Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The weather is gradually warming; nights are still cold, just not as cold.  The propane
company will come this morning to hook us to a large tank so we won't have to ration usage for heat, hot water and cooking
.
We had more training yesterday.  Fred cleaned two bathrooms and I learned how to 'do' the bedroom portion.  It's not rocket science but there's a lot to remember until it becomes more automatic.  The rooms are beautifully decorated and each is unique--Ivy, Cedar, Juniper, Wildflower and two others.  All have stunning views into Bryce Canyon--a work environment few jobs can rival.

Since it was a 'light' day, we finished about 11:15 and decided to hike the Tropic Trail into the floor of Bryce Canyon. 

 Although it's officially named Bryce 'Canyon,' Bryce is more of an amphitheater.  Imagine looking down on an upper-case letter C flat on the ground.  Its lower end is flush with the ground.   Elevation increases as one moves from this end toward the center of the curve and decreases back to ground level at the upper end.  The Stone Canyon Inn is positioned back from the C's opening, facing up into the amphitheater.  Most visitors to the national park encounter Bryce from the high center part of the C, looking down into the 'bowl' filled with hoodoos.

Attached are some pictures from yesterday's 5-miler:




Snow at base of the cliffs


There's a story here somewhere

Navajo Trail along the floor of Bryce's amphitheater


Incredibly vivid blue sky


Huge teetering boulder




Intrepid Explorer!

Breath-taking!