The Trip That Finally Made My Wife Haul Off And Slug Me In The Face (COMPLETED 10/2)

Oh, that's easy. It's the one that ends with a "Y". It's also the day after yesterday and the day before tomorrow.

Oh, ok. That narrows it down.

I am in great demand at most major universities.

That makes one of us!

Don't ask questions you don't want answers to.

Wise words, to be sure.

Catching up after my trip! Absolutely beautiful pictures. What an incredible part of the country. I don't know that I will ever get that far southwest, but it would be worth it for those views.

I hope you get to see Utah someday. It really is a spectacular place.
 
Bonus Chapter 3: Eye Candy


It was mid-afternoon when we arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park.


vYUpJ7xjKUl9TkBKf5C3ZAioqu2SiPzzhG79rYWrznQ5OiYHrlDV6Jy_9ecsh04fiQEX9FHEZdVVMSkVLPByHy4g6cTOR2FTeesZfgEbtrGUU4d8N-yzeYco9hHBz7CqzYIzLXS15k4CwffnCmXfZnbN82mOhfRMkbt6moSEbjozhPUeHWj-LA6urWzqaAIheTwHTu2DajgJDX5sBzoYPZEjuC9ATNp105JqEws16W9BuSRFUrnKNXC4640inmTC05ZD7sktrWc5xQCvJ2efYRCbp40oboPeE7a-epqUPCI8DmkFIQOR-WtPqCXHMm37o4kJEivhQoMKT5D9lW18YywcNtzliZS6rI9PDvYgBgm5pXqDmNjJtnyyFnWdAfadhstS3E_jllkn9-t6yMgrAgIgeQdlnKNR3uPsu50_aY5wClFs2e8WHNm5X8yEqcFZxL6enKAYaxhZykixw9nl0XXWl96EdA8pIJ3KrRn8SKb7PBg0N61Q0MoeDETrz9I-TzzzD8YFJYRCIXeLUvmuQKGDCcnBQ2GtpAcD1BRm7gVTit3Yxyhh5g35b8ZF5qP4VLu3WU12eKa1j3KuRzED8jKxmErJ9GC6N0wub3xuU5VJswldivmJuZ0WGGwO343_=w1149-h766-no



Bryce Canyon was not new to us—this was one of the sites we’d visited as a family back in 2014. We absolutely loved it there, and were eager to see it and explore it in more depth. The exploration was our “unfinished business” here. In 2014, we hadn’t been able to hike inside the amphitheater at all since we were dragging a baby around with us (don’t worry, the baby was fine). So our goal was to explore Bryce Canyon from a different perspective—below the rim.


But, it was already later in the day, and we’re extremely lazy. So we’d do that the next day.


Bryce Canyon is not a canyon at all. It’s an amphitheater. The canyon is named for Ebenezer Bryce, who was an early settler and farmer in the area and is known for one of the greatest quotations about a National Park in world history. When asked about the unique rock formations of the area, he looked around at the splendor and majesty of God’s creation and said, “Well…it’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.”


The park is known primarily for the red-rock spires reaching into the sky called “hoodoos”. No one really knows where that term comes from. I’ve done extensive research on the subject (i.e. I typed a question into Google), and it’s suggested that it might be an alteration of “voodoo” or that it might be meant to evoke a spooky feeling. Those explanations sound like a stretch to me. My theory is that some visitor asked someone else (maybe our buddy Ebenezer?) what in the heck they call those things, and possibly one or both of them struggled to find a word until, in the grand tradition of such descriptive terms as “doohickeys” and “thingamabobs”, they coughed up “hoodoos”.


We entered the park and immediately drove all the way to the end of the scenic drive (18 miles from the entrance). Most guide books will recommend that you tour the park this way, since all of the viewpoints are on the east side of the road. Going to the end and working your way back means you’re only making right turns to reach the viewpoints.


Rainbow Point is the overlook at the end of the road, and it’s one of the best views in the park. The viewpoint is on a high ridge overlooking the amphitheater, and you can see for miles around on a clear day. I’d try and describe it further, but I won’t do any better than to just show you photos.


mwAqHv22S80e6nULUYB2NumDYgAh7YwYE-sNju6Rfxxnl_cnHtuWfG4ubxI5Qn1ziUH_Baz_bfnDEHxoh7T2-w7yAKjZ3m0xshaMCK4DGvMbTQLSR3GqCTyzKxXcmt1T7k10uCILc--Kx4pKpaACrs0tlNsM70TGVJxvQNG0JZufIjhqjgDAmATcBWaW5okl3g2ywFzxe13Vct9GhQ_2ErUucBXY89pAvNVG5XxZV1Fx5dZTqXjyRtYRvxKAc9qnXTXfN5IbuzuNDGx4jUnD6EVM1dWE55ChN_x7tboRlLNkYlMiCjlzerMV_X11vx1qdAxnyezdmDTFgKEwtLg1zGp4IAx9nrry89rYi7E_TgLB2O3h41jpiJz_WXvb4_hQ6jcR49zTQDVjmkniQiDLF-9Pwu8zbJeDkkVWEiRAX0xGk3N-dex5E7DLsWUEzpgEF30ehDAtkhNona51ZVO7Y8y-iG_LOyc8sgFNRX7bCqt783vwfLbjTvkyzNRpbskQs12Z4w_PlD0z6uZlNrKUnAtTksgijkgQF0oQ3X2EpclYqILi37gDMOwL4r_Ps-XyT__aUcUua2Y2BO8pks8VZLbtLHfSelsx37m3LsMV97s6CyH1EWzJsBOJ30FnE0c_=w1149-h766-no



mQ_FcYx4l_IMf1-kxevRdQyCFHsNnUnzrJY4c-WjcHo2fmfm5psHR8v8QprBmrNforsGR-qhkh86VSOGxbS8J47mrFGnNUkfccdgojW_w6UxGfvPA3479LcVx90l4IPQwtsFQRl4btUjIhUoVCzC5fn2PvHwkfGc2y0iggoTJjgYabgyPFFfSTPrKKxZhjXIwIUD_EjY2RHtyCsyJkkuBmGxhURlcRPMYtLlNRmoEUeIIbSUjf1jrByOI56ziDijqzeZSt1uOww7zuxxXG3emjY3cPCyoFwavWi8A1NGMl9QctE74alzleWjV_DvpSe-R-NYcXPKRlcNXuIdhNjSzZ4NXeEs5uPuF5HoObQujjsFZeIxkPaApLTp-ZGYnfGB54rkNaL2AaU2f3S0V6yNhyMFOAHGCJR4xpLMvB-JVKdWFjY1TVzwg6-zuTHkOXpTp1eM4zyWtsiKuoMySmJnDoy85N-yOSfxjxRV4gAQvGG5GQxSM2uAz7Vy0qp7taTRmBLJMIzxQCITAmCesnDtzwMXGx2YfBw1hcF4iOBg0_VkdHpKFFsZHEkPtuF2wzqwO-LijF3NYg55y0QJ-ZqyWZZE3JiCh6ytGybTHJ1AbXFkeeuL0SNhSpsHzoTB9z57=w1149-h766-no



P4AdAX8T4FABJtAfKEBtX-VtJ2Z5atkZxplSuMtObRZb75Zz3vHuruxlzjqBAVjB1UKmYakzl8hfQwcPKJU9LlpELwk4kfgdvCsWYWdzoxsDc3wgmTt-BK-ICwzsYTDtGZhn4lCdTqT_6J2X4RxjFeFYI97HT1b1MMC94xaK_TBMqmjwSu83zgMIW5jEScNURM12b_7BHnPr1jh_q5AjY4OjUObnt8pPcvoFYUz6Oma8RnUt3yJYfzqC3027qUnnWFmS_ZW96xdvj0TiQTZhUhYuYPhVJBvno9lhwIgPYvqsyvL30I00qkHcVUiNNBePtSjNCagVbou8kUJTPOwXCO77SxQdDNLEFXvRZ35smCHQmz7syPIvUN7wEagT07_wnCcsnYDILyAkYdVMq0ioTWri3ny_5MVjYLUGaWb51-xMTOKU6f56ys58XNyD9_IiZZecaGp6Qj5TsrmKaPYGJfXGHAPY2s-qqD349XQB6KiKSa7xnzrl7ESEjnjT6Ual4ISi1kTGmjtI2nKv2CBNDy-NmsumytCG_baE7U2_4cf4Rb992m6jvFX_Q_6--Gg0H0s5U1CpBpeyBg-idoP0oT3-5rjP-aC7JcNbe74CSpG-yy-4p0tbbYs3IdBP3qRL=w1022-h766-no



I wouldn’t be exaggerating by much to say we could have stood there all evening, just soaking in the view. But there are many more gorgeous views to take in.


