It's been some time since I last made a trip entry; mainly because I haven't done anything. I started drifting south from Eldorado National Forest in California, touching here and there, exploring and finding some interesting areas to visit in the future.
After finding Yosemite National Park smoldering from a recent lightning storm, I gave up on California. At that point I had two options, go north and shoot across 400 miles of Nevada desert from Reno to Las Vegas or work my way south in a leisurely manner. Unfortunately I chose the latter.
The first night I camped somewhat south of Death Valley and that wasn't too bad because of 15mph winds. The next night I was in the Mojave Desert and that was OK because of the winds. But then I hit Lake Havasu City, Arizona and that was murder because there was little wind and temperatures in the 90's. Plus I had committed myself to staying two days for chores, etc.
Then I got up to Lake Mead next to Las Vegas and that was a little better as was Zion National Park in Utah. However, Zion was really crowded and I kept going until I got here to Bryce National Park,
10/09/03 Hiking Rim Trail (11 miles round trip):
Low 40's, upper 30's last night. 50's at the FantasyLand overlook and the Rim Trailhead. I was here at Bryce last November but cold and snow ensured I did the scenic drive in record time and left. Bryce is the last major area for me to visit since I got the new digital camera a couple of years ago.
The Rim Trail is indicative of Bryce National Park, simply amazing. 5.5 miles from FantasyLand to Bryce Point, with hoodoos and spectacular views the entire way. If I have any legs at all, I like to start off with this trail and have done it round trip 3 times now, and will happily do it 3 more times. I took about 50 pictures and felt I was really restraining myself.
10/10/03 Hiking Navajo Loop Trail (1.3 miles round trip):
This wonderful trail takes you down a steep set of switchbacks right in amongst the hoodoos. Red sandstone columns mixed with white/gray limestone tower hundreds of feet directly overhead. A short flat expanse and then the trail turns back upwards. I took things easy to make sure I encountered no physical problems on the rather steep incline.
Hiking Queens Garden Trail (1.8 miles round trip):
Whereas the Navajo Trail is mostly deep canyon walls, Queens Garden is more open. Hoodoos are farther away so you get a different perspective as you look up at them on the slopes.