Bryce Canyon

I got up early so I could work on the blog, but then I decided I wanted to head out to Zion National Park, where I walked miles along the slot canyons on the Virgin River.  I am exhausted and may never walk again, but I will work on the blog to catch you up on my adventures.  I got a ton of fabulous pictures which I will try to edit down so I won't bore my followers.

Bryce Canyon has some of the most unusual rock formations and hoodoos in the world.  Here is a brief sample of some of what I saw on my first day here.

I really like Bryce and will spend a few more days here.  They had an end of the season special at Ruby's Inn so I am there now, but hope to move to a campsite in the park on Wed and Thurs. (we seniors only pay $7.50 a night for a campsite!).  The weather is nice: warm during the afternoon and quite cool at night.  There have been thunderstorms on the outskirts of the park but nothing here.  It is quite a show to sit on the rim of the canyon and watch the thunderstorms light up the night sky in the evening.  Also, I don't think I have ever seen so many stars in the sky in my life.  Tonight I hope to go to a stargazing program run by the Rangers.

I have also enjoyed seeing some interesting wildlife like prairie dogs, mule deer, buffalo, Bighorn sheep, foxes and lots of "begging" squirrels, looking for a handout, which is against the law here.  No feeding of wildlife - it kills them.  The parks are filled with Europeans (another form of wildlife?), mainly Germans, French and Italians, as well as many Asians (they seem to be the loudest and craziest, like Americans were in the past).  People have been very gracious and helpful.  Everyone watches out for each other, constantly reminding you to rest, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, etc.  Also the orientation films at the Visitor Centers of our National Parks are beautifully made and very informative.

I wore my Gahdnah t-shirt today and people kept stopping me to ask if I was a "gardener"!  What a hoot!