After it warmed up a bit, I drove to Bryce Canyon NP (http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm) and hit the trail around 1:30pm. Hiked the "Figure8" - Queens Garden/PeekABoo/Navajo Combination; about 6.4 miles (1631 feet elevation change). Amazed to see how crowded the Park was on a Tuesday during the school year; many Europeans. Every parking space but 2 (out of about 100) taken near the trailhead (TH) and the trail was crowded for the first mile then opened up a bit; nothing like elevation to thin the ranks:). Spectacular scenery make it easy to take beautiful photos. The scenery and elevation change made for about 2.5 hours of good hiking.
Hiked with a gallon of water, clothes, etc.; about 12lbs; didn't push it too much but after completing the hike I did feel a twinge in the old stress fracture area of my left tibia. Could just be my imagination/paranoia.
Bryce Canyon is probably the world's best example of erosion. It struck me funny that so many of society's activities and resources are devoted to preventing erosion all around the world but especially in the US. Yet, at Bryce Canyon, society has deemed erosion a beautiful thing worth protecting (and paying $25 to enter the park to see it!). It is indeed beautiful and I'm not advocating anything being; just found it interesting how what society values (or not) can come down to perspective. Suppose for example that a man-made operation near the park resulted in erosion similar to what we see at Bryce Canyon (on a smaller scale of course); would it still be beautiful? Of course it isn't as simple as I make it out to be; just wanted to share this example of the weird thoughts I've had during my time of reflection:) Of course it is not PC to have these kind of thoughts. and one of my favorite things about taking a work recess/sabbatical (no longer calling it retirement) - is no longer having to filter my thoughts/communication:)
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!
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