One of Julie’s favorites is an overlook where you can see an arch.


OnLqU3H5L4Y4MmYEGJPEJDhS5MsuIJtMuk81RkbhyJSa7t4bmltB_L1XDT9XkdkC4L9kSAfEy37nvMoBSkeFHuQkxUycl36dp1nlm1-tC_Z8rpqPukJoZ6warQWqZ3q5O2m8NWe8zQ_upSi8Zel0NRlfQiTquqVXhXEG9zkP5tYZY6b5lJobDXbvj8e0KfVHEIjwWVTHWUxTcliHGhtyp8mlSLiWL8_f13xEThzNC09NWTj87ISI9eSkJQgWUcRALimgwqMx-udPQLir6XfVWbKB6oX5n6ZmMY9lWGq11He7mUjlVqbVRkhLeeGSd_wDKvDGEEvrnL2coMFTKyBVNinj2M8ZMFDFhkEfpUZdHxlIjxig6txtrPti03RkW5u1_EPL1cc6ICF0Vt3ZyBTviYZLyUX_aOKT_ZzauHeeMfF4BUXTO3j7Z5t0uebQ9Qjt_RQHhQKldVsrSg8QIBqJ045tlt8Q81YL-2yj7pqferRjOd8h-jmoHHOGPzcKHgjM61sB4ksCs6xWWEBAKRAVtOThaUPRTSckhJMGaSyd0wu7QLVEvOcr7KdPPxr2Re6bUfFZkJqUFKVT1zY3uF89_4c75ax_vYDMbNvMhBoEhurn61PAE9TAOLZu9zo1wkKp=w1149-h766-no



If you’re lucky, you can see an arch with a hot model next to it.


DG33W0lX11UIZgyA3zSqyITKf5bc5MG67hHaY6Wbkqt5OkmcEa2JXUBnmpYKik-pUi2B9XAZ5Rznw04YMeaDcDTqqn0BBC3P4MuGz4Q5z9TTYfIUz9rJKET_S-BM1ieECS7vXsLcAGCFGdt926nzvPs8caa76oqBrfzLHdwnYM4mCZnyU-83VXgCYMf9A6sgbDIsl1QoNXASgPnnrFsPrkoERB9_ZHsDlR-Xdhk_vtT98lyOByQKG92dmUb_Kdyk5Rwu15fWDj36TYO1BWnrPMZPeQkVn10RfptPuEENfmFNOlDml5fE43KPW0i6eN97St7kHPPvGvVa4bUYXHRyj7HbnpocoG9GjMm2xeAsU-J9g-fhHrfNbl_b68t47vKvAe3A6cs-SP_H1KrL4eabUB0M88xNKp14JIQl2XGO15b6rETCV6D7D0ZhG2RZ6JbPToqfshdQVZovATvS4AJYUlh33BO7xgGYJsX6_E4RxFj53mpJ3n0o0obXCJOgpsuHKh-W-8xyts2Du_F2f_UOISFxfsUdzx-Ds049cWsx6VGFygQs2sVcomMKHPRKVqDbIbAUyPPCiLInlGQd5tDTdcrjYBnTNnfnmB2n6SRe6sl6zNezumIrXxwFQfHW8JcL=w1022-h766-no



It was getting close to dinner time, so we left a bit early to try and beat the tourist rush. There are only 2 restaurants in the park—the restaurant at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is an upscale dining room, and the Valhalla Pizzeria, which serves crappy pizza. If you want anything else, you have to leave the park and search along Rt. 12, but pickings are slim. In 2014 we’d tried Foster’s Family Steakhouse (now re-named the "UpTop Steakhouse") and it was…fine. We decided to trust Trip Advisor and try Bryce Canyon Pines this time around.


This is a mom-and-pop family restaurant and hotel located about 5 miles from the entrance to the park. It serves your standard sandwiches and comfort food entrees and appeared to mostly get good reviews online for its homemade pies.


Well, I’m never one to pass up pie, so that was an easy call.


I’m also never one to pass up mozzarella sticks. Plus, it was vacation, and there were no kids to steal appetizers, and calories don’t count when you’re on vacation. Oh, and the doctor put me on cholesterol medication, which magically counteracts any negative effects of unhealthy foods you might happen to eat. So we got some mozzarella sticks. And they were wonderful.


vbH5zaZqSBhjk4t_PmA8PbpX6UUwpSIg6o8ynfaNTf6EaGov8IUWCwSCWznUMWOe2Z3nSLoQIOIFnJpa9T55ThMwVia8YxB7gVFH0AKBRM3rd1EOZHPE7JLK_kvePC57X7wIjxJzOK9yH14OsZVGdxTG_rfTEZ9wZzydrUGmaB4iOhDMdeS-N8JqzpYHxSXuJ9j228xMlaw6rY2qYiVhAOO9H9Nhemf-fnf-kFEKtgW0FKz8i4X3vD4dlE8ZBGyxYEvSyrbeG4iVOK-dRph8g0QtMpgCVmObCRts4vBI6WgjTkF7tYCPYjY_CPZLKlZXWeo7VbLQydR3YbG38UQsIU1k1UXEtvsN0vmadefAEB0rY0RM1ch5mYj8luo7bhxH7gRoOTHEEi1KAmUQlkMSQi52EmdNS1I96LQC6Mcuob_jJg0jXvrfrunqIZnvOU9FvPyIdeOWEYqNBIflrpGhgxrDCak1TtZkbjmH36RqtShlsMXoj5yPVi4Fr7d7LYvPfZ8npUKwK4zUL3i8lzrxzkjKnrUAcEUZ8tOxDDERglLgqL-4gTmJGB2zyfHiqFY-BiwZh4W9uEM1TIcYlfztbeftY2R3tWOO9yDciKFgzCDK0gQDy9f5B3PDiH-F-w0g=w1022-h766-no



One nice aspect of the restaurant was that they provided entertainment for us while we waited for our order.


173ufyi_g49JIEO4lnlMQemw3U5-Lwm-5DICdnsTgC8QbgceSd0B_Bpo2F5spVS7CrzbwQU5FMk8ENXtI60MLd2YiJ51Pms5gctpECYrYz_KotjYTltGiKSZeLLrfdJPqqcE4ghRxhugvYoUCGogUlGeQSMdq_d8LEhqmi1vPp4e-ivUl36y-PsDABA-bjX3Il_lf0GIoDKRILYSr7ihrZ-0JpHf6FUPLfJKLYCZNeFHwB0MOwUWhEAt87fXE519OxIO_IWXAg3CgJmVOkc2Q4qr-Ioyy73rRqheE1YFit4YesKKGShn-KVpvh3eKokYbPZTNTiRKGHZ2o2ZwVCUoUSrEdR_H1kKbHPK3brirOdxiyXC1fYZGASMdX9I5kUodwtQpB7GMcNA9HE4CR_nQcJCst_6-7Pji-qaQvwc_Uneot2vqvoFNFw2ZDTUZUL2C9s_tn0sG6Qgu5LIlSlmE2MCjxAszvwIS0hhrheJv_9sdiY3xRht1qxBc3thrb7vQAFQ8pa2gNJwTpePxnhBYp7apH77cvxYBauFQOSxknC38JXMQr1elHXDW4KD5sz3kN3PYbEqCcroi5FKH_inJZXNZpiaSXvB_nlILrwLic7ngJkYCL9vd0yx2mT39xCH=w1022-h766-no



Julie got some sort of turkey/cranberry sandwich and I went with a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. I made it a Hawaiian cordon bleu by adding a slice of grilled pineapple. They were pretty good.


