The first hint of what we were to experience as we were driving toward our destination were the towering spires of Red Rock Canyon. Just a short distance from the park entrance we were awed by the dramatic scene. Little did we know.....
Entering the park it looked like any other park along our RV adventures. Then we went to the RIM! Our first day in the park we visited the major overlooks of Bryce Canyon only to find them indescribable. 'The Amphitheatre' is a great big hole in the ground with a bunch of rock towers called Hoodoos. Vast, impressive, awe inspiring.
The entire region of The Grand Staircase contains dramatic levels climbing up from the Grand Canyon. Layers of rock formed over vast timespans from sediments built up and then eroded away by natures forces. The landscape here records a history of 525 million years, the world most complete sequence of sedimentary rocks.
Steve's daughter Amie and family visited in July, Barb and Chuck (Tusen Takk) visited in early August and Deb and Bob (Chimayo) visited late August. More guests are expected in September and October. Each visit means new or favorite trails to explore. Photos to take. Memories to share.
Our experience as park hosts is going well. Most visitors have a few questions and we share our own hiking favorites with them. Only a few times have we had knocks on the door late at night and those were easily resolved. I do find that buttering up the law enforcement rangers with baked goods gives us quicker response time when we need them;) and we have a good rapport with them. We are already looking for somewhere in the eastern mountains for next summer.
Three months is proving to be a long time for nomads like us, but we are enjoying the area immensely. Visits from friends and family have also helped make the time enjoyable. We have learned a few things about picking host sites and will try to remember these when applying for future positions. The main point is being at high altitudes in July and August is fabulous. Sleeping is comfortable and most mornings we need to start the heater to take the chill off. Days are usually warm and sunny. Summer at 8000 feet is wonderful.