Saturday, April 5th.

We drove into the park from home, left about 9 am. We drove up I-15 to Cedar City and then up and over Duck Creek on Highway 14 to Highway 89. There was snow on the top ridge, probably not the best way to go over in the spring.

Checkin at the Ruby Best Western Grand was at 3 pm, so we had time to explore a little of the park and the Ruby Best Western across the street in Bryce Canyon city. Everything is clustered together in the city, all pretty much within walking distance.

We drove down to Tropic, 8 miles away, for dinner at the Rustler’s Restaurant. It was marginal at best. Food in the area, we learned, is not a strong suite. Pretty much the same fair everywhere, groan.

Sunday, April 6th.

Breakfast, crowded at the buffet, but we headed into the park for the Sunrise Point Queen’s Garden walk. The buffet was actually pretty good for a large spread. We were on the trail about 11 am and walked down the trail exploring the beauty. At 8,000 feet elevation, we were careful to go slow up and down. The views among the hoodoo’s were amazing.

We drove out to the furthest point in the park, Rainbow Point (18 miles from the park entrance) and then worked our way backward following the map and lookout locations. Throughout the road, the park edge is on the east side and some views were of Navajo Mountain in the distance, 85 miles away. I was able to raise the Utah Intertie repeater system through Navajo Mountain and talked to a few hams on UHF from Yovimpa Point. It is just a short walk from Rainbow Point.

Dinner was at the Vallhalla Pizza place by the Bryce Canyon Lodge, an order to go for the hotel. We were glad we stayed outside the park, the Lodge was crazy crowded, I guess for spring break. Pizza was awful, salad was great!

Monday, April 7th – Birthday!

Nice breakfast and leisurely drive back home through Zion NP. I think it was easier and shorter, but longer time-wise, to cut through Zion to Highway 89.

A nice steak dinner with Shramsberg Mirabelle for Sandy’s birthday celebration!