D6fn6qs_94d-Vbge6FAdtKPGEvLQj-T9kiNgsBfoPGfDRRyA5LWItAZIUDqLHriSvIy08SDsbYT10Fl_rhgk6LWlzg8F8udQ2apqTErr0ac8sWMot7jvdKdn-uf-ZnVQQDIbagDQ1mOt6bn2N7CDWHJrG1ReMtDwSAxHwth9kiC6dnStnD_74R5DL-m1ww2hi0xRsmw0nbQY0UDj2dTTMMw5xQQWloFn29V9bEFxF8OcgikjG-0GBUbhImPlk-Lw_CvIqgvK8qSCR_PaIPxQ1rnt_ltqAvaHXj7RLnJq6LNnIZL2n47FFhYwj9jm2O02imPUeyD2QkU4r0dMDrZCkmsp-APhSycnKudcpTU50AfHVw_jGRxBbKbDk1aGXgKJX5BkgA_4DlijSDjYTk7c28lP9ZbGpXORmtxjCKl4__SkDESEh-LbyxciVAakLaZdVUDnk53qgJHvex9Wjn9bHWM8IflVZaSCIqoWyFsPDLM2IHiAtvEFMDi5kHLzCbFT0I9P5V6N93QHsGEIakD7V83wJoWaxPwmlG5-qfP1Hes3fsJcTRjpT7q0IfO1gaqULHLTRC6fElUL2u-2oFnqgta_fl1DhhQZNsFaCx9-U_uIl8yISZemqXEO7RphfAVi=w1149-h766-no



The highlight was indeed the pie. I chose peach while Julie went with chocolate crème.


BW23qKx7WPsHCIsmkLY90vZAbAyLb7VsxhMorW0GsIgONmfuCHwt0U6xsjs7Z0abxe8sJHLasvY8HJxI_A2RJUet1qk5DkWvD2gMZTvcu1HQIbfYfWzZMbxIvAKZYqu9t1vFK4B_FdKncQmOELhAKHVYM3756HK0KETacvX55s_PIMJTGyeFnF2GzlMDfvGVANYHS0qyTCqSEjrMqdNyLv-5kZqO2pPFt7woRR9avoSMHxb9mCcIQ0CbH0besAa1SjKLwq_qYocQU6ajPmWFOmyObazq1K9_mmjzcaDpSMkFlTDqlkDfabqK7EprOygeQdfhpelCG3q3xeJfoOxW94xBHmjK3VYZI1yY5R61sk6kl5SGWgrPq9W5W7RAo4_QCvwg92XqLKMUMfndaJzVYHlytb0hosA32GLXd-8xDe7J-QzhPczzpCpYsw89tXug1k5Pk7zll3X3545ovPYkmfrRWkv4OMOW7sqLB3mKlokFcOo7-CNqJPb402aCRzuAiSuI0qTyoc280CB0diFlMwPIK1suqSqG19qGwdMqwkFYdMrCCkG5WBs4vuBBWrSaCDs9k1qD4xFqJPojRdFDREZee6kDD_0kRYhghXDw8L_ASQaGQBC0RIVNYxarLDOI=w1149-h766-no



Julie seemed especially excited about hers.


rYfgFLpS1Q85x3vY06zErE49NTEe8TvkQ6M-1ojgGUW0YzD9JdcHBFv922gBEImWyyZc19Tq8ZXlbpe_ZZprqO_wiUym1Yaw3b3o78JPovbvfzwkmTkcGEjViF825CrxfkJKt_QzE_4GJ2DcZ05f5KRHsK_8EKuyNX9uWuJLGzlKBy1HMKvBv6ZOLlU6X4Xs9t_Fp3RfZhQvgjj4iD_mqdZuheQV2aGStKgjh7WrYc2pyfDu_GORzXzYQinkr2-dshUBnt1Y_Z6A9SR2GP3RjwfJR8ratiNOYrXpxeR-7ttuaqKot-gySB0Kg9iT1IQGRm0K3pWpzWL5lxU43fQAZgauYqAy8CXvoqRpp0KbVtn275WjXQ3yG8KQ136j29rkTk6vrUVx6caQUreZSpZqm717S_GQeH8AZWR57ciLLc4KgsLrrdvV_yoEQ3XXYWXeDFtp00pVaIydsJzJHmgwXvjzK2--vcYcn4lUcfwWVyeQEsG8KTbJaQU-l9zhFE-w9qwqNwCekzo62cPeIEFMI92O60pcJLHaVqABgd9Vg4M43wsHXAolnsOmuuDnaQOfFWGWCly_TmjH0T8gvAqdxo7MmPy_LqbdXY5O5rznm8UPEyEKIo8lyb8uhlPK31k9=w1022-h766-no



Were they as good as mom’s? No. But better than most store-bought and restaurant pies I’ve had. If I return to Bryce Canyon, I will most likely return here for dinner.


We drove back to the park and checked into the Bryce Canyon Lodge. I’d managed to reserve a cabin for the night. In 2014, we’d stayed at a Best Western just outside the park. This was an improvement in every way. There’s no substitute for being able to stay within walking distance of a natural wonder.


ip4h0VK3c3eOa8_WQ9ExLcv5ugPywe-WeEiFw_krMCFqKYavGrOSdhhkz2VjO8TGKwPVkDsa82ulHXZxLB9cSUfllmatKH84lf32CD2S7lQB5uPJo5sO2q3YBI36Lz6DlOBSwN5h73xFqTg6Z26cS1aurEC6KoNUZVV8BryaNrL-eO2cQPJQweRpzN3pShcLmA4UD_rr4H_xc0fr1CB9UpDakxdYFZSKesHbZ_UlnKm8lcmVrFB-bAqHTqbPvt313Y74hK4G-dKxlVbdQa0Fu5GLPu9FlgkK2l4NtLBFmR3LwPXHszlbyh0BUGvf1C7BOK2SlbpvolSwn6qRJQMdP80YQWDLI1Crw6ePs1prKz9HVr_4WLZ669EcSArgNr0KkU07KIVzA7Kj16EoniBK9BEmSamCjBoQLYYuTZLb4DyCfaQM09qWwqiqSdAnICpfnqy1M235POxbWxEHC3YU_rRvOG1K_3DfD5ERkDF5eN2nphxoYUJXlZn_Ys0hW-nyg1el00uhyQ4z72uy-bKWLKEOAoupSpOuP-HowrSuACC1NRJGxvrvfdCWccR1fAfD1NGDLqqfSjnoAyXAz48gImhRPAi_qBiHt-h9dxhs8IOxXXf82zUfwGEfX0Bg7gqh=w1022-h766-no



EX-Lx0J97Emwtybe5Ps9N1_tDjp8kKlWhkPCGl0owOn2YilcZny3wxWGKf_sIJFjFy4zxJBqUNS2RuUgOjQ6HpVSVL0jItcXP96fhHmb6l-AN4aSroOxPznvsRRyCwTrBhwS-7WtZjhJNxPM4rqD0HKOe7bwLJMMySriCGyHYBRgB_96-XM4Zr62Lfk5F5tYkhjj6qk68DDS6CnqMw25j_wPZSvYcn_SkQPdoaVWFLDUHIX6Q-ppr-x6fBHofpBjuPIiiT-KP_GG5WVh00kcm_dTs1GpdWN_7C4EwFhbQ-3FAeDHelhC2t2ouhYpCt6BnIxAErdZwpfuH1KK8iewGd0S_uuTvv84YHwyA6HYLDQSkLco6oBxo3PB9a1N_aZAoBcL-cC6se9wkrwfE_ImA2t66rIDKXnbhCpu0PD1yyo-Jy3F4HvWNsQjiPTWaiZeKTo4OkO_kZa9b091pzh3UyME7Fd9xjkfcRfKKanjWCoPgXUi_UTGG5hUE6CYPcQnMoRxJhboVZAfVRUQPXoaOxEzhA548Tz_SmvnWhtClP5F4yc-Wzh-9bpUlqOrMq7JVFMzRtmbjjXzwNgQcSsa_2bidvDxgXRJ-FwNoSd3ghm3uCz0Ya3g_GgsO-ruh-w-=w1022-h766-no




S__86MvVLLtcfLzkXyASIca6lsJk8zyGVtrYfJi0KawiF1edhQO_MwtM6M8gSw6s2XNuBfrZHH3py_V92gnb6yYjNmCCCDCgVvHVi3xeMDbCQdphXlnsPqvENQ23XFJUIAL3Y16yn2gujSY7V0jMh0MJEROjMEecRaDPOHro_xhg8og8-Sd9PH8FMXCG9E9CuOYSgTT2iaFR4vqxD0lqfVjWznKT7WfTPTLi4oAEST1V_Omv9YniblQTCUTVRPEKI34KkveLqORMlHoHv1LU_WOIAe8R2zJC6hCczwoBD_rSF-v7GtlWJiNLAAn1dnKWgKZtfyMpxhtljUGCMjIQSM996iEculMD7ujBS1wI1DrStvvWM4onRGtZJExNjFCFEa76nVEME64MEB4huwrQS1MkCVw8N1rfLLr3jFwebkPsPEJQKydGfgNJy-Z-m5YYKebhaIGjMm6mVeQNNQEcO76yrwa4Q7YdzOoOppZpkRm_RCpQHy66wFL3XbXlJai6cW6EazIowETVaKNChiFLdVbeT3OTe_jt1jqd3SjfyAIi6gcsYcq8JJ0IjGI0ouX5HSlvTauNSkNSg58TWvQTdxkHvrdyZ2zR9Zp04Nc9RdwZLYND9qvH_T6ipErzu1lU=w1022-h766-no



We really loved staying here. I think the cabins had been recently renovated—they were a cut above most national park hotels, which are typically bare-bones, old buildings. There was no TV, but that’s kind of the point of getting away to a national park.


