It’s a Looper Reunion at stunning Bryce National Park. For those that may not know, Dave and I completed the Great Loop (9 month boating trip around the eastern part of the US), in a 40’ Mainship in 2021. Along the way, we made many great friends, including Greg & Helen from Minnesota, aboard River Ranger, who are our terrific traveling companions on this trip, Roger & Chris, from AZ, aboard Betty Gail, who had a boat just like ours and we spent many months together on the loop, and Jon & DeeDee, originally from Orlando, FL, aboard War Eagle. DeeDee was Murphy’s greatest fan. Roger & Chris drove up from their house in Tucson, AZ and Jon & DeeDee flew in from FL. It was great to reminisce about the fun we all had on the Great Loop and make new memories together, even it was only for a few days. This is a picture of us at dinner after a day of hiking. Look how fresh we look! Pictured from the left, clockwise: Greg, Helen, DeeDee, Jon, Roger, Chris, Dave & Brenda
Jon & DeeDee arrived before Roger & Chris, so we went on a shorter hike in the afternoon to get a glimpse of Bryce’s expansive beauty. It was gorgeous! Bryce’s canyon rim sits on a high plateau, between 8,100 and 9,000 feet. It is lined with hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) and is the largest concentration of hoodoos found anywhere on Earth. For those more scientific minded, here are how the hoodoos were formed around 50 million years ago: “Intersecting fractures in limestone and other sedimentary rock layers were enlarged by weathering and erosion to form free standing rock chimneys. The rocks in the chimney weather differently, contributing to the hoodoos’ distinctive shape”. (From Bryce Canyon Visitors Center).
Most of the Bryce Canyon hikes start at the upper rim and travel down to various viewpoints and then the trail leads you back up to the high plateau. For Jon & DeeDee, just arriving from Florida, the altitude was tough on their lungs as we hiked back up to the rim; but they were troopers and hung in there. The switchbacks at the end were tough! Greg, Helen, and I were fortunate to have had adjusted a bit to the altitude from our time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Roger & Chris arrived in time for dinner at our campsite and s’mores. We had a “S’moregasbord” of s’mores variations to try. DeeDee was brave and tried the tutti fruiti marshmallows with sprinkles on top. Although she ate it, she said “I don’t think I’ll do that again”. 😊 The rest of the newbies all ate traditional s’mores. Greg & Helen tried a new variation, with caramel candies which had been flattened to melt. They both gave it a thumbs up. We also had a looper tradition of “Little Beers” which is a shot of 42 Liquor and whipping cream to make it look like a “Little Beer” after reciting the Irish Friendship Toast we learned on the loop:
“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships
are friendships, may they always be.”
The next day we all met to hike down to a rock formation named Tower Bridge. Dave, still wary of putting too much strain on his ankle, stayed with Murphy and enjoyed a bike ride. After our hike, Dave joined us for the 18-mile scenic drive through the park which ends at Rainbow Point, near an old bristlecone pine forest. This time I stayed with Murphy (at the scenic viewpoint) and Dave hiked the short (1 mile) hike through the highest portion of the park at 9,100 feet. The oldest bristlecone pine tree on the trail is a mere 1,600 years old – a youngster compared to most bristlecone pine trees.
On Day 3, Jon & DeeDee headed toward Kanab (we will catch up with them again in Zion). The rest of us got up early and met for a sunrise short hike. As dogs are only allowed on paved surfaces, Dave stayed with Murphy up on the rim and enjoyed the sunrise from there. The sun lighting the wall of hoodoos across the canyon was spectacular. We even had unique shadows appearing on one of the rock formations. What do you see? I saw a horse and an eagle. Dave also saw the Eiffel Tower between them.
After breakfast in the lodge, Roger & Chris started their drive back to Tucson. It was so great to catch up with them, if even for a short visit. Greg & Helen hiked the Hat Shop trail, with even more elevation gain than we have done to date (over 1,000 feet of climbing). Greg captioned the photo: “Hat Shop. Showing only the finest hats that trend setting hoodoos are wearing this epoch.”
Dave and I decided to drive to nearby Red Canyon, which allows dogs on the trails. The canyon also has unique rock formations with Ponderosa pines dotting the terrain. Dave’s ankle held up great. Progress! Upon returning from our hike, I joined Dave on a short bike ride up to Inspiration Point in Bryce. The park has a nice multi-use paved trail, so you don’t have to ride on the busy road. The return, downhill ride was a blast!
On our last full day in Bryce, Greg & Helen, aka, the hikers extraordinaire, hiked the Peekaboo Loop, with an elevation gain of over 1,500 feet. Greg said it was their best hike ever and highly recommend it. The loop included tunnels, windows, hats, bridges, and every color, shape and size of hoodoo. Helen said it was stunning, walking along the hoodoos with every corner having a new view. Here are their awesome photos.
Dave and I explored another nearby park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, so Murphy could hike alongside us. Does anyone remember a song by Paul Simon titled “Kodachrome”? I didn’t remember it until Dave asked Spotify to play it. I know that song! What I didn’t realize was Paul Simon was saying “Kodachrome” in the song. Who knows what I thought he was saying. 🙂
Kodachrome Basin also has red tinged rock formations (spires and chimneys). We had a great hike with Murphy and first ran into another chocolate lab, also named Murphy, and then a yellow lab named Tortilla. Murphy and Tortilla wanted to play but their hoomans put a stop to it. They were sandy enough! Plus, the signs said to watch for rattlesnakes, scorpions, and poisonous snakes. Oh my! We didn’t need the dogs running around the scrub brush.
Later in the day, Dave and I did another short bike ride. I wanted one last glimpse of Bryce Canyon before we departed the next day.
That’s a wrap for Bryce National Park. When we planned our trip, we were worried we were getting close to winter season, especially at Bryce’s altitude. We had amazing weather. Lows were in the upper 30’s/lower 40’s with highs In the mid 70’s. Perfect! Fingers crossed we continue to have awesome weather as we explore the 4 remaining national parks in Utah.
Hoodoo you love Brenda, Kodachrome Dave, and I love mom & dad for taking me on hikes Murphy.
Wonderful to see everyone ❣️
Enjoy Zion!!
I loved Bryce! (And, of course, all the other National Parks) We were there in spring when snow accented the ledges & spires. Really cool you enjoyed the Park with a Looper Reunion.