Sunday, June 20, 2010

Bryce Canyon day. Bryce is exactly the opposite of Zion, in that every hike starts with a major downhill, ending with major up hill, Zion the opposite. Much higher than Zion, and consequently much cooler. Early mornings were like in the 40's high temps around 80, max. Walked down into the canyon, did couple of loop trails, about 5+ miles. Very different perspective from in the canyon. Basically the erosion is caused by water freezing and "blowing up" the formations, bit by bit. Crazy landscape.

On our hike, fairly far down into the canyon, we came across a french tour group with a young lady with a sprained ankle, and nothing to help it. Being prepared, my wife, a nurse, applied a big Ace wrap to the ankle, stabilizing it, and hopefully aiding her in getting out. It looked pretty swollen. The group was very thankful, and the be prepared boy scout in me felt really good in being able to help out.

Stayed in Tropic, about 8 miles outside of park, at America's best value inn, nothing special, bryce is really remote, and we were late making reservations, so choices were slim.