At dusk, we drove to another one of my favorite viewpoints in the park—Bryce Point. This is the only overlook where you can face west and see the setting sun over the amphitheater. It provides a stunning view of the expanse of the park.


jHHe6Bcg1twoGwDSC4WP8oFCMewYvZ1fBCgnUB-XKf7H8Iu7h2_5VMj_qyhebYo8O5HnLBGTCvFX-64RaBtgpnLe3eei_axv0j3FQKRVEykTu7ZPxPD5QT-E_RZh8CDk1cYA8kN5Mf1i27_D533lLDXVce6hGFl1GR52lODxtwzK_Ajjal_hFpLeKOj3IKWCnQU6SJwWrud8S45MPz30i5diHZu88F1bed6QN8V9rWZauVIYbEwRWuIwNEkoF1kqUq9y6Ka4VKD-XFWSGHJtRYl7pTi0Z-RlUEnQKHsrWqUIgvb5amZvyyuVSd8nphFcFA25W7rA6uwJz1laDpRvWtCZirR8__sYAXKfB-b9uL6d3-jbToFVEHuQPVTQ4mufiT3OcQhy2zBvmTv57IGub4PogH1ECAR8S7JmYOMXf94gEMStO4hsVVGmwnQw54s6WS9ACXvXq_YsZkaHpwiCFQk8s0esO96A5ufk-vnqb20PtazXaMoayjh_EK94iqmzAcKXtGpEh0nkzYCoWD5olPsfiaJpAsdHSCesziK3wT2kKLswqyD9Cv6hD4LpIHneqIuQx77031rjFasN7twImXK0CO0n_yBOocuyOD8D-WPjAK5yQ0aOjvhtPc9K66n3=w1149-h766-no



3CJ4g2rzh76aLLxQKbUdxIsN0fwocdar-wlLEJmof-xfHQ2f5fZcLP0LG7IE_EKFa3chR8v92B8VC9kHP79G8nUv90sOLxWsVvSx4r3-uWh3XXjeofh-CWRrHPsXPUEi--nC4yLwGrtyplmqJ2xbNYtN49C5DL56APfZx2S4Vysn-MMOlJW9VQGvssNQj3A3DUiPDnSbjtT4xGGs260njhq9cRdX_0j0ZqBZKcfy67aQ-gmleFzIc7v0Q6FjXsHbQmmyJtf4dacwVTCb4DG3J5zWGksAVcjsXKkSvqH3YUyQ0vLl40nBf2jgveu6ozrHSmQpSZEca8q0F6CrrUO8uzJKf_QMkW8GPfNFinDe3zjUi8TsMnEZyE3EIqnNgdEsTHbzW8AaXMBcaipYmqWPnRjSsi-h7gpBbL8kq9czSymhXNwJMb-6PtarkPglSV0-A2J1ClCdzUiPb1KzL1LGGh5gwGD8MX0wQp3eSBJ5ReXJhLDSp2tOxvRmKU3jp5A5HTkJ5TqW_NXtfN3HOK7X9sQ-yi1V759DjswdgUkcZ6F__zXtkfA3VZNcLvqvkdDcLks7k8cW3hy4N4YDVlBGHf9eC4ofGix9y1PUeBpT_pGsLglP0rukxFqzRjQyCwaj=w1149-h766-no



We walked a short way up the path and were greeted this this panorama. In this light, it looked like a painting. A masterpiece, actually.


cHCWCqZ3P8F4vd4k1pLjB21N1w9vhczuh6PjC3qC9AFDjQh4vuvMb4Jtpb1zyVC7iMdpL6I0FlmjnvU5LxwUHZnJOIL5vEKBquyVwZFELWukPJF64fWEykfVa9-bhHK4pho1WAC7mKfb13vF9qCi6tWcSK7MmTU4fd3w8O9H5z5QaE_QrLqZ05TNzCsMJzifzj_Ww-ThbFg6K6PlvjS8Z72_eBFgArHSqsvRDDouE9OV8KLma7ER12bxeWeOLJExJuPB9eGXI5ehpkJS_8ezA7I0_cZOrIcYBAS63TqTnq7UzXq_LrAkmcTk8C1UMbo3418rZ_nWXepje0hbImwZdtReVYyv3AqKkpeNHpGT_AUSWvSMtuh1-zRYbt9E5hEqGW57ZV8zUN2GFX599qR0-CAIgND-F2ibwvINlsKvylkfvztFVll_2SU4YBfJV4AEgusxPjZRjKmXeXMp227W6i1OTsSePL40v9rMnw_O8RoI4_EY1rOPjx0hhGRA5Rqg2maaXmp-HB6U45nwJF35ew6LcrTYYS3IDWjES5DpUmrrYOzjeZ3kkb5nTgb5vfBvNy-y8rutElqYnwMbPl396bN1fCuMO6GTqKNDuRFNTFYnsw6h8ZFkS0dUaom2hSpi=w1149-h766-no



We wandered out to the main overlook with dozens of our new closest friends, all jockeying for position for sunset photos. And then we did our best to find a setting that captured the color of the sky, the sun reflecting off the clouds, and the amphitheater below. It wasn’t easy. Thank goodness for digital, where you don’t have to worry about wasting shots.


_Zcbw4pKvt6Ha4CjoW3GoFqiojEkLVU9FO1vkDoE564kkpMyjUFhIPemoicaCjjaSYarUIhVaIh4bedVBS8YMMNGdEmZXFa7N5WLqZtG12uJk4SVqO9pGINR3iA-npyKp6o4r0ON6x-SJdqfJnSy-VpYa6YQ1fht9-MWVha0DJ7cFUr5fdsz1txvk84cr2G0GVIbqv8GJGqgU2FIxaoFeaXf-N9DniBS0QzSRitdB2VayjnrxCTZ9ASmh8obbgwaWHP9BAK90HLwBtvgcxXcj2iMzidcwS1psffIV1VRXip3wugkZgTReriGED3iFpRZ5uhAV3Imk8RpdgDpB7CNFeXxgrYlfUhFU0MfAzT8v2oguyBO4yw8J99cShF39J7KZdSUUL3Kpk3tltuqPM8Fv_HSdlDY-mG4126VNGuS_H4ge-Ie1eHpsKb8-JYPN_PWBqx5bHH_EW-0atIdxCkzwl19k6QUv-LBb585SCBVQy2Xw_-hj4XTZVJNKod38s9MCHm4hSYqxa2m582pcccWgkChb6TWIPOg-RxYrYNaSVLBluDZf0Ja2CaqIeNLgozzqHgBC8rIVfIzJHNqhqkZkWnAR-YQwEvXBerUc1IZqQc04QGBJ8Ga2hoxHlurq8u4=w1149-h766-no



eiPfjjDrbd9KM_6gfKGtBoW6g0qqaa1VJmkwWqYp3X8UISND29gz3hTARXFq6MgT3wPKRMk7t1Cog_DpUbF4lvufEYYLpzmNlM_ac2P1Qj7iJACmkCF50f_QPMfK0fjml1xzWf5UdfU09hMFfmN_zyPW-Wuw734NyGuLSIcglqubucP_1R2TpdoKCBgIswAP0rzbNBfDvRehI1brOqEd1qhB1pT-6Nnm8zox8-rV_u_CclBjyD33FMJgNJ22uTul5QUur-CzACszP7ddV8Zp96nnuotnwGpjbeg0osGN0HLu47_z9DgHTBdPgSZpKY9Q1MNB6hn46ssQyAzn4x5p8pkIacWGITSdiDDQjTKE-1wL28Zoj2inZ1eKT6dXVlEUKJ_hcijvopZk-XLhdCvRsbho9SKSezs4prcgu6zkP7Ly7XeA-1KB2AFL8X5IfQhYSBMWQG_JGPTCCURRUhaMwWZANdXECRnSZXEbMPHcIzB8sQZIv4UidIuwmJMNe5sopB-VSoINi7ePJZEhcbw5Wc0sZNNEKvSnLi3Q8ecAavSUdtw6ZffIfFIL48Mtkg7rvaOMnN6s7gc-Gi4LGXeI3_zwQZwdv1-vBwXAMeAeZibmJCqQEiD4Wm4IeUlNV5uY=w1149-h766-no



