Bryce Canyon

We drove straight from Denny's Wigwam to Bryce Canyon Lodge. It's at about 8,000 ft above sea level. The sun was shining. The wind was blowing. Humidity does not exist. It is stunningly beautiful. I was in absolute heaven. 

Ok, so our time lapse video doesn't get us all the way up to the canyon. But it's still pretty cool. 

The first order of business was to eat lunch. We ate in the Lodge - it is the only dining option at the Canyon. I ordered the fish tacos - made with fresh Alaskan cod. They were different, different flavors than the tropical ones I am used to in Florida. But they were quite good. My nephew said the fish and chips were amazing. 

After lunch, we walked out to the rim. Riley freaked out again, like he did at the Grand Canyon. We walked as a group to Sunset Point. 

At this point, my monsters were done with canyons. They were melting... a case of over exhaustion, mixed with too much vacation, combined with a messed up sleep schedule. It's a miracle really that they have been so well-behaved thus far. Anyway, my mother-in-law didn't care to be near the rim either, so she took the melting Stus to the Lodge (and gift shop). 

Do you see how far Riley is from the rim?

The remaining 7 of us decided to head down one of the trails, into the canyon. Greg (our tour guide) was found of telling us "the walk down is optional, the walk up is not." We walked down a little bit, it felt like we covered a lot of ground, but we did not. Once a few of us started slipping, we called it quits. 

It was laughable. 

In fact, we did laugh. A lot. One the way up (which takes twice as long), Stu, Hayden, my father-in-law and I went off to the other trail. We didn't go down, just walked to the end of one level. 

We decided this one must have been the easier one to walk. Although the switchbacks made it look daunting, there were a lot of people on this trail. 

After we climbed back up to the rim - and stopped long enough for me to catch my breath - we headed off toward Sunrise Point. I should tell you that asthmatics, such as myself, can have a bit of difficulty in the high altitude. According to our phones, we walked the equivalent of 13 stories. 

We took lots of photos. Each more beautiful than the last, and yet strikingly similar. Enjoy the next several pictures. We spent 2 hours at the Canyon, near the Lodge. Then we climbed back onto the bus for one final stop: a spot called Inspiration Point. 

From "down" in the canyon, but like I said earlier, not very far down.

Obviously  the next two pics are before Grandma took the monsters to the Lodge. But I love them so much. Reagan and Stu had the most incredible bonding time on this trip. She is truly a Daddy's Girl. And I loved seeing her take pics and video her experiences and opinions on her iPod. 

Isn't it interesting that life always seems to find a way... reminds me of something. 

Ominous reminder to pay attention.

Cabins at the Park. I'd like to see in these... if they have kitchens, I'm in. Let's do it one day Stu - or at least pretend we will.

Want to see inside the Lodge? I thought you might. 

The dining room is on the left side of the fireplace. If you walk to the couches (or where Stu is staring at us) and turn right, you'll be facing the front doors.

After taking the last photo, I did a 180 and snapped this one. Those double doors lead to the gift shop.

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And finally, we have reached Inspiration Point. It was gorgeous. And crowded. So, only 3 pics. 

That's me in the bottom left and I'm taking the next picture.

Quite beautiful, isn't it? I had a wonderful time. Although I was ill-prepared for the day. It was by sheer luck that I was wearing some kind of walking shoe and leggings. Unfortunately, I did not realize what we were going to be doing... so I only put sunscreen on my face (I got fried on the boat at Lake Powell). I failed to apply any sun protection to my arms. And the wonderful mountain/canyon winds distracted me from the UV rays burning my arms. Not good. Take my advice, if you are going to be at Bryce Canyon, WEAR SUNSCREEN. You are basically walking around in an orange oven, and the oven will turn your skin orange too. 

Now that we are back on the bus, it's time to sit back and relax... Our next stop is Zion National Park. You do not want to miss it. It was my favorite.