Septermber 10

Friday, Sept. 10. We packed up and headed out by 8 AM. Stopped for a few more pictures including one of the indigenous datura/moon lily/nightshade plant--a night blooming, poisonous plant with hallucinogenic properties used by many different cultures down through history.

Once again we lined up to travel through the currently one-way traffic tunnel to the eastern side of the park. By 9:30 we were hiking up the short Canyon Overlook Trail for glorious morning views back into the lower Zion Canyon.

 

Construction within the east side of the park stopped us several times but we didn’t mind since we were treated to views of big-horned sheep along the way. We got close to two young ones and later saw from afar three large adults sitting on the back side of the rock from where the youngsters had been.

We also had to stop for pictures of the intriguing white checkerboard mountains.

We pulled in to our RV spot at Ruby’s Inn, just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in time for lunch in the camper. Given that the site was gravel AND that the nighttime temperature was predicted to be below freezing, Mike decided he would spend the night in the cab.

Like Zion, Bryce has a good albeit optional shuttle system which we opted to use. Pictures will tell you more than my words. The WOW factor is huge.  The limestone hoodoo rock formations are utterly amazing. We went to the various vista viewpoints and then hiked the combined Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. It was a 3 mile loop that took us down through a very steep area called Wall Street, along the bottom of the canyon, and back up and out. The hoodoos are incredible both from afar and up close.

descending the Wall Street switchbacks

By this time in our travels, Mike and I were in fierce competition for the computer whenever we had electricity and internet. In fact, I have gotten so behind in my blogging that I am going to just list some highlights from now on until I get caught up!!