0tgNzsG0lvNMNDaMo5M_dvf-3o29qjxZWqkKRePX9xS64I9C_EEzwDQPob7kAh7_nZ847hXEjEMdkycq3ra7NOXdYwXeqptdB-nagMMZXuzECaQxV09ozn6H-VdRKN2CIu1XbXF5EuXAcbqsiPx84Um_GL01AtSa6pCu9eaoSbm_PBb5Gzt16EFtu08rOm8dTPKrJZNTk_Li7ZaUtF6igYW39tF3hLhxKfGf6lv-fZg0Q9fshgD86ujISzcT6Eyo6oOC49N7yex0-LKooTBXVqsT50ZHfEIjDDvfN05OxhkpCGOGCuje-IskNg-mIccDkWch_ZZaOAo4MzW0qwaKuAbznh38iRrIiaF2dF6DSP4qGda3-UAD-zKHud3TM4OXdHbR9wL8rsrWx8frLttr2ijVbGiu9BxaPxO6FnqUffTb8hJJzUfWGYGtZc1FaoYhdlKtB7xWm9nrqIvuyxYw7Fh3_dwLTmEPvs3Z_t7YbTbbRWuRNXEc8xsY-Eg9U9n_7-Nl4iRi6eK4LEH26w3cbeAeKekmD345027Wh8G7IA6j4SwvI5pQ55h7M-tlB6dCY7wv20ZKyPoxjE3_KSMWg77BvWrnWPbwMTRWc26LDw5CNtl8Vf06ZY6uSb0kJOJT=w1149-h766-no



yvPNJo51lrmCTjiO4kG9FNL1a1lQ-AtB6KqoHn4ckRCUCekQslWxZgeDje2MdNp82FDi27e7teMGPyXOBPolBb2xGE-OFAcpaTaRvNkuJgZQZ2p2P5qO_fK0kHaqXDC6ADbX9cRbhhNPE1wo0lKib7IAR97XlTNyCCe47piPIYX3JLhFHYVVJ251RfZ_8AUyo-XSaHCH8Sf1F9FuXCYbb6S3cjUDVY2u_n1_-mIiBht8crdqiccQK22TChfG2n4LHFFO_UQWqnIvjmtojB65MWF8h8IrqoehMUZF7rkW7eRpOY1FQHhZZ1L5RTgRd6QE_RMZpfgtEQQ57TXGjnAwOUF5gH2p-9NpbJQFqN41mDdH3C0MyJG8imMyACjdel83STsY9c9SxWuglkTpUsiiU1lLq7B0RB0fBos4hSqpuXKYcHxOYzNr2DCcLOOULMO2eP2ooOp4fqXSO-cxJ6FYrlJro6IrZ1Muk52a_5f2IL93NNtTjs3HHXZR7oPKXBPVQp9O1Sc9XYLeb6AZX_RgfF9G7HC625ZS3w3kameY62x3pBMwJlU6LpIz1vr3dxrkZ78rd9zRPOrGYBofNsD_jZ9sTz9kthtCjUknUZr6vKMyzFJD436ny1gFtm_RCR5s=w1149-h766-no



It also happened to be the 4th of July, and the Best Western a few miles away was celebrating with fireworks. It’s not often you can say you saw fireworks from above, but it was a neat perspective.


N2qMEEwKREQShgyS8dlArMvYX71QaBMpzjsRktdniME0RcVBHMA0EVtSEc1FoG2eXe_vb5sGr12RBU-h6EuhiCjFo4pYPJRLJIIwYAjlnoQHtZIO89bfwoVn5dmZ1M2eWVzzKWeUh3e7lU2LwuBggnVEaghtj8KU5xPd_f7VI1Ovvtb5Q98_036UA869Qjmerc7wXRLlX1wx4v6ccz-fx_oQQy3A2NWr-d1bncIxGgUk7OxNvbkaMAkPgVgnqcMOFfGf-1wZPFxHMRWPYatIqldM1FYxz64AOqZNgVUB1yt8GbAKbFhDhD2X7xuSL2DnCe8ECxpYv7M6Ni741oO8WMOCk5Kh7_gZUCRS4XKhlQlhOPeJpNi7C27VKscqp5SgAgzQrcVtu1t5xDcvKht5Hk3zKpHAwSLdNa5g-UiYsJ1ha0CmA8jVgST-MgMN9JMybKQNKokwkwdG4FlCHcgi1NUTYi5efjavEECHn_oA9V44dTWvrlT0O1TYNhCI3QsD7Z1n4-jviEl-Eloa8XZzt7QSX0q5RYJ3TiYhaCf7bWIAakdZ5DGf5uuLhVclYQ5azmcCpJ8xs3OveY4Cpi4ft2TFeoSzMuMTPS2pF2jYIdENM7tPgWSo47BuGQSQDv7g=w1149-h766-no



EnBsPz3JpePIlfOvHJcA75-mKo8X-r31txw__SwCyx80nQeERqYvCY3iGVTys4VyREJU0ww0NxTj6NTJSA8mSftidI_LAN8tPMXkFAU-INjJUbSq_rxznTXa6nWh6FJN49g-Q5N6FMp4eKooT5fLTu9NNv-vFllYxQLEDnHdNjuWWJT5T14_3fn8PsXQmUn7i8uMnLQVrTmHITqCdqvaPbgbOOsxEyUdReO2iCPfMtALzXTOZWWWbymPmWktb1EGxXHlqFtnHOyUqlIN0RYn40IvkI8y-yz7NKFxA9HydiwfOLXwYa1n-dMS1nXtX-1uMf-zuBEZFBHdjAzYPMXa2f-Ju8h2O7hcsmOR6fWHkVg9X2JTZZ0iW1xEetgnJgpiINCMUiu4EO1WqfhmF15nRww6AvkrLN29wVgXhHhLh2AxRhf6e1b7IgQ3hyv2YdEd6YgpU0qV70AOL3-1OWkVuqnlJW8diXfMaDTwbioAWf2NQfHX3y1O6cYAmrxu8LcooOyK9BNxUjIpv41oS7IdWRR59pbTv3AHLfSSOmj77AdsYhWJ4HWygXx83G5YOMKDc6NqUuOj53clS9bv4GD-nJ_TM9wkj-yFPShX1ZtLh1ORT9GN0cXHr7_PsNo1mImw=w1149-h766-no



We tried staying up for complete darkness in order to see the night sky. Bryce Canyon is known for exceptional night skies, and we’d been treated to a stunning display in 2014—several shooting stars and a nice view of the Milky Way. But we didn’t make it this time around. We were still on East Coast time, and Julie hit the wall hard. By the time it got dark, it was past midnight back home, and it felt like that to us. Julie tried to get settings dialed in on the camera, but you have to use manual focus at night, and it was almost impossible to see any of the settings. She was getting frustrated and tired and begged to go back to the cabin, so we ended up packing up and heading in for the night.


As I looked up, the starry sky was spectacular once again. I’m glad we at least got to see it again, even if we didn’t get any photos this time around.


Coming Up Next: One of the best hikes we’ve ever done.
 
No one really knows where that term comes from. I’ve done extensive research on the subject (i.e. I typed a question into Google), and it’s suggested that it might be an alteration of “voodoo” or that it might be meant to evoke a spooky feeling. Those explanations sound like a stretch to me. My theory is that some visitor asked someone else (maybe our buddy Ebenezer?) what in the heck they call those things, and possibly one or both of them struggled to find a word until, in the grand tradition of such descriptive terms as “doohickeys” and “thingamabobs”, they coughed up “hoodoos”.
I wonder if it something like "what are those things called? Who knows?" and then over time the 'who knows' morphed into hoodoos. Could be possible. Who knows.

If you’re lucky, you can see an arch with a hot model next to it.
Much better than the ugly dude. :rotfl2:

and calories don’t count when you’re on vacation.
That's what I thought. Unfortunately my scale did not reflect that fact when I stepped on it after my WDW trip last week. Mickey took all my money but gave me 6 extra pounds in the deal. That's actually never happened before, usually all the walking counteracts the goodies. Stupid free dining....

We tried staying up for complete darkness in order to see the night sky. Bryce Canyon is known for exceptional night skies, and we’d been treated to a stunning display in 2014—several shooting stars and a nice view of the Milky Way. But we didn’t make it this time around.
Too bad, but understandable. At least you were able to see a little of the stars.
 
