Day 8 - Bryce Canyon and the Magical Hoo Doos

Miles traveled:

By Car - 268mi

By Foot/Paw/Other - 5.5 mi (not including the amount of zoomies R&C are doing while at puppy day care/boarding)

Car Entertainment - Foo Fighters all day.  It was just that kind of kick ass day.  Started out with FF live at Wimbley Stadium.  This has the best version of Monkey Wrench EVER and all my faves.  Then it was all Foo all day on shuffle.  

RIP Taylor Hawkins.

Gas Update (because I picked the most expensive time in history to take a road trip) - I realized I hadn't really given a gas update in a couple days.  It's mostly because I've been a wee bit freaked out about running out of gas around here.  There are almost zero service stations in this part of the country, so I haven't even let the tank get half empty since I left Boulder!

Here are the totals:

$81.31 (already reported)

$55.23 (already reported)

$57.53 (already reported)

$50.00

$51.25

$42.99

$35.41

$27.94

$30.08

TOTAL = $431.44 so far

I have no idea if I should be upset by this number or not because I never pay attention to gas prices.  Maybe I should start since I'm Funemployed?!

We started the day by taking R&C about 30 mins away to the town of Hurricane, UT for open kennel boarding for one night and two days  at On the Spot Play & Stay since puppies are only welcome in a few spots at Bryce and Zion. Dog Services | Pet Boarding | Hurrican, UT | On the Spot Play & Stay (onthespotplayandstay.com) 

It's like R&C knew what they were about to do, because they could not get in the door fast enough (or they were just looking for some actual rest from all the activity I've been making them do).

Charlie is never one to miss out on the fun and was ready to barge right in, but Rhino gave me a little bit of a sad look.  I was immediately comforted though when they both gave the lady taking them back lots of love and kisses and tails were wagging big time!

Later in the day On the Spot sent me a couple of pics of them playing and a report that they were doing great!  I love that!

They are clearly having a blast!

Then I was off to Bryce Canyon without my two favorite allies.  It was about a two and a half hour drive, and I arrived late morning.  The park was moderately crowded, and I had no issues parking.  I found my way to the Navajo Loop and the Queen's Garden trails that are rated the most popular with the best views.   Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 

A little preamble to the pics coming up...the pointy stalagmite looking things in all these pictures are called "hoo doos".  They exist all over the world, but this is the highest concentration of them in one place.  It's absolutely magical.  The views from the top are breathtaking and awe inspiring, and when you hike down into the hoo doo amphitheatre they start to take shape to fit the wonders of the imagination.  

Also, if you are really jonesing for some R&C...see if you can find them super-imposed  in the hoo doos.  Kind of like Where's Waldo, but with super adorable puppies.

I started up at the rim with the awe inspiring views.

Then I started down into the switchbacks to get closer to the hoo doos. 

Once at the bottom there was a very narrow pass to get through and then back out to even more amazing views.

Throughout the rest of the hike there were cool doorways, windows and climbs to get through to see all the amazing views.

After my hike I drove up to Natual Bridge view point where the iconic image of Bryce Canyon exists.  There are no trails and you cannot see it up close can personal, but leave it to R&C to find a way!

On the way back to Zion Apple Maps took me a different way back, and since I blindly follow my GPS I went with it.  I started noticing as I got closer to the hotel that I was 15 miles out but still 55 minutes away.  Wait..What???  Then I approached the entrance to Zion National Park.  Shit!  I totally didn't mean to go through the park...1) because you have to pay for it and 2) because the speed limit is generally about 15-20mph.  

Turns out this is what you call a happy accident.  OH. MY. GOD.  This was an incredible preview to Zion and what I had in store for me tomorrow as well as solidified that I will bring R&C though here on our way out.  I got stopped at a tunnel entrance for about 15 minutes and was able to snap a few sneak peaks to what we will see over the next couple of days.

Zion Narrows tomorrow and I'll pick up the bubbas in the evening.