We are now among the connected and because I could download pictures quickly, just be warned that this blog may cause picture overload. We left the beautiful and tranquil Kodachrome Basin SP this morning for a short hour ride to Pangquitch, Utah, est in 1864. (pronounced a bit like sandwich and means "big fish" in the language of the early tribes....Paiute I think.)
Indian Paintbrush flower, about 2 inches. Flowers are not abundant in this arid climate but this time of year they are more showy.
Bryce Canyon NP has a wonderful free shuttle system to all of the must-see areas. It's a hop on and off and hikers and backpackers and tourists find it very helpful. And the drivers know all the answers and point out the common wildlife (mostly pronghorn antelope, mule deer and prairie dogs). On Saturday, we took a longer shuttle ride to the top of the Park, which is only 20 mi long. The highlight was this natural bridge and the very helpful and informative tips by the driver "Spike".
Also, he pointed out the Bronze Evening Primrose which blooms at night and dies off in a red color in the morning....this one was in the shade so still photogenic.
Later, we came back to the campground area and headed out to see the beautiful Grosvenor Arch.
It was 10 miles down a dusty road. Kodachrome Basin was named in honor of Kodak film in the 1940's and the arch, named for National Geographic's founder.
On Sunday morning, with recommendations from Spike and Cay and Ron, who had done the hike two days before, we headed out for a good workout on the Navajo Loop portion of a trail that connects Sunset Point with Sunrise Point. There is a nice Rim Trail that connects the two, but what's the point ?...you can drive between them and see the same thing.
Anyway, the distant signs don't really mean much as there are side trails and the elevation changes. Looking down, we could see where we were headed......very steep dirt trail.
If you look carefully, this picture is taken looking back up at the trail and you can see the people along the very tight switchbacks.....very narrow and steep.....but not intimidating going down.....
The canyon narrows and becomes more shady....a welcome change from the brilliant sun.
Another view looking up from whence we came....note the people again.....they reminded me of ants all in a row. I'm sure that if we'd have done this on a weekday, the numbers would have been less.
Mr Videographer, documenting the canyon.
At the bottom, is this narrow canyon with a very large Douglas fir growing out of it. It's even featured on postcards.
It was so cool and peaceful at the bottom.
Once out of the Wall Street area, we came to an open treed basin with numerous other trails veering off.
We stayed in the open for about a mile or so.....and stopped for a snack and to chat with other "older " hikers. People of all ages were on the trail, many families with small children on shoulders and in carriers.....It sounded like a mini- United Nations down there with all the passing chatter in unknown languages.
I have never seen a ground squirrel in a tree ..... he was very quick so most of my shots were a blur.
The dusty trail started a gradual climb......we knew we had to climb back up at some point as the elevation change was 350 ft and we had already come down. I wasn't too concerned, thinking we were at about 5000 ft and I felt acclimated.
We took a short side trip to the Queen's Garden where you can see
Queen Victoria ....she is on the left. See her small head, her crown and her arms across her chest and her large gown. P never did figure it out.
The climb became steeper and we passed thru an opening and then we really started climbing.
The trail we had just come up. By this time, it was hot and there were no clouds or shade. We had plenty of water tho.
We sat for a bit ...... our legs and shoes were covered in dust.
And then we came to the top......It took us a bit over 2 hours. And I discovered that
it was well over 7000 ft , not the 5000 I had thought. Note the warnings on the sign. Spike told us that the #1 cause of injuries on the trail is lack of proper footwear. I saw one lady in some very cute silver ballet flats......I can't imagine how she managed. It can be very slippery with the dirt and gravel.
We would have loved to do some hiking on the trails in the Campground but the gnats were unrelenting. Even P gave in to them.
Later that day, we had interesting neighbors pull into the CG. It was an older RV pulling a black utility trailer with a door. Out tumbled about 11 people, the women in their long dresses and long hair. There was one man, one older very pregnant woman, two late teens or early 20 something girls who did all the work and about 5 younger girls and one small boy. There may have been a baby or two in the RV as they were always going in and out. So, in my mind, I figured it was a polygamist family. The two girls being the other wives. They all seemed very happy to be out running around and eating a large watermelon. The older girls all slept in the trailer. They left in the morning. We are in the heart of Mormon country that was settled in the 1800's.
Not sure how long we will stay in this area. Now that we have internet and cell phone coverage, we can do some research and figure out our next destination. We will drive down to Zion tomorrow. I picked up a book by Wallace Stegner on John Wesley Powell, who explored this area. It's not an easy read but my brain needs more than pretty views once in awhile.
Incredible!
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