In 2014, we hadn’t been able to hike inside the amphitheater at all since we were dragging a baby around with us (don’t worry, the baby was fine).

Of course he was. Bumps, scrapes, cuts and bruises all heal, ya know. So... pfftt...

So our goal was to explore Bryce Canyon from a different perspective—below the rim.

Without a baby on your shoulders too.

But, it was already later in the day, and we’re extremely lazy. So we’d do that the next day.

:laughing:

The canyon is named for Ebenezer Bryce, who was an early settler and farmer

And renowned scrooge.

he looked around at the splendor and majesty of God’s creation and said, “Well…it’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.”

:lmao:

The park is known primarily for the red-rock spires reaching into the sky called “hoodoos”. No one really knows where that term comes from. I’ve done extensive research on the subject (i.e. I typed a question into Google), and it’s suggested that it might be an alteration of “voodoo” or that it might be meant to evoke a spooky feeling. Those explanations sound like a stretch to me. My theory is that some visitor asked someone else (maybe our buddy Ebenezer?) what in the heck they call those things, and possibly one or both of them struggled to find a word until, in the grand tradition of such descriptive terms as “doohickeys” and “thingamabobs”, they coughed up “hoodoos”.

Actually... we have hoodoos up here too (in Alberta. Two provinces over) and this is what they have to say:
“The word Hoodoo comes from the Hausa Language originating in West Africa meaning ‘to arouse resentment and to practice retribution.‘ Hoodoo was a distinct magic practice introduced to North America in the 18th Century. ‘Aboriginal People used Hoodoo to refer to evil, supernatural forces.”

We entered the park and immediately drove all the way to the end of the scenic drive (18 miles from the entrance). Most guide books will recommend that you tour the park this way, since all of the viewpoints are on the east side of the road. Going to the end and working your way back means you’re only making right turns to reach the viewpoints.

Huh! That's.... pretty smart, actually.

I’d try and describe it further, but I won’t do any better than to just show you photos.

And, dang dude! Awesome shots! Thanks!

If you’re lucky, you can see an arch with a hot model next to it.

:)

It serves your standard sandwiches and comfort food entrees and appeared to mostly get good reviews online for its homemade pies.

You had me at "pie"...

calories don’t count when you’re on vacation.

This is a truism.


:laughing:

But.... really, Julie should have been reading that.


Dang that looks good.


I hate when I short out my keyboard from drooling on it. :sad2:

Again.


:laughing:

Then again... that's kinda my reaction to pie, too.

There’s no substitute for being able to stay within walking distance of a natural wonder.

::yes::

There was no TV, but that’s kind of the point of getting away to a national park.

I rarely, if ever, turn on a TV when I'm on vacation. At least solo. If Ruby is along, she likes to watch, so I'll watch it then. But otherwise? Not so much.


Wow. That's.... incredible.

In this light, it looked like a painting. A masterpiece, actually.

Agreed!


Like this one the best. ::yes:: :thumbsup2

It’s not often you can say you saw fireworks from above, but it was a neat perspective.

:) Cool!

As I looked up, the starry sky was spectacular once again. I’m glad we at least got to see it again, even if we didn’t get any photos this time around.

You got to see it. That's what matters. :)
 
Stunning location. Makes me want o go there immediately,

The cabin looks lovely. Were you both happy to have a separate bed to enjoy? :lmao:

Appetizer, meal, AND pie to yourself? That really is a treat.
 


Bonus Chapter 3: Eye Candy


It was mid-afternoon when we arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park.


vYUpJ7xjKUl9TkBKf5C3ZAioqu2SiPzzhG79rYWrznQ5OiYHrlDV6Jy_9ecsh04fiQEX9FHEZdVVMSkVLPByHy4g6cTOR2FTeesZfgEbtrGUU4d8N-yzeYco9hHBz7CqzYIzLXS15k4CwffnCmXfZnbN82mOhfRMkbt6moSEbjozhPUeHWj-LA6urWzqaAIheTwHTu2DajgJDX5sBzoYPZEjuC9ATNp105JqEws16W9BuSRFUrnKNXC4640inmTC05ZD7sktrWc5xQCvJ2efYRCbp40oboPeE7a-epqUPCI8DmkFIQOR-WtPqCXHMm37o4kJEivhQoMKT5D9lW18YywcNtzliZS6rI9PDvYgBgm5pXqDmNjJtnyyFnWdAfadhstS3E_jllkn9-t6yMgrAgIgeQdlnKNR3uPsu50_aY5wClFs2e8WHNm5X8yEqcFZxL6enKAYaxhZykixw9nl0XXWl96EdA8pIJ3KrRn8SKb7PBg0N61Q0MoeDETrz9I-TzzzD8YFJYRCIXeLUvmuQKGDCcnBQ2GtpAcD1BRm7gVTit3Yxyhh5g35b8ZF5qP4VLu3WU12eKa1j3KuRzED8jKxmErJ9GC6N0wub3xuU5VJswldivmJuZ0WGGwO343_=w1149-h766-no
Yay, it's Bryce. I think I actually liked Zion better since there's water and green, but both are wonderful.

I'm removing most of the pictures, not because they are anything less than fabulous, but to conserve space and to try to keep track of my comments. Just in case that was at all unclear...great photos like normal!!!

I’m also never one to pass up mozzarella sticks. Plus, it was vacation, and there were no kids to steal appetizers, and calories don’t count when you’re on vacation. Oh, and the doctor put me on cholesterol medication, which magically counteracts any negative effects of unhealthy foods you might happen to eat. So we got some mozzarella sticks. And they were wonderful.
All valid points. You forgot one. The dry climate there also sucks up the calories and moisture, so another reason the calories don't count.


One nice aspect of the restaurant was that they provided entertainment for us while we waited for our order.


173ufyi_g49JIEO4lnlMQemw3U5-Lwm-5DICdnsTgC8QbgceSd0B_Bpo2F5spVS7CrzbwQU5FMk8ENXtI60MLd2YiJ51Pms5gctpECYrYz_KotjYTltGiKSZeLLrfdJPqqcE4ghRxhugvYoUCGogUlGeQSMdq_d8LEhqmi1vPp4e-ivUl36y-PsDABA-bjX3Il_lf0GIoDKRILYSr7ihrZ-0JpHf6FUPLfJKLYCZNeFHwB0MOwUWhEAt87fXE519OxIO_IWXAg3CgJmVOkc2Q4qr-Ioyy73rRqheE1YFit4YesKKGShn-KVpvh3eKokYbPZTNTiRKGHZ2o2ZwVCUoUSrEdR_H1kKbHPK3brirOdxiyXC1fYZGASMdX9I5kUodwtQpB7GMcNA9HE4CR_nQcJCst_6-7Pji-qaQvwc_Uneot2vqvoFNFw2ZDTUZUL2C9s_tn0sG6Qgu5LIlSlmE2MCjxAszvwIS0hhrheJv_9sdiY3xRht1qxBc3thrb7vQAFQ8pa2gNJwTpePxnhBYp7apH77cvxYBauFQOSxknC38JXMQr1elHXDW4KD5sz3kN3PYbEqCcroi5FKH_inJZXNZpiaSXvB_nlILrwLic7ngJkYCL9vd0yx2mT39xCH=w1022-h766-no
Good to know you were still thinking of me on your vacation. I'm touched!

Julie got some sort of turkey/cranberry sandwich and I went with a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. I made it a Hawaiian cordon bleu by adding a slice of grilled pineapple. They were pretty good.
Not a big cranberry fan, but the cordon blieu looks and sounds good...especially with pineapple.

The highlight was indeed the pie. I chose peach while Julie went with chocolate crème.
They definitely look good!

