Bryce Canyon National Park

I made it to Bryce Canyon National Park! After a 4-hour plus drive from the North Rim Grand Canyon, I found dispersed camping in the Dixie National Forest. It drove down quite the washboard dirt road, but I wound up on the edge of the park, right behind Bryce. 

I managed to get to the park quite early and beat the crowds, and took an early hike from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, where I could take Jo Jo. It was looking like a blue sky day, but by the time I made the loop, the rains set in. It was quite dramatic watching the sky change from sun to overcast, and I couldn't capture enough photos showing the amazing contrast. As it rained, I decided to take the road all the way to the very end, about 15 miles, to Yovimpa Point. It's over 9,000 ft. in elevation, and as I drove I watched the temperature dip into the low 50's along with more rain, and suddenly hail! Needless to say I slowed way down and couldn't be concerned what the people behind me thought of my slow go in this rv. After all, there was no place to pull over, and a double yellow line with curvy and winding mountain roads that set the pace. Once I got to the end, I had to wait out the storm as the downpour was quite heavy. Eventually I got out with my umbrella and managed to catch a foggy, and mystical, and stunning view. From there I backtracked, stopping to see most of the pullouts, including the Natural Bridge. I wound up at Inspiration Point and ultimately at Paria Point, where I decided to park my camp chair and do a sketch in addition to having my lunch. So many of us drive our cars, pull over, jump out, catch a view, and repeat. But there's a lot to be said about just sitting it in a chair, and admiring the view for an hour or two, especially as you sketch. You really need to see those details.

The last time I was here was in 2002. I have never seen Bryce when it was overcast and stormy, so this was quite the treat, as the dramatic skies really helped to enhance the red rock vistas. I was amazed at the contrasts of color, dark and light.

 I continued sketching as people observed, and one woman asked if she could take my photo. I think my camp chair parking is a novelty.

By the time I headed out, it had started hailing again. I took advantage of a dump station which also give me a chance to fill up on my water reserves, and I got a nice cold shower while out there too. I headed back towards my previous night's dispersed camping site, though found something a little bit closer. If the Sylver Gypsy could talk, she would thank me for not driving another 5 miles on a washboard road, in mud and rain.

































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