July 18 Crossing America

Escalante, UT – Red Canyon, UT Distance 56 miles, rode 28 of them.
Total distance traveled to date 3,023 miles, on my bike 2,501 of them.

I may have to add “Hitchin’ A Ride, Hitchin A Ride” to my crossing America as I
didn’t do much riding today.  Left camp at 5:50 AM as wanted to get to the turn off for Bryce Canyon early in order to see this National Park as I had always heard it is one of the most majestic, yet one of our smallest parks.  Unbelievable, after almost two hours I had only gone 16 miles and I still hadn’t crested the first of two mountains we were to climb this day.  Told myself I’m not going to miss Bryce Canyon and I stuck out my thumb to hitch a ride.  I thought the approaching vehicle was a pick-up truck but instead it was a VW Jetta.  When the car stopped a white haired gentleman stepped out of the car and
offered me a ride.  Told him I’d didn’t think my bike would fit in his trunk, he assured me otherwise.  He didn’t usually pick up hitch hikers but bicyclists, yes as they are good and interesting people.  By this time his wife Shirree (her spelling not mine so it is right) was out of the car beside us.  She pointed out they had a blanket to lay over the trunk to not scratch my bike or their car.  Jerry the gentleman said, we’ll just give you a ride to the top of this hill.  OK, I agreed to accept the ride.  Once inside we set about talking about the usual stuff folks want to know.  When I told them our destination was Red Canyon, they both said this mountain was just a warm up compared to the one out of Tropic.  Crap, I thought to myself I’ll never make it to Bryce Canyon.  Now my new friends are taking me up the second big climb of the day.  I had to chuckle when I told them our next overnight would be Cedar City, they said that was their destination and they take me there.  “No, no” top of the second mountain would be just fine.   I am trying to ride my bicycle across America not hitch hike”.  If it weren’t for Bryce Canyon, I was very tempted to take them up on the offer.  When we reached the turn off for Bryce Canyon, I told Jerry and Shirree
Roundy this would be fine as there were a couple of restaurants I could hang out at instead of doing nothing at Red Canyon Campground. After I unloaded my bike from the car, we chatted a little more and I learned the Roundy’s are working hard to establish the Escalante Heritage Center in their community I next time I come through I must stop to see it and them which I agreed I would.  The Mrs. said to Jerry maybe we should take him to Ruby’s Inn, Jerry responded that is what I said miles ago.  I was excited to be taken to the entrance to Bryce Canyon and quickly loaded my bike back into the trunk.

After a quick breakfast, I purchased a Senior Pass for $10.00 which would allow me
access to all National Parks and half price on certain other fees such as camping.  In this case the pass allowed me to board the Shuttle which would take me deep within the 36,000 acre park.  Now instead of continuing to ramble on check out the following pictures I took.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon 2

Bryce Canyon 4

Begging for food is so tiring

Bryce Canyon 3

Queens Trail Bryce Canyon

I was about to sit on a log Queen's Trail but thought I need to check under it first

Queen Victoria Queens Trail

Hoo Doos, bad people turned to stone by Coyote according to Paiute Indian Legend

Thor one of Bryce Canyon famous rock images on post cards

Me at Inspiration Point Byrce Canyon

Bryce's Point

Tree growing on Navajo Trail

After spending a delightful 4 hours in the Park I returned to Ruby’s Inn where I
hooked up with Aaron, Chet, Mark and Trish for an early dinner at the inn.  After dinner it was a quick 12 mile and mostly on a gradual downhill ride to Red Canyon.  This State Park was rustic and had accommodations like a flush toilet and pay showers with hot water.  I enjoyed a great night sleep and I would recommend this park as a great place to spend the night.  Oh, but be careful of the rattlesnakes which like the park, too.

Follow