Julie seemed especially excited about hers.


rYfgFLpS1Q85x3vY06zErE49NTEe8TvkQ6M-1ojgGUW0YzD9JdcHBFv922gBEImWyyZc19Tq8ZXlbpe_ZZprqO_wiUym1Yaw3b3o78JPovbvfzwkmTkcGEjViF825CrxfkJKt_QzE_4GJ2DcZ05f5KRHsK_8EKuyNX9uWuJLGzlKBy1HMKvBv6ZOLlU6X4Xs9t_Fp3RfZhQvgjj4iD_mqdZuheQV2aGStKgjh7WrYc2pyfDu_GORzXzYQinkr2-dshUBnt1Y_Z6A9SR2GP3RjwfJR8ratiNOYrXpxeR-7ttuaqKot-gySB0Kg9iT1IQGRm0K3pWpzWL5lxU43fQAZgauYqAy8CXvoqRpp0KbVtn275WjXQ3yG8KQ136j29rkTk6vrUVx6caQUreZSpZqm717S_GQeH8AZWR57ciLLc4KgsLrrdvV_yoEQ3XXYWXeDFtp00pVaIydsJzJHmgwXvjzK2--vcYcn4lUcfwWVyeQEsG8KTbJaQU-l9zhFE-w9qwqNwCekzo62cPeIEFMI92O60pcJLHaVqABgd9Vg4M43wsHXAolnsOmuuDnaQOfFWGWCly_TmjH0T8gvAqdxo7MmPy_LqbdXY5O5rznm8UPEyEKIo8lyb8uhlPK31k9=w1022-h766-no
I have no kids to fend off..you're all mine! Prepare to be devoured!


We drove back to the park and checked into the Bryce Canyon Lodge. I’d managed to reserve a cabin for the night. In 2014, we’d stayed at a Best Western just outside the park. This was an improvement in every way. There’s no substitute for being able to stay within walking distance of a natural wonder.

We really loved staying here. I think the cabins had been recently renovated—they were a cut above most national park hotels, which are typically bare-bones, old buildings. There was no TV, but that’s kind of the point of getting away to a national park.
That looks really cool. I don't have a "bucket" list per se, but I think I've just added to my wanna do list. How hard was it to get?

At dusk, we drove to another one of my favorite viewpoints in the park—Bryce Point. This is the only overlook where you can face west and see the setting sun over the amphitheater. It provides a stunning view of the expanse of the park

3CJ4g2rzh76aLLxQKbUdxIsN0fwocdar-wlLEJmof-xfHQ2f5fZcLP0LG7IE_EKFa3chR8v92B8VC9kHP79G8nUv90sOLxWsVvSx4r3-uWh3XXjeofh-CWRrHPsXPUEi--nC4yLwGrtyplmqJ2xbNYtN49C5DL56APfZx2S4Vysn-MMOlJW9VQGvssNQj3A3DUiPDnSbjtT4xGGs260njhq9cRdX_0j0ZqBZKcfy67aQ-gmleFzIc7v0Q6FjXsHbQmmyJtf4dacwVTCb4DG3J5zWGksAVcjsXKkSvqH3YUyQ0vLl40nBf2jgveu6ozrHSmQpSZEca8q0F6CrrUO8uzJKf_QMkW8GPfNFinDe3zjUi8TsMnEZyE3EIqnNgdEsTHbzW8AaXMBcaipYmqWPnRjSsi-h7gpBbL8kq9czSymhXNwJMb-6PtarkPglSV0-A2J1ClCdzUiPb1KzL1LGGh5gwGD8MX0wQp3eSBJ5ReXJhLDSp2tOxvRmKU3jp5A5HTkJ5TqW_NXtfN3HOK7X9sQ-yi1V759DjswdgUkcZ6F__zXtkfA3VZNcLvqvkdDcLks7k8cW3hy4N4YDVlBGHf9eC4ofGix9y1PUeBpT_pGsLglP0rukxFqzRjQyCwaj=w1149-h766-no



We walked a short way up the path and were greeted this this panorama. In this light, it looked like a painting. A masterpiece, actually.
God's masterpiece!


Again, all great photos, but this is my favorite. I've always likes it when the rays of the sun fan outward like that or when they're shining through the clouds in a similar fashion.


It also happened to be the 4th of July, and the Best Western a few miles away was celebrating with fireworks. It’s not often you can say you saw fireworks from above, but it was a neat perspective.
My brother took me up flying at night a few times and I've seen Wishes at Da world from above. It is cool!

Another cool thing is when you're staying on top of a mountain and a thunderstorm rolls in BELOW you.


We tried staying up for complete darkness in order to see the night sky. Bryce Canyon is known for exceptional night skies, and we’d been treated to a stunning display in 2014—several shooting stars and a nice view of the Milky Way. But we didn’t make it this time around. We were still on East Coast time, and Julie hit the wall hard. By the time it got dark, it was past midnight back home, and it felt like that to us. Julie tried to get settings dialed in on the camera, but you have to use manual focus at night, and it was almost impossible to see any of the settings. She was getting frustrated and tired and begged to go back to the cabin, so we ended up packing up and heading in for the night.
I understand...unless you know the exact settings you need and can do ahead of time or have a good flashlight, it is hard to do fumbling in the dark. Also, I think without a tripod or someplace to set the camera, would be difficult to capture. I was stationed in Vegas for 4 years and I remember going to Mt Charleston, Grand Canyon Bryce, Zion and a couple other places out of the city and I remember how wonderful the night sky was. I don't miss the heat or the dryness, but the views at night...yep!
 
Last edited:
:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:


:blush::blush::blush:

I have NO idea how I dropped off of this, and am completely unsure of how I UN-magically got unsubscribed. I was positive I was!! :sad:

But, I am back on track and read the update on page 25 so far. While I can't multi-quote as I'd like, I did want to poke fun at your interesting way of throwing in the 2nd Honeymoon side of your trip. LOL!

With that, we were all set up to take care of our first piece of unfinished business in the morning.
While the covered wagons were nice, I'm glad you chose the room. ;)
 
Okay, Mark, all caught up. :) And really enjoyed every story, every photo, every detail I am sorry to have missed you and Julie this time around. I am positive I'd have enjoyed a Meet with you two, and am confident someday, somehow it will happen.

Your photos are truly lovely! What a spectacular area to explore and enjoy. :cloud9:
 
So our goal was to explore Bryce Canyon from a different perspective—below the rim.


But, it was already later in the day, and we’re extremely lazy. So we’d do that the next day.

The fact that you were even going to explore that part of the canyon says you can't claim that you're lazy!

I’d try and describe it further, but I won’t do any better than to just show you photos.

You're probably right there, and even then the pictures don't do it justice!

One of Julie’s favorites is an overlook where you can see an arch.

That's one of my favorite overlooks too!

There are only 2 restaurants in the park—the restaurant at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, which is an upscale dining room,

I'm so surprised that you didn't choose the upscale dining room. :rolleyes1

This is a mom-and-pop family restaurant and hotel located about 5 miles from the entrance to the park. It serves your standard sandwiches and comfort food entrees and appeared to mostly get good reviews online for its homemade pies.

That sounds like a good solid choice.

calories don’t count when you’re on vacation. Oh, and the doctor put me on cholesterol medication, which magically counteracts any negative effects of unhealthy foods you might happen to eat.

Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that....did the cholesterol meds come hand in hand with that nifty machine you get to sleep with every night?

The highlight was indeed the pie. I chose peach while Julie went with chocolate crème.

I think you chose more wisely.

they were a cut above most national park hotels, which are typically bare-bones, old buildings. There was no TV, but that’s kind of the point of getting away to a national park.

I caught a bit of flack for the lack of TV, when we stayed there, plus we didn't have any signals on our phones either, so we had to actually talk to each other. :eek:

At dusk, we drove to another one of my favorite viewpoints in the park—Bryce Point. This is the only overlook where you can face west and see the setting sun over the amphitheater. It provides a stunning view of the expanse of the park.

Sounds beautiful! We were always either eating or something at sunset.

In this light, it looked like a painting. A masterpiece, actually.

And I'm sure it was even more amazing in person.

But we didn’t make it this time around. We were still on East Coast time, and Julie hit the wall hard. By the time it got dark, it was past midnight back home, and it felt like that to us. Julie tried to get settings dialed in on the camera, but you have to use manual focus at night,

I know that feeling! And kudos for Julie to actually manually focus, I can do manual aperture settings, but I draw the line at manual focus!
 
I wonder if it something like "what are those things called? Who knows?" and then over time the 'who knows' morphed into hoodoos. Could be possible. Who knows.

It's as good an explanation as any.

Much better than the ugly dude. :rotfl2:

You know, I really can't argue that point.

That's what I thought. Unfortunately my scale did not reflect that fact when I stepped on it after my WDW trip last week. Mickey took all my money but gave me 6 extra pounds in the deal. That's actually never happened before, usually all the walking counteracts the goodies. Stupid free dining....

But...calories don't count on vacation! I demand a recount!

Too bad, but understandable. At least you were able to see a little of the stars.

We're not as young as we used to be. We need our sleep.
 
Of course he was. Bumps, scrapes, cuts and bruises all heal, ya know. So... pfftt...

Gotta toughen these kids up somehow.

Without a baby on your shoulders too.

