – just plots of land you could park an RV in. There is no lodge or reception – only a bunch of envelopes for you to take, insert the $15 for the night’s stay and drop it in a box. And they trust people to do this. We found a shaded spot with a picnic table and had a snooze until our tour bus arrived to pick us up (we had pre-arranged the pick-up point) for the afternoon trip.
So, in the afternoon, we took the coach tour further down Bryce Canyon, stopping off at all the main viewing locations, while Spike, the driver, told us all about the place.
We have just got back to the RV, exhausted. Nothing fancy to eat tonight – just a pizza and salad we bought at the grocery store at the village centre. Thanks goodness we have a microwave.
Tomorrow we are off to the Grand Canyon.
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