It's a lot easier that way.

And renowned scrooge.

He also suffered from insomnia.

Actually... we have hoodoos up here too (in Alberta. Two provinces over) and this is what they have to say:
“The word Hoodoo comes from the Hausa Language originating in West Africa meaning ‘to arouse resentment and to practice retribution.‘ Hoodoo was a distinct magic practice introduced to North America in the 18th Century. ‘Aboriginal People used Hoodoo to refer to evil, supernatural forces.”

Maybe so, but my explanation is more fun. So there.

Huh! That's.... pretty smart, actually.

We read it in a book. We don't come up with stuff like that on our own.

And, dang dude! Awesome shots! Thanks!

Thank you!

You had me at "pie"...

That's what got me, too.

:laughing:

But.... really, Julie should have been reading that.

Well, the book does have a little subtitle on the cover.

Dang that looks good.

Not too shabby for being in the (relative) middle of nowhere.

I hate when I short out my keyboard from drooling on it. :sad2:

Again.

Mmm...pie....

:laughing:

Then again... that's kinda my reaction to pie, too.

It's always love at first sight. Or love at 772nd sight. Whatever.

I rarely, if ever, turn on a TV when I'm on vacation. At least solo. If Ruby is along, she likes to watch, so I'll watch it then. But otherwise? Not so much.

We don't really watch TV on vacation, either. By the time we get to the hotel room, it's time to pass out.

Wow. That's.... incredible.

Bryce might be my favorite park in Utah. It's either that or Arches.

Like this one the best. ::yes:: :thumbsup2

:thumbsup2

You got to see it. That's what matters. :)

Exactly. But I'm glad we have the photos from the previous trip.

Stunning location. Makes me want o go there immediately,

You should! It's an amazing place.

The cabin looks lovely. Were you both happy to have a separate bed to enjoy? :lmao:

It's funny you should mention that...wait till we get to the next destination.

Appetizer, meal, AND pie to yourself? That really is a treat.

My waistline agrees! Hang on while I loosen my belt.
 
Yay, it's Bryce. I think I actually liked Zion better since there's water and green, but both are wonderful.

I like Bryce better myself--Zion gets a lot hotter and is more crowded in the summer. You also need to hike to really see much more than the inside of the canyon.

But picking the best park in Utah is a little like picking your favorite kid. How do you really choose?

I'm removing most of the pictures, not because they are anything less than fabulous, but to conserve space and to try to keep track of my comments. Just in case that was at all unclear...great photos like normal!!!

Thanks! :thumbsup2

All valid points. You forgot one. The dry climate there also sucks up the calories and moisture, so another reason the calories don't count.

Whatever justifies ordering mozzarella sticks is good with me.

Good to know you were still thinking of me on your vacation. I'm touched!

:rolleyes1

Not a big cranberry fan, but the cordon blieu looks and sounds good...especially with pineapple.

I'm not a fan of cranberry, either. Gimme pineapple any day.

I have no kids to fend off..you're all mine! Prepare to be devoured!

It's like you were there with us!

That looks really cool. I don't have a "bucket" list per se, but I think I've just added to my wanna do list. How hard was it to get?

I was able to find a cabin fairly easily, but I was also working about 6 months in advance. You really need to plan out reservations inside national parks. Some of the more popular parks/lodges need reservations at least a year in advance.

God's masterpiece!

::yes::

Again, all great photos, but this is my favorite. I've always likes it when the rays of the sun fan outward like that or when they're shining through the clouds in a similar fashion.

I think this was just a happy accident with the camera lens, but it looks cool.

My brother took me up flying at night a few times and I've seen Wishes at Da world from above. It is cool!

Another cool thing is when you're staying on top of a mountain and a thunderstorm rolls in BELOW you.

That sounds awesome!

I understand...unless you know the exact settings you need and can do ahead of time or have a good flashlight, it is hard to do fumbling in the dark. Also, I think without a tripod or someplace to set the camera, would be difficult to capture. I was stationed in Vegas for 4 years and I remember going to Mt Charleston, Grand Canyon Bryce, Zion and a couple other places out of the city and I remember how wonderful the night sky was. I don't miss the heat or the dryness, but the views at night...yep!

We did have the tripod. Just couldn't get the settings dialed in for any good photos this time.

:scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1::scared1:


:blush::blush::blush:

I have NO idea how I dropped off of this, and am completely unsure of how I UN-magically got unsubscribed. I was positive I was!! :sad:

:confused3 Don't know what to tell you, but I'm glad you're back!

But, I am back on track and read the update on page 25 so far. While I can't multi-quote as I'd like, I did want to poke fun at your interesting way of throwing in the 2nd Honeymoon side of your trip. LOL!

:rolleyes1

While the covered wagons were nice, I'm glad you chose the room. ;)

I think she was, too. Maybe.

Okay, Mark, all caught up. :) And really enjoyed every story, every photo, every detail I am sorry to have missed you and Julie this time around. I am positive I'd have enjoyed a Meet with you two, and am confident someday, somehow it will happen.

Yeah, we were bummed that it didn't happen. But meeting us was the least of your concerns. And I'm still putting together my itinerary for Oregon in late July 2019, so...

Your photos are truly lovely! What a spectacular area to explore and enjoy. :cloud9:

It's one of my favorite places.

Wow, just wow! The pictures of the canyon are amazing! God sure knew what He was doing.

Agreed! Just a gorgeous place.

Amazing pictures! Impatiently waiting the best hike ever.

I guess I'd better get to work on that.
 
The fact that you were even going to explore that part of the canyon says you can't claim that you're lazy!

It is a bit daunting to look down at the path and think, "If I go down there, I'm going to have to climb back up."

You're probably right there, and even then the pictures don't do it justice!

Not at all. You can't capture the scope of these views in a photo.

That's one of my favorite overlooks too!

:thumbsup2

I'm so surprised that you didn't choose the upscale dining room. :rolleyes1

I know, right? Hope you were sitting down when you read that.

That sounds like a good solid choice.

Anything with pie is a solid choice.

Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that....did the cholesterol meds come hand in hand with that nifty machine you get to sleep with every night?

Not exactly. My cholesterol numbers have been awful for years (I know, another shocker). I avoided statin drugs because my father had a really negative reaction to them. When I had the episode of a-fib earlier this year that prompted the investigation into sleep apnea and the machine. But the cardiologist evaluating me also saw my cholesterol numbers and refused to let me weasel out of the medication this time. It has really helped my numbers come down.

I think you chose more wisely.

Can I print this out and show it to Julie?

I caught a bit of flack for the lack of TV, when we stayed there, plus we didn't have any signals on our phones either, so we had to actually talk to each other. :eek:

NO!!! Anything but that!!!

Sounds beautiful! We were always either eating or something at sunset.

You guys must eat late.

And I'm sure it was even more amazing in person.

::yes::

I know that feeling! And kudos for Julie to actually manually focus, I can do manual aperture settings, but I draw the line at manual focus!

Well, we tried, at least. We did better 4 years ago.
 
Not exactly. My cholesterol numbers have been awful for years (I know, another shocker)

I did wonder how you got away with not eating your veggies and eating so many burgers and pizza. Especially because my numbers have been horrible for years now, like 20.

I avoided statin drugs because my father had a really negative reaction to them.

I also had a negative reaction to a statin and tried to avoid them, but my Endocrinologist switched me to one a while back and I seem to be OK with it for now. Fingers crossed.

When I had the episode of a-fib earlier this year that prompted the investigation into sleep apnea and the machine.

Yikes! I'm glad you have it under control.

But the cardiologist evaluating me also saw my cholesterol numbers and refused to let me weasel out of the medication this time. It has really helped my numbers come down.

It happens to all of us eventually. The thing that bugs me is that Fran eats way worse than me and her cholesterol is incredibly low.

You guys must eat late.

No, I always think when I read your TRs that you guys seem to eat incredibly early! :rotfl2:

But normally we try to have dinner by 7PM, however often times I miss that mark at home and it's closer to 7:30 or 8PM before we're actually sitting down to dinner.
 
Gotta toughen these kids up somehow.

Kids these days. Why in my day (insert appropriate cliché here.)

He also suffered from insomnia.

:cat:

Maybe so, but my explanation is more fun. So there.

Always go with fun over facts.

We read it in a book. We don't come up with stuff like that on our own.

:laughing:

Well, the book does have a little subtitle on the cover.

I did see that. Alright. You can read it.

We don't really watch TV on vacation, either. By the time we get to the hotel room, it's time to pass out.

